Click here and send us your offer without obligation
Buy Used TORNOS Machinery: At VIB, you’ll find used TORNOS vertical lathes, DECO, MultiDeco, and MultiSwiss machines for precision production runs. We provide personalized advice and support with technical evaluations, inspections, disassembly, loading, and transportation.
At TORNOS, selecting a machine does not start with the year of manufacture or the price. It begins with a fundamental question:
How is the workpiece to be produced?
This is because the TORNOS name encompasses two very different manufacturing philosophies.
On one hand, there are Swiss-type automatic lathes designed for slender, precise, and often complex workpieces made from bar stock. These include well-known machine families such as DECO, EvoDECO, Swiss GT, Swiss DT, and SwissDECO.
On the other hand, there are multi-spindle machines like MultiDeco and MultiSwiss. Here, parallel processing is the key factor: multiple workpieces are machined simultaneously to achieve very short cycle times for high-volume production.
Therefore, anyone looking to buy a used TORNOS machine should not start by searching for a specific model designation, but rather by analyzing their own range of parts.
Is flexibility required? Or maximum output?
Are the workpieces long and slender? Or more compact and produced in very large batches?
How frequently are changeovers required?
And how complex is the front and back machining?
The answers to these questions often indicate whether a TORNOS DECO, a more modern Swiss-series model, or a MultiSwiss/MultiDeco machine is the right choice.
The classic Swiss-type turning principle is particularly suitable for workpieces where the length is large in relation to the diameter.
In this process, the bar stock is supported by a guide bush located close to the cutting edge of the tool. The headstock moves the workpiece in the Z-axis, while the tools operate relatively close to the guide bush.
The major advantage lies in the short unsupported length of the workpiece between the guide and the tool. This can help reduce deflection and vibration, particularly with long, slender parts.
However, this does not mean that every TORNOS sliding-headstock lathe must be used exclusively to manufacture long, thin parts.
Some modern machine designs can operate without a guide bush. For instance, Tornos explicitly offers its current Swiss-GT series for operation either with or without a guide bush. The Swiss GT is currently available in sizes accommodating maximum diameters of 13, 25.4, and 32 mm.
This flexibility is an interesting factor when searching for used machinery.
A company producing both classic sliding-headstock parts and shorter workpieces may have different requirements than a manufacturer that processes only very slender precision parts.
Anyone looking for used TORNOS machines will quickly come across the name DECO.
These machines have been widely used in the precision turned-parts industry for many years and consequently maintain a strong presence on the used market.
VIB, for example, currently lists a 2003 TORNOS DECO 26a. The machine is equipped with features including a main spindle, a counter-spindle, and an IEMCA bar loader.
This is an interesting point for buyers of used machinery:
An older DECO model should not be judged solely by how it compares technically to a modern SwissDECO or EvoDECO.
For a company that already operates DECO machines, a suitable older model can be a particularly attractive option.
The necessary operating and programming expertise may already be in place. Staff are familiar with the machine concept, and existing tooling solutions and processes can often be carried over. In such cases, a well-suited DECO model may be a more cost-effective choice than a more modern machine that would first need to be fully integrated into the existing production process.
TORNOS has continuously developed the sliding headstock turning principle over many generations.
The current EvoDECO series is available for diameters of 10, 16, 25.4, and 32 mm and—depending on the model—operates using multiple independent tool systems. Tornos positions these machines specifically for demanding and complex workpieces.
Alongside this is the SwissDECO family. It is also designed for demanding bar machining applications and combines multiple independent tool systems with extensive machining capabilities.
This results in a wide spectrum of options on the used machinery market.
Machines offered under the TORNOS brand can span many years of technical evolution.
Therefore, simply asking "How much does a used TORNOS sliding headstock lathe cost?" is not particularly helpful.
A more interesting question is:
Not every manufacturer requires maximum technical complexity.
That is why TORNOS offers various sliding-headstock turning platforms.
The Swiss DT series currently covers various diameter ranges up to 38 mm, while the Swiss GT is positioned at sizes including 13, 25.4, and 32 mm.
The Swiss GT focuses on a combination of flexibility, excellent accessibility, and the ability to perform both long and short turning operations. Depending on the model, numerous tool positions and driven tools can be utilized.
This leads to an important insight for buyers of used machinery:
Not every newer TORNOS machine follows the same design philosophy.
A manufacturer dealing with frequently changing workpieces may set different priorities than a facility producing a precision part with minimal variation over a period of months.
With MultiDeco, one encounters a completely different side of TORNOS.
Instead of machining a workpiece using as many tools as possible on one or two spindles, the multi-spindle machine distributes operations across several spindle positions working simultaneously.
For instance, VIB currently lists the MultiDeco 26/6, MultiDeco 26-6, and MultiDeco 32/6i models. These are six-spindle machines; depending on the specific configuration, they feature cross slides, pick-off spindles, internal coolant supply, and bar loading magazines.
Here, the economic perspective changes fundamentally. With sliding-headstock lathes, flexibility when handling complex workpieces is often the primary focus.
In the case of multi-spindle machines, however, a key question arises:
How can machining times be distributed across the individual spindle positions?
If five stations complete their tasks quickly but the sixth takes significantly longer, that slowest station ultimately dictates the machine cycle time.
That is why the number of spindles is not the sole factor determining productivity for a used MultiDeco machine.
It is far more important to determine whether the specific workpiece can be effectively adapted to the existing machine layout.
With the MultiSwiss, TORNOS has created a machine concept that deliberately positions itself between classic sliding-headstock lathes and traditional multi-spindle machines.
TORNOS itself describes the MultiSwiss as a bridge between automatic sliding-headstock lathes and multi-spindle lathes. The current product family covers workpiece diameters ranging from 4 to 32 mm. Models available include the MultiSwiss 6x16, 8x26, and 6x32.
This is an interesting approach.
The machine combines multiple work spindles with CNC-controlled movements and a machine architecture that is remarkably compact and integrated for a multi-spindle unit.
VIB, for instance, currently has TORNOS MultiSwiss 8x26 models from 2016 and 2019 in its inventory. The listed machines feature, among other things, cross slides, a counter-spindle, back-working capabilities, and driven tools.
This concept can be particularly appealing to companies weighing the choice between a flexible single-spindle lathe and a highly productive multi-spindle machine.
A common oversimplification is:
Small batch = single-spindle.
Large batch = multi-spindle.
In practice, the decision is more nuanced.
A complex workpiece can be economically viable on a single-spindle machine—even with high production volumes—if frequent variants are produced or extensive tool changes are required.
Conversely, even a medium-sized production run can make a multi-spindle machine an attractive option if the machining sequence can be effectively distributed across multiple stations.
Key factors include setup time, cycle time, part complexity, the number of variants, and the expected duration of the production run.
With a used TORNOS machine, there is an additional factor to consider:
How well does the existing machine configuration already match the new workpiece?
The less modification required, the more quickly a used machine can be integrated cost-effectively.
When searching for a machine, we often find that customers start with a specific model designation in mind.
This can make sense, particularly if the facility already operates several machines of the same type.
However, anyone looking to use a TORNOS machine for the first time should start with the workpiece itself.
Material diameter, length, material type, annual production volume, number of variants, required milling operations, and back-machining requirements create a much more meaningful search profile.
Only then should a decision be made as to whether, for example, a DECO, Swiss GT, EvoDECO, MultiDeco, or MultiSwiss model is suitable.
This approach prevents the purchase of a technically impressive machine that is unnecessarily complex or insufficiently productive for the actual range of parts to be manufactured.
For TORNOS bar-turning machines, the bar loader is not merely a peripheral accessory.
The material feed system influences the entire automated process.
Today, TORNOS offers systems such as the Robobar for various sliding-headstock lathes. Depending on the specific model, they accommodate different bar diameters and lengths.
TORNOS Robobar, IEMCA, or other loading systems are also frequently found on older, pre-owned machines.
Therefore, when purchasing, one should look beyond the mere presence of a bar feeder.
It is crucial to verify that the guide channels, diameter range, and bar length are compatible with the intended material.
Material guidance can have a significant impact on process stability, particularly at high spindle speeds and when using slender bars.
A meaningful comparison does not begin with two asking prices.
It begins with two production concepts.
How many operations can be performed in a single setup?
What back-working capabilities are available?
Which tools are driven?
How much retooling is required for the planned part program?
Which bar feeder comes with the machine?
And what expertise regarding control systems and programming already exists within your own company?
Only once these questions have been answered can two used TORNOS machines be meaningfully compared.
A machine with a higher purchase price may ultimately prove to be the more economical solution if it is already much closer to the requirements of the planned production run.
On this page, you will find VIB’s current inventory of used TORNOS machines.
Our selection may include sliding-headstock automatic lathes as well as MultiDeco or MultiSwiss multi-spindle machines.
VIB specializes in used metal-cutting machinery and offers support that goes beyond the simple purchase of an available machine.
We provide personal consultation and help assess the technical specifications of the equipment on offer. Upon request, we can also assist with machine inspections and organize dismantling, loading, and transport.
If a specific used TORNOS model is not currently in stock, we can actively search for a suitable machine for you.
The more detailed the information you provide regarding your parts and requirements, the more targeted our search can be.
If you are looking to sell a TORNOS machine yourself, you can send us the technical data, equipment details, and current photos. VIB purchases used metal-cutting machines and markets them internationally.
The used market offers models such as DECO and EvoDECO sliding-headstock lathes, the Swiss series, MultiDeco multi-spindle machines, and MultiSwiss machines. Machine concepts and equipment configurations vary significantly depending on the year of manufacture and the generation.
Sliding-headstock automatic lathes are a key part of the TORNOS portfolio. At the same time, TORNOS has a strong tradition in multi-spindle technology, represented by the MultiSwiss and earlier MultiDeco series.
DECO refers to sliding-headstock lathes (or specific generations thereof) featuring a main spindle and a counter-spindle. MultiDeco, on the other hand, is a CNC multi-spindle concept in which multiple workpieces are machined simultaneously at different positions.
MultiSwiss is a family of CNC multi-spindle machines. TORNOS positions this concept between sliding-headstock lathes and conventional multi-spindle machines. The current product range covers workpiece diameters from 4 mm to 32 mm.
Yes. The current Swiss GT series is designed for operation either with or without a guide bush. With a used machine, however, it is necessary to verify the specific equipment configuration.
The current range extends from very small diameters on the SwissNano to 38 mm on certain Swiss DT models. The specific choice depends on the machine family in question.
That depends on production volume, part complexity, the number of variants, and the potential distribution of machining operations. For stable, high-volume production runs, the parallel machining capabilities of multiple spindles can offer significant cycle-time advantages.
Yes, especially if comparable machines are already in use or the existing range of parts is well-suited to the machine. However, factors such as the control system, tooling, counter-spindle, and spare parts availability should be taken into account.
Prices vary significantly between older DECO sliding-headstock lathes, more complex EvoDECO machines, and MultiSwiss or MultiDeco multi-spindle machines. Year of manufacture, condition, equipment, and peripheral components all have a major impact on market value.
Yes. If a suitable machine is not currently available, VIB can specifically search for a TORNOS model with the desired series and specifications. Please feel free to contact us without obligation.