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Buy a Used INDEX MS52: Discover used INDEX MS52-6 CNC multi-spindle machines for demanding series production up to 52 mm. VIB supports you with personalized advice, technical evaluations, and assistance with the entire machine purchase process.
With multi-spindle lathes, a few millimeters make a big difference. A manufacturer producing parts from 20- or 30-mm-thick bar stock has different requirements for a machine than a production facility that regularly reaches the 50-mm limit.
That’s exactly where the typical application range of the INDEX MS 52 begins.
With a 52-mm spindle bore, it ranks among the larger machines in the INDEX MS family. The current MS52-6 operates with six work spindles, reaches speeds of up to 5,000 min⁻¹, and delivers up to 30 kW or 130 Nm. This means it’s not simply “a larger MS40,” but rather a machine concept designed for workpieces where diameter and material removal volume place higher demands on the machine.
Anyone looking to purchase a used INDEX MS 52 should therefore first assess their range of parts. It’s not the machine’s age that determines its suitability, but rather whether the available machining stations can be effectively utilized for their specific workpieces.
The jump from 32 or 40 to 52 mm may initially sound like a simple matter of size. In production, however, this changes several key conditions at once.
In many cases, larger raw material means a greater volume of material to be machined. Cuts can be deeper, workpieces become heavier, and machining operations may take longer. This makes the available torque all the more important.
INDEX specifies a maximum of 130 Nm for the current MS52-6. By comparison, the current INDEX MS40-6 has a maximum of 57 Nm, and the MS32-6 has 40 Nm. The MS52 is thus not simply the machine with the larger bore within the family, but is also designed for significantly different machining capabilities.
This is an important distinction when searching for used machines.
If your part range consistently stays below 30 or 35 mm, you don’t automatically need an MS52. If, on the other hand, you regularly machine workpieces in the 40- to 50-mm range, the larger machine class can provide exactly the necessary capacity.
The true strength of a CNC multi-spindle machine does not come from a single, particularly fast machining operation.
It stems from the fact that different machining steps take place simultaneously.
The MS52-6 features six work spindles. Each spindle position can handle a specific stage of the manufacturing process. For example, while roughing is taking place at one position, drilling, finishing, or machining with a powered tool can be performed at another.
The goal, therefore, is not to maximize the utilization of every single station.
It is far more important to divide the overall machining process in such a way that, as far as possible, no single operation becomes the permanent pacing factor for all the others.
This consideration becomes even more important for larger workpieces. A time-consuming roughing operation or a deep hole can quickly become the longest individual operation. Good process planning therefore seeks to distribute such operations sensibly across the machine’s available capabilities.
This is precisely where it becomes clear why two used MS52 machines that look similar on the outside can be of varying interest for the same workpiece.
INDEX specifies a maximum of twelve tool holders for the current MS52-6. Depending on the configuration, these can feature X, Z, and Y movements and perform different machining tasks.
For a buyer, however, this does not mean that every used INDEX MS 52 automatically has twelve identically equipped stations.
This is precisely why it’s worth taking a look at the actual equipment list.
Which tool carriers are available? Where are the powered tools located? Are there Y-axes? What machining operations have been performed on the machine so far?
An attractive offer isn’t necessarily the machine with the longest list of options. What matters far more is how well the existing configuration can accommodate the future range of parts.
This offers a different perspective on the value of a used machine: the goal isn’t to have as much equipment as possible, but rather as much usable equipment as possible.
One of the most interesting differences compared to smaller, traditional multi-spindle applications lies in the additional automation capabilities.
INDEX explicitly describes the MS52-6 as suitable for chuck-mounted part machining as well. An integrated robot or corresponding handling system can load and unload all six spindle positions. The manufacturer also mentions preformed parts, forged parts, and extruded parts up to approximately 125 mm.
This significantly expands the range of possible applications.
For a company that does not produce exclusively from stock parts, a used MS52 equipped with the appropriate features can therefore be particularly attractive. Preformed blanks significantly reduce the amount of material to be machined for some components and can offer a cost advantage when producing larger quantities.
When considering a used machine, however, it is important to clarify exactly which automation components are actually included with the machine.
A feature that is theoretically available in the manufacturer’s product line is not automatically included in every available MS52.
Many turned parts look finished when viewed from the main spindle side—but they are not.
Holes, flat surfaces, grooves, threads, or other contours on the cut-off side may require an additional machining step.
The MS52-6 can be equipped with swiveling synchronous spindles. INDEX specifies a maximum of two synchronous spindles and up to six tools for rear-side machining, depending on the model.
This is interesting not because of the technical specifications, but because of the potential implications for the process.
If the rear side can be finished directly within the machine, an entire subsequent machining operation on another CNC lathe may be eliminated.
This not only saves machine time; it also reduces the need for interim storage, workpiece handling, and re-clamping.
Therefore, comprehensive rear-side machining for a specific parts program can be economically much more valuable than an option that sounds more spectacular on paper.
But we also offer these used machines for secondary or back-side machining.
Although an MS52 is designated as a multi-spindle automatic lathe, its machining capabilities can extend well beyond that.
For the current machine, INDEX lists, among other things, milling with driven tools, Y-axis applications, gear cutting or gear hobbing, and elliptical deburring of cross holes.
This is particularly relevant for more complex turned parts.
If cross holes, surfaces, or gear teeth can be produced directly on the multi-spindle machine, the number of subsequent machines may be reduced.
However, this should always be verified specifically when considering a used INDEX MS 52. What matters is not what machining operations the series theoretically allows, but rather which options and tool holders are available on the exact machine being offered.
Surprisingly, this question can rarely be answered simply by saying “over 40 mm.”
Of course, the spindle bore is the most obvious difference. If you want to machine 45- or 50-mm bars, a 40-mm machine won’t suffice.
But even below this limit, an MS52 can be a viable option if cutting capacity, torque, or a specific machine configuration is required.
On the other hand, no one should automatically opt for the larger machine class just because of a few millimeters of extra capacity.
An MS52 comes with different dimensions, higher power ratings, and a machine weight of around twelve metric tons in its maximum configuration. INDEX specifies dimensions of approximately 4,030 × 2,232 × 3,129 mm for the long version, along with power ratings ranging from 94 to 127 kW.
Machine class, infrastructure, and the parts program should therefore be considered together.
The best machine is not necessarily the largest available machine, but rather the one whose performance range best matches actual production.
With an MS52, transport planning is not a detail to be addressed after the purchase.
It must be included in the calculation.
Machine weight, access to the facility, gate height, potential crane work, and the machine’s position at its current location all influence the effort required for disassembly and loading.
Then there are the peripheral components.
A bar-loading magazine significantly extends the overall length of the system. Coolant systems, chip conveyors, filters, exhaust systems, and other units must also be transported and later reintegrated.
That is why we at VIB do not view the machine in isolation from its location.
Upon request, we assist with organizing disassembly, loading, and transport. Especially with a machine of this size, early coordination can prevent surprises later on.
The year of manufacture is, of course, part of every machine description. However, on its own, it provides surprisingly little information for the purchase decision.
In our view, five other questions are more important when it comes to an INDEX MS52:
Is the machine suitable for the workpiece diameters and the planned material? Can the machining operations be sensibly distributed across six stations? Does it have the necessary back-side machining capabilities? What tooling and automation equipment is actually included in the offer? And what effort will be required to get the machine up and running productively at the new location?
Only then can operating hours, year of manufacture, and purchase price be meaningfully compared.
An older machine with the right equipment can be more cost-effective for an existing parts program than a newer machine that lacks crucial functions.
This is precisely one of the reasons why technical evaluation in the used-machine trade involves more than just comparing data sheets.
Those who already operate INDEX multi-spindle machines often evaluate an additional machine differently than a first-time user.
An existing fleet of MS machines can offer advantages: Employees are familiar with the machine design and operation, internal experience with tools and processes is available, and certain resources or technical knowledge may be transferable.
In such cases, even a specifically sought-after machine generation may be more appealing than the newest available machine.
This is especially true when an additional MS52 is to be procured for a product already in production or to expand capacity.
In such cases, compatibility may be more valuable than cutting-edge technology.
Used CNC multi-spindle machines in this size class are not readily available on the market.
A specific MS52-6 with the right year of manufacture, suitable back-side machining, and desired automation can therefore be difficult to find at times.
In this case, a specific search profile makes more sense than regularly browsing machine marketplaces.
VIB can conduct targeted searches for used machining centers. The more precisely we know the workpiece and machine profile, the more effectively we can monitor the market.
We are interested not only in the model and year of manufacture, but above all in the required material diameter, scope of machining, tooling concept, back-side machining, and desired peripherals.
This transforms “We’re looking for an MS52” into a technically defined procurement task.
A used INDEX MS52 is not a standard lathe. It is a highly productive manufacturing solution for tasks where multiple machining steps occur simultaneously and larger workpiece diameters place high demands on the machine design.
VIB specializes in used machine tools and knows the market for INDEX multi-spindle machines.
We provide personalized consultation, assist with technical evaluations, and, upon request, organize site visits, disassembly, loading, and transport.
If we do not currently have a suitable INDEX MS52 in stock, we will conduct a targeted search for a suitable machine.
And if you are looking to sell an MS52 from your machine park, you can send us the technical specifications, equipment details, and current photos. VIB purchases used machine tools and markets them internationally.
| Feature | Description |
| Maximum bar diameter | Up to 52 mm |
| Spindle speed | Up to 5,000 rpm |
| Tool carriers | Up to 12 NC-controlled carriers |
| Machining options | Milling, drilling, polygonal turning, contour milling |
| Automation | Integrated bar feeders and robot solutions |
| Control | INDEX C200 sl control with Siemens S840D sl technology |
The current INDEX MS52-6 has a 52 mm spindle bore. However, for a used machine, you should always check the technical specifications of the specific model.
The MS52-6 has six work spindles. These enable the parallel machining of multiple workpieces or machining operations.
INDEX specifies a maximum of 5,000 min⁻¹ for the work spindles. Depending on the bar diameter, workpiece clamping, and material feed, lower permissible speeds may be necessary in practice.
For the current MS52-6, INDEX specifies a maximum torque of up to 130 Nm, or 88 Nm at 100 percent duty cycle.
Yes, appropriate machine configurations can handle chuck parts using automated handling. INDEX also specifies machining of preformed, forged, or extruded parts up to approximately 125 mm.
Depending on the configuration, one or two swiveling synchronous spindles can be used. INDEX specifies up to six tools for rear-side machining.
The most noticeable difference is the spindle bore, which is 40 mm and 52 mm, respectively. In addition, the current MS52 has higher power and torque ratings. Which machine is better suited depends on the workpiece and the required machining operations.
INDEX specifies a weight of approximately 12,000 kg for the fully equipped machine without a bar feeder or loading magazine.
The price is heavily influenced by the year of manufacture, the machine’s condition, tool holders, synchronous spindles, automation, bar feeders, and other peripherals. Therefore, providing a general market price estimate for a used MS52 is not very meaningful.
Yes. If no suitable MS52 is currently available, VIB can search specifically for a used machine with the required configuration. Please let us know your requirements...