Multi-Spindle
(Automatics)

Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathes

Engineered for near-zero load time and maximum output in high-volume turning.

Shimadaโ€™s Kitako multi-spindle, multi-turret, high-speed automatic CNC lathes are engineered to dramatically reduce cycle times by dividing the full machining process into simultaneous operations โ€” one for each spindle. Each spindle is housed in a precision spindle drum or carrier, which is critical for maintaining long-term machining accuracy and repeatability. By synchronizing operations across all spindles, these machines deliver exceptional throughput and high-speed performance in demanding production environments.

A hallmark of all Shimadaโ€“Kitako multi-spindle lathes is their innovative, ultra-fast three-zone part loading and unloading system, which minimizes idle time and maximizes machine utilization. Each of the three zones โ€” upper, middle, and lower โ€” performs critical handling tasks with near-zero delay:

  • Upper Zone: A robotic or gantry loader simultaneously unloads two finished parts and loads two new blanks. A built-in reversing device allows for automatic front-to-back workpiece orientation, enabling complete two-sided machining within a single setup.
  • Middle Zone: This is the chucking area for the upper two spindles. While the upper spindles are loading or unloading, the lower two spindles continue machining. A dedicated pusher system precisely positions and secures two parts into the chucks, ensuring optimal fixturing before cutting.
  • Lower Zone: This is the primary machining area where the lower two spindles simultaneously perform cutting operationsโ€”either producing two identical parts or completing both front-side and back-side features of a single workpiece.

Together, these features enable Shimadaโ€™s Kitako chucker series to deliver unmatched productivity, precision, and automation efficiency for high-volume manufacturing environments.

Benefits for Metal Cutting Manufacturers

  • Produce more parts per hour with simultaneous multi-station machining
  • Minimize idle time through continuous indexing and parallel operations
  • Improve part consistency with rigid construction and CNC-controlled slides
  • Reduce labor requirements with bar feeders, robots, and unattended operation
  • Lower cost per piece through multi-spindle efficiency and reduced cycle time
  • Support just-in-time manufacturing with quick-change tooling and shorter setups
  • Cover a wide range of diameters and machining requirements across machine families
  • Consolidate multiple machining processes onto a single automatic platform

Machines

Shimada โ€“ Kitako B6 Series

High-Speed 6-Spindle Automatic CNC Lathes for Continuous Bar Production

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Shimada โ€“ Kitako HS4200 Series

High-Output 4-Spindle CNC Chuckers for Near-Zero Idle Time Production

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Shimada Kitako 2SI MKII Series

Twin-Spindle, Single-Turret CNC Lathes for Simultaneous OP10/OP20 Machining

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Solutions from Absolute Machine Tools

Absolute Machine Tools proudly represents Shimada Kitako, Japanโ€™s premier builder of high-volume automatic lathes. Each series is designed to meet specific production turning needs across bar, chucker, twin-spindle, and multi-spindle applications.

Shimada Kitako B6 Series โ€“ 6-Spindle Automatic Bar Machines

The B6 Series uses a 6-station indexing carrier to perform six operations in parallel, delivering exceptional bar-to-bar throughput. With camless hydraulic drive, optional CNC slides, and bar capacities from 4โ€“32 mm, it excels in continuous production of small, medium, and large-diameter components.

Shimada Kitako 2SI MKII Series โ€“ Twin-Spindle Single-Turret Automatics

The 2SI MKII Series performs OP10 and OP20 simultaneously, eliminating idle time between machining and loading. Offered with 6″, 8″, or conditional 10″ chucks and optional Y-axis/live tooling, it provides twin-spindle productivity with compact mill-turn functionality for done-in-one part completion.

Shimada Kitako HS4200 Series โ€“ 4-Spindle, 2-Turret CNC Chuckers

The HS4200 platform indexes 180ยฐ so two spindles machine while two load/unload, achieving near-zero non-cut time. Dual turrets support simultaneous machining on both ends of the part, with options for live tooling, gantries, robots, and tailstock configurations.

Absolute Machine Toolsโ€™ dedicated Production Turning Team specializes in high-volume machining, multi-spindle optimization, and turnkey automation for bar and chucker applications. Whether you need small-diameter bar work, twin-spindle OP10/OP20 machining, or four-spindle chucker throughput, our team can help configure the right automatic machine cell for your application. Contact us today to review your part prints, schedule a time study, or request a full turnkey proposal from our Production Turning Team.

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