Index Corporation, a global leader in high-precision CNC turning technology, has announced the launch of the G160 5-axis turn mill for single-setup machining of small parts of high complexity. An extension of the company’s standard-setting G Series family of turn mills, the G160 offers a wide variety of options that allow it to be perfectly tailored to a company’s unique mix of production requirements. The machine will make its North American debut in the company’s booth (#339119) at IMTS 2026.
“The G160 is a compact powerhouse that can fully machine complex parts in a single setup,” said Michael Huggett, president & CEO of Index.
“Additionally, because of its modular design, the machine can be optimized for a company whether they’re working in medical, aerospace, or another segment with demanding specifications. If a shop needs to efficiently and reliably produce small parts with challenging geometries, the G160 can be configured to deliver the best possible results.”
Built on a rigid, vibration-damping machine bed, the G160 incorporates a pair of highly dynamic direct-drive spindles, available with bar clearances of 1.64” (42 mm) or 2.56” (65 mm). Ideal for small parts, the 1.64” version provides 47.9 lb-ft (65 Nm) of torque with a maximum speed of 7,000 rpm. Accommodating chucked parts to a diameter of 6.9”, the 2.56” version provides 125.4 lb-ft (170 Nm) of torque with a maximum speed of 6,000 rpm.
Both options feature main and counter spindles of identical design, with an additional Z axis on the counter spindle.
Providing the ability for full 5-axis machining, the G160 includes an upper tool carrier with a B axis and a direct-drive milling spindle matched to the turning spindles. The milling spindle features an HSK-T40 interface and offers 12.5 lb-ft (17 Nm) of torque with a top speed of 32,000 rpm for the smaller option or 21.4 lb-ft (29 Nm) of torque with a top speed of 18,000 for the larger one. A newly developed tool magazine is available in 60-tool or 90-tool capacity, with a double gripper that automatically changes tools for the milling spindle.
Twin lower turrets can serve either turning spindle. Both turrets contain 15 stations with a VDI 25 interface, each of which offers a maximum speed of 7,200 rpm and torque of 13.6 lb-ft (18.5 Nm) at 25 percent DC.
For its control, the G160 harnesses the power of the Siemens Sinumerik ONE. The latest Siemens control system, Sinumerik ONE is a digital native CNC optimized for highly productive machine tools that supports innovation through the seamless interaction of the digital and physical worlds.
The G160 makes it easy to achieve unmanned production. A UNIMAG 5 interface enables connection to an Index MBL 76 bar loader, as well as to third-party equipment. For part transfer, customers can choose between a linear unit and conveyor belt, Index’s integrated workpiece handling unit (WHU), or the Index iXcenter robotic cell with palletized storage. Furthermore, iXcenter can incorporate downstream processes such as cleaning, measurement and deburring. The G160 can also be equipped with a laser measurement solution to provide no-contact detection of geometric changes and cutting-edge wear on the tools.
The design of the G160 ensures excellent energy efficiency. The machine’s high acceleration and rapid traverse rates eliminate up to 50 percent of energy consumption by reducing peripheral operating times.
During operation, energy is recovered during braking, and intelligent material pairings and coatings lower friction to minimize both energy usage and wear on the machine. Spring-based counterbalancing reduces energy demands of the servomotors for vertical feed axes.
Combined, these features allow the exceptional performance of the G160 to be achieved as efficiently as possible.
More info www.index-group.com/en_us
