Multi-Spindle
(Automatics)

Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathes

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

Shimada’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 — 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 Shimada–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 — upper, middle, and lower — 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 operations — either producing two identical parts or completing both front-side and back-side features of a single workpiece.

Together, these features enable Shimada’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-Kitako B6 Series

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

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Shimada-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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Shimada Vt4-350 Vertical Cnc Chucker

Shimada-Kitako VT4-350

Four-Spindle Vertical CNC Chucker for Near-Zero Load/Unload Time

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Solutions from Absolute Machine Tools

Absolute Machine Tools proudly represents Shimada-Kitako, Japan’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 – 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 4–32 mm, it excels in continuous production of small, medium, and large-diameter components.

Shimada-Kitako 2SI MKII Series – 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 – 4-Spindle, 2-Turret CNC Chuckers

The HS4200 platform indexes 180° 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 Tools’ 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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