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Buy a used TRAUB TNL: At VIB, you will find used TNL sliding-headstock automatic lathes from various generations – ranging from the TNL12 and TNL26 to the TNL32. Personal consultation and technical assessment help you select the right machine.
"TNL" refers not to a single machine, but to a family of machines that has evolved over many years. This is precisely what makes the used market so interesting.
Today, a manufacturing company can specifically look for a used TRAUB TNL26, even though this model is no longer part of the current new machine lineup. Another might deliberately require a TNL32-7B because similar machines are already in use at the facility. Yet another might be looking for a compact TNL12 for intricate precision parts.
Anyone looking to buy a used TRAUB TNL should therefore focus less on the distinction between "old" and "new." The more important question is which machine generation, tool configuration, and diameter class best suit their specific portfolio of parts.
TRAUB’s current TNL family ranges from 13 mm (TNL12) and 20 mm (TNL20) to 32 mm (TNL32). The used market offers additional generations and models, such as the TNL12 K, TNL18, TNL26, and older TNL32 variants.
With sliding-headstock automatic lathes, the nominal diameter is an obvious filter, but rarely the sole deciding factor.
Theoretically, a 10 mm precision part could be produced on a much larger machine, though this may not be economically viable. Conversely, a production run involving 25 mm or 30 mm raw material might rule out a smaller TNL model from the start.
It is therefore worth considering four key points first:
What raw material diameter is actually required?
How long and slender are the workpieces?
Which milling, drilling, and cross-machining operations need to be integrated? How extensive is the machining required on the rear side of the workpiece?
Only then does it make sense to determine whether the TNL12, TNL20, TNL26, or TNL32 warrants closer consideration.
This is also the reason why this page is not simply a copy of our general TRAUB page. That page focuses on TRAUB as a manufacturer and its various machine families, whereas this one deals exclusively with the TNL series and its dual capability for sliding-head and fixed-head turning.
In classic sliding-head turning, the bar stock is guided close to the cutting edge. This keeps the unsupported length of the workpiece short.
This is particularly advantageous for long, slender components. Without guidance, cutting forces could deflect a slender workpiece or cause vibrations. The guide bush supports the material right at the point of machining.
For this reason, sliding-head automatic lathes are frequently found in sectors that manufacture small, elongated, and precise turned parts.
However, not every part requires this specific method.
Short and compact workpieces can also be efficiently produced using the fixed-head turning method. This very capability is a key feature of modern TNL concepts.
With current TRAUB TNL machines, the ability to switch between sliding-head and fixed-head turning is central to the machine concept.
For instance, TRAUB explicitly describes the current TNL12 as a sliding-head/fixed-head automatic lathe. It can operate according to the Swiss-style sliding-head principle or be used for fixed-head machining. The manufacturer specifies a spindle bore of 13 mm and a maximum spindle speed of 12,000 rpm for the machine.
For a manufacturing company, this flexibility can be more important than a difference of a few percent in spindle power or rapid traverse speed. This is because it expands the range of parts a machine can produce.
However, with used machines, it is essential to examine closely which generation offers this flexibility and how the specific machine is configured. Technical development within the TNL family has spanned many years; in terms of design, a 2008 TNL26 is not simply a smaller version of a modern-day TNL32.
The TNL12 traditionally represents one of the smaller segments of the TNL family.
The current generation features a 13 mm spindle bore and can be equipped with multiple tool carriers. TRAUB specifies up to four tool carriers for simultaneous machining, as well as the ability to switch between sliding-head and fixed-head turning modes.
Older variants, such as the TNL12 K or TNL12/7, can be found on the used machinery market.
VIB has also traded such machines; for instance, a 2003 TNL12 K and a 2006 TNL12/7 are documented on our TNL webpage. Both feature a main spindle and a counter-spindle; the TNL12/7 configuration also included two turrets and an IEMCA bar loader.
This clearly illustrates why the year of manufacture alone reveals little. For the user, it is more important to know which tool carriers, C-axes, back-working capabilities, and auxiliary units are actually present.
The TNL20 sits between the small-scale TNL12 applications and the larger 32 mm class.
The current TNL20 features a 20 mm spindle bore and reaches a maximum speed of 10,000 rpm. TRAUB specifies up to 26 tool stations and—depending on the variant—simultaneous machining using multiple tool carriers.
A large tool capacity can be particularly advantageous for complex turned parts.
Not every new workpiece requires a complete tool changeover. In some cases, part families can be produced using tools that are already set up. Given the right production mix, this reduces setup effort.
However, the TNL20 must be viewed differently from the TNL26 or TNL32 on the used machinery market, as their availability and generational profiles differ.
The TRAUB TNL26 is a prime example of why a used machinery webpage shouldn't simply mirror the manufacturer's current product lineup.
The TNL26 is no longer a standard model in the current TNL range. Nevertheless, there is still concrete interest in these machines.
From a technical standpoint, the machine is by no means merely of historical interest. As recently as 2024, for instance, INDEX/TRAUB offered a refurbished TNL26 from 2008. This machine featured a 26/32 mm main spindle bore, a counter-spindle, two tool carriers with twelve tool stations each, and capabilities for both front and rear-end machining.
For companies already using the TNL26, acquiring another machine from the same generation can be a highly attractive option.
Programs, setup expertise, tooling solutions, and operational experience may already be in place. In such a case, it would be of little help to simply tell the user that a newer TNL32 is inherently the better solution.
The TNL32 represents a significant evolution compared to older machine concepts.
A documented user case study from INDEX/TRAUB illustrates this very transition: a manufacturing company used several TNL26 machines and later added TNL32 machines to its fleet. Key factors in this decision included greater flexibility, the ability to switch quickly between sliding-head and fixed-head turning modes, and additional machining capabilities.
However, this does not mean that every TNL26 needs to be replaced.
The older machine may be perfectly suited for an established parts program.
This highlights a fundamental principle of buying used machinery:
The technically more modern machine is not automatically the most economically suitable choice.
Anyone looking for a used TRAUB TNL32 should pay attention to the full model designation.
The TNL32-7B, TNL32-9, and TNL32-11 represent different machine configurations. INDEX/TRAUB lists these variants separately in its technical documentation.
The number following the model designation is therefore significant.
It provides clues regarding the available tooling and machining systems.
A TNL32-7B might be exactly right for a specific workpiece, whereas a more extensively equipped variant offers additional capabilities for more complex processes.
For instance, VIB currently has a 2014 TRAUB TNL32-7B listed. The machine features an upper tool turret with X/Y/Z/H axes, a lower tool turret, and a back-working unit. For a potential buyer, this is far more informative than simply stating "TNL32, year of manufacture 2014."
The current TNL32 offers a spindle bore of 32 mm and a maximum speed of 8,000 rpm. For the TNL32-11 variant, INDEX/TRAUB specifies features such as main and counter spindles as well as multiple tool carriers.
In practical terms, however, how these systems work together is what matters most.
Can machining operations be performed on the counter spindle while the main side is being machined?
How many tools can be engaged simultaneously?
Are Y-axes available?
Which drilling or milling operations can be integrated?
The more complex the workpiece, the more important this parallel processing becomes.
Conversely, for a simpler part, a less complex machine variant may be perfectly adequate—and more cost-effective.
For many precision turned parts, the process does not end with the cut-off.
Bores, face surfaces, threads, or milled features on the rear side often need to be produced as well.
The counter spindle is therefore a key factor when evaluating a TNL machine.
What matters is not just whether a counter spindle is present, but what tooling options are available for rear-side machining.
A well-configured machine can allow the finished workpiece to drop directly from the bar, eliminating the need for a second CNC machine.
This impacts lead times, handling, and the risk of errors associated with re-clamping.
Many older TRAUB TNL models are equipped with TX8i or TX8i-s generation controls.
The TNL32-7B currently offered by VIB also features the TX8i-s control, while older TNL12 machines listed on our site are equipped with the Mitsubishi TX8i.
For shops that already operate TRAUB machines, this can be a distinct advantage.
Setup personnel are already familiar with the operation and programming structure, and in-house expertise is readily available. Existing processes may also be easier to transfer.
However, if you are new to this machine generation, you should consider how the machine will fit into your operations in the long term.
INDEX/TRAUB continues to offer service and maintenance training for various TNL and TX8i-s machine families.
TNL machines typically operate via automated bar feeding.
Consequently, the bar loading magazine is an integral part of the production concept, not merely an accessory sitting next to the machine.
On the used market, you can find TNL machines equipped with loading systems from manufacturers such as IEMCA, FMB, and others.
Key considerations when selecting a machine include bar length, diameter range, available guide channels, and the condition of change parts.
Material guidance has a significant impact on process stability, especially when dealing with small diameters and high spindle speeds.
Therefore, when comparing offers, it is important to clarify exactly what is included in the scope of delivery.
Instead of simply asking for a specific model, the following classification can be helpful:
TNL 12: Small diameters and intricate precision parts.
TNL 20: The current mid-range model within the TNL series.
TNL 26: An interesting category for used machines, particularly for existing TNL 26 users and relevant part programs.
TNL 32: Up to 32 mm; depending on the variant, offers extensive capabilities for more complex machining tasks.
These boundaries are not absolute.
An 18 mm part does not automatically belong on a TNL 20, nor does a 25 mm part automatically require a TNL 32 or TNL 26.
Factors such as part complexity, tooling requirements, existing machinery in your facility, and desired productivity levels also play a role in the decision.
On this page, we specifically showcase our used machines from the TRAUB TNL series.
This distinguishes the page from our general TRAUB manufacturer page, where you can find other machine families such as TNK and TNX. This page focuses exclusively on TNL sliding-head and fixed-head automatic lathes.
VIB specializes in used metal-cutting machine tools.
We provide personal consultation and assist in matching the specific machine configuration to your part program.
Upon request, we can facilitate technical assessments and inspections, as well as assist in organizing dismantling, loading, and transport.
If the specific TNL 12, TNL 20, TNL 26, or TNL 32 model you are looking for is not currently available, we can actively search for a suitable machine. Let us know which machine you are seeking...
TNL designates a family of TRAUB sliding-head automatic lathes (or machines capable of both sliding-head and fixed-head turning). The machines are designed for precision bar machining and are available in various diameter ranges and generations.
The current product range includes the TNL12, TNL20, and TNL32 (or TNL32 compact), among others. The used market also features older models such as the TNL26 and TNL18, as well as earlier versions of the TNL12 and TNL32.
The current TNL12 has a spindle bore of 13 mm. Older generations of the TNL12 may have different technical specifications.
Yes. Companies that already own TNL26 machines, in particular, continue to specifically seek out this generation. INDEX/TRAUB has recently offered refurbished TNL26 units, demonstrating the series' enduring relevance.
Current TNL32 machines feature a 32 mm spindle bore. Tool carriers and machine configurations vary depending on the specific model variant.
These suffixes indicate different configuration levels or machine setups within the TNL32 family. Therefore, when considering a used machine, it is important to verify the complete model designation and equipment specifications.
Depending on the model, current TNL machines are designed for both sliding-head and fixed-head turning operations. With older used machines, it is necessary to verify the capabilities of the specific generation.
Older generations frequently feature the TRAUB TX8i or TX8i-s. The control system and software version depend on the year of manufacture and the machine type. A Mitsubishi control system serves as the underlying platform in all cases.
The price depends heavily on the model, year of manufacture, control system, condition, tooling configuration, counter-spindle, bar loader, and other peripheral equipment. Consequently, it is not practical to make a blanket price comparison between the TNL12, TNL26, and TNL32 models.
Yes. If the desired model is not currently in stock, VIB can specifically search for a suitable used TNL with the required generation and equipment specifications. Contact us!