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Buy Used INDEX Machines: At VIB, you’ll find used INDEX CNC lathes, production automatic lathes, turning-milling centers, and multi-spindle machines. We provide personalized advice and support with technical evaluations, inspections, disassembly, loading, transportation, and targeted machine searches.
INDEX is one of Germany’s long-established manufacturers of CNC lathes and production solutions for machining. The brand is particularly attractive on the used machine market because it offers a wide range of machine designs and generations: from compact production turning centers to high-productivity CNC multi-spindle machines and complex turning-milling centers.
Anyone looking to buy used INDEX machines should therefore not limit their search to a single manufacturer. The more important question to ask first is: Which machine family is best suited to your specific manufacturing task?
For automated bar machining, for example, INDEX ABC machines or those from the C series may be of interest. For larger production runs, INDEX MS multi-spindle automatic lathes are a viable option. G and R machines, on the other hand, are designed for demanding turning and milling operations, including the complete machining of complex workpieces.
It is precisely this diversity that characterizes VIB’s inventory of used machines. Depending on availability, you’ll find a variety of used INDEX lathes and CNC production machines from different model years and generations.
When searching for a machine, people often start by filtering by manufacturer and maximum workpiece diameter. While this makes sense, it’s not enough to make a sound decision.
For example, an INDEX ABC with a 65 mm bar capacity follows a completely different production concept than an INDEX R200 turning-milling center with a similar spindle capacity. And an INDEX MS40 multi-spindle machine, in turn, is designed for a different type of series production.
That’s why the initial question shouldn’t be:
“Which INDEX machine is currently available at a good price?”
But rather:
“What machining sequence must my machine be able to handle economically?”
Workpiece diameter, bar or chuck machining, part length, batch size, required rear-side machining, milling proportion, and desired automation usually already provide a clear direction.
VIB helps buyers evaluate offered machines not only based on the model designation but also on their actual technical configuration.
Production turning machines are an important part of the INDEX product line.
INDEX positions current machines such as the INDEX ABC, C100, and C200 for the fast and cost-effective production of typical automatic turned parts and more complex NC-turned parts. These machines combine CNC flexibility with machine designs optimized for productivity.
Numerous generations of these series can be found on the used market.
A used INDEX ABC, for example, may be of interest for the productive machining of bar stock. Depending on the year of manufacture and equipment, there are different bar capacities, control generations, tool holders, and options for rear-end machining.
The INDEX C100 and C200 also follow production-oriented concepts but cover different workpiece ranges and machining requirements.
It is particularly important for buyers to determine whether the main and counter spindles, tool turret, Y-axes, powered tools, and other options are suitable for the planned range of parts.
A machine with extensive features is not necessarily the better choice. If certain functions are not needed on a long-term basis, they do not automatically increase cost-effectiveness.
The ABC is available on the used market in many model years and versions.
For companies that already use INDEX ABC machines, a machine from a similar generation may be of particular interest. Operator knowledge, clamping devices, tooling concepts, or experience with the control system may, under certain circumstances, still be applicable.
On our separate landing page, “Buy Used INDEX ABC” you’ll find machines and information specifically related to this series.
This is to ensure that the general INDEX page does not compete with the ABC page for the same specific search terms. This page provides an overview—the model page goes into technical detail.
The INDEX MS multi-spindle automatic lathes represent a completely different machine concept.
Multiple work spindles enable the parallel machining of several workpieces or different machining operations. Productivity stems primarily from the clever distribution of machining operations across the individual spindle positions.
INDEX currently offers multi-spindle machines in various diameter ranges—including MS16, MS24, MS32, MS40, and MS52 variants. The machines differ not only in spindle bore size but also in the number of spindles, tool holders, and machining concept.
On the used market, older generations such as the MS22 or earlier MS32 and MS40 models are also available.
Especially with used multi-spindle machines, the specific configuration is crucial.
A model designation such as “INDEX MS32” or “INDEX MS40” does not indicate which tool holders, synchronous spindles, machining axes, or additional options are included.
That’s why we maintain dedicated landing pages for key series, such as for the INDEX MS in general, as well as specifically for the INDEX MS32 and INDEX MS40.
Multi-spindle machines are particularly useful when producing recurring parts in large quantities and when multiple operations can run in parallel.
With the right workpiece, very short cycle times can be achieved.
However, a multi-spindle machine is not worthwhile simply because the planned production volume is large. The machining sequence must be able to be sensibly distributed across the available positions.
This is precisely why, if possible, a specific range of workpieces should already be known before purchasing a used machine.
Machines from the INDEX G series also play an important role in the used market.
For example, older INDEX G200 models are particularly common. Machines from this series are also regularly offered on VIB.
The G machines combine turning and milling operations and, depending on the specific generation and configuration, enable sophisticated complete machining operations.
INDEX continues to market the G200 and G220 today as turning-milling centers. The current machine design combines a main spindle and counter spindle with multiple tool holders and extensive turning and milling capabilities.
However, the technical specifications and control systems of used G200 machines may differ significantly from current models.
Therefore, the following applies here as well: Current manufacturer specifications are useful for classifying the series but must not be applied to an older used machine without verification.
The specifications of the specific machine being offered are what matter for the purchase decision.
A used G200 can be particularly appealing to companies that manufacture more complex turned parts with additional milling operations.
Depending on the generation, the machine may feature a main spindle and counter spindle, multiple turrets or tool carriers, Y-axes, and additional machining options.
This makes it possible to consolidate multiple machining steps onto a single machine.
Older G200 generations are still available on the used market. Even INDEX offers older G200 machines in its own used machine division.
This shows that, for this series, it is not exclusively the latest new machine technology that matters. Rather, the decisive factor is whether the machine’s condition, equipment, and design concept are suitable for the planned production.
The R Series is also part of INDEX’s turning and milling solutions.
The current INDEX R200, for example, is designed as a turning and milling center with a main spindle and counter spindle, as well as two independent machining systems. INDEX particularly highlights the capabilities for 5-axis machining and back-side machining.
Earlier generations of R200 machines can also be found on the used machine market.
Depending on inventory, VIB also offers used INDEX R200 machines.
For buyers of such machines, the condition of the complex machining units is particularly important. Milling spindles, tool magazines, main and counter spindles, axes, and tool changers should be carefully inspected.
The more complex a machine tool’s design, the less sensible it is to base the purchase decision solely on the year of manufacture and operating hours.
Not every manufacturing task requires an automatic production lathe, a multi-spindle lathe, or a complex turning-milling center.
INDEX also offers classic universal lathes. The current product line includes, for example, the INDEX B400 and B500. The manufacturer positions these machines for workpieces such as chucks, shafts, and bars, as well as for various batch sizes.
Even older INDEX universal lathes can be of interest on the used machinery market.
In these cases, flexibility, easy setup changes, and the ability to process a wide range of workpieces are often more important than maximum output per unit.
This once again illustrates why a general search for “INDEX CNC” alone is rarely sufficient.
The manufacturer covers a wide variety of manufacturing concepts.
A good preliminary selection can often be made based on just a few questions.
Is the work primarily done from bar stock or from parts in chucks?
What are the maximum raw material and workpiece diameters involved?
Are these small, medium, or large production runs?
What percentage of the work involves milling, drilling, and cross-machining?
Does the workpiece need to be fully machined on the back side?
Which control systems is your company already familiar with?
Is automated material feeding required?
Answering these questions usually narrows down the relevant range of machines significantly.
For pure bar-feeding production runs, an ABC or C series may be a good fit. For particularly high production volumes and suitable workpieces, an MS multi-spindle machine may be the more appropriate solution.
If the proportion of milling increases and extensive complete machining is required, G- or R-series machines come more into focus.
For us at VIB, this is also the most sensible starting point for a targeted machine search.
On the used market, it’s not uncommon for there to be a ten- or twenty-year gap in development between two INDEX machines on offer.
This makes a direct comparison difficult.
Newer machines often offer more modern controls, higher dynamics, or additional machining functions. On the other hand, an older machine can be significantly more affordable and entirely sufficient for an existing parts program.
This point becomes particularly important if similar INDEX machines are already in operation at the company.
In such cases, an older generation may even be explicitly preferred: operators are familiar with the machine, programs and processes are already in place, tooling solutions may be reusable, and spare parts inventory is already tailored to it.
The “newer” offering is therefore not automatically the more economical used machine.
INDEX machines have been manufactured over many decades and across multiple machine generations.
Consequently, the control systems and operating concepts used vary considerably.
Older machines, for example, may feature INDEX’s own control generations or older Siemens systems, while current INDEX machines use modern Siemens-based operating and control concepts.
For a buyer, the key factor is how well the existing control system can be integrated into their own operations.
Factors such as operator experience, programming, existing data backups, spare parts availability, and the planned period of use all play a role here.
Documentation is equally important.
Electrical schematics, operating manuals, machine parameters, and maintenance information make subsequent recommissioning considerably easier.
Anyone comparing several used INDEX machines should not focus exclusively on the asking price.
A low machine price may be less attractive if important peripherals are missing.
For a bar-feeding machine, a suitable loading magazine can be economically very important. For other machines, factors such as chip conveyors, high-pressure systems, filter systems, workpiece transport, exhaust extraction, or fire suppression systems should be considered.
Clamping devices and tool holders can also represent significant value.
The crucial question is therefore not just:
“How much does the INDEX machine cost?”
But rather:
“What investments are necessary before this specific machine can be up and running productively in our facility?”
This approach often leads to a different assessment than a simple comparison of purchase prices.
If a machine is still connected to power, we recommend, whenever possible, inspecting it while it is operational.
This allows you to gain a much better understanding than you would from a machine description and a few photos.
Depending on the situation, you can observe spindle operation, axis movements, tool changes, and basic functions. If a demonstration is possible, it provides additional information.
With a machine that has already been disassembled, the options for testing are naturally limited.
This does not automatically mean that such a machine is unsuitable. However, the higher technical risk should be factored into the purchase decision.
VIB assists buyers in organizing inspections and conducting technical assessments of machines offered for sale.
Can’t find the INDEX machine you’re looking for? Targeted sourcing through VIB
The available inventory of used machines always represents only a portion of the market.
In particular, a specific INDEX machine with the desired year of manufacture, control system, and features may not be publicly available at the exact moment it is needed.
In this case, we can conduct a targeted search for a machine.
VIB has specialized in used machining centers for many years and has contacts with manufacturing companies and machine suppliers both domestically and internationally.
The more precise the requirements profile, the more targeted the search can be.
The manufacturer and model alone are often not sufficient. Additional details such as maximum workpiece diameter, desired machining capabilities, control system, required axes, and peripherals are helpful.
On this page, you’ll find our current inventory of used INDEX machine tools.
The selection changes regularly. Depending on availability, it includes production automatic lathes, CNC lathes, multi-spindle automatic lathes, and turning-milling centers from various generations.
Are you interested in purchasing a used INDEX machine?
We’ll provide personalized advice and help you assess whether the machine configuration on offer is suitable for your manufacturing needs.
Upon request, we’ll handle the rest of the process and assist with on-site inspections as well as organizing disassembly, loading, and transport.
If the INDEX machine you’re looking for isn’t available, please contact us. We can search specifically for suitable machines.
Even if you’d like to sell an INDEX machine yourself, VIB is your point of contact: We purchase used machine tools and market them internationally.
VIB deals in used machine tools and regularly offers a variety of INDEX lathes and production machines. If a specific machine is not available, VIB can search for it specifically.
That depends on the workpiece, diameter, and batch size. The INDEX ABC and C series are typical production automatic lathes. For highly productive series production, INDEX MS multi-spindle machines may also be of interest.
An INDEX ABC is a CNC short-bed lathe with a different machine design than the MS series. INDEX MS machines operate as CNC multi-spindle automatic lathes with multiple spindles machining simultaneously.
The INDEX G200 is a turning and milling center. Depending on the generation and configuration, it enables combined turning and milling operations as well as complex complete machining. There is also the INDEX G 200 YB series, which features a milling spindle and a Y-axis on the upper turret.
Important factors include the machine generation, control system, spindles, tool holders, axes, rear-side machining, peripherals, technical condition, and documentation. It is also crucial to determine whether the configuration is suitable for the planned workpiece.
That can certainly be the case. Older machines can be economically attractive, especially when there are existing part programs or an existing INDEX machine fleet. However, condition, spare parts availability, and necessary investments should be taken into account.
The price depends heavily on the model, year of manufacture, condition, control system, equipment, and peripherals. For this reason, it is not possible to provide a meaningful general price for used INDEX machines. A price range from €10,000 up to around €1,000,000 is realistic, depending on the model, year of manufacture, and condition.
Yes. If a desired INDEX machine is not currently in stock, VIB can conduct a targeted search for one. Providing a technical requirements profile that is as detailed as possible will facilitate the procurement process. Contact us!
Yes. VIB purchases used machine tools and markets them worldwide. For an initial assessment, please provide the model, year of manufacture, control system, equipment, location, and current photos.