What Industry Experts Recommend Before Purchasing a Pre-Owned, Second-Hand, Surplus, Used INDEX MS 42C CNC MultiSpindle Lathe 6 Spindles made in Germany?
The INDEX MS 42C is a German-engineered CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe designed for high-volume, precision turned parts production. It is widely used in automotive, hydraulic, and precision engineering sectors due to its simultaneous machining capability.
Core Technical Specifications (Typical)
- Number of spindles: 6 independent spindles
- Max bar diameter: 42 mm
- Max spindle speed: 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
- Spindle power: ~5 – 7 kW per spindle
- CNC Control: Siemens SINUMERIK 840C / 840D (INDEX integrated)
- Axes: Up to 12 CNC axes (X/Z per spindle)
- Cross slides: Up to 10 tool carriers
- Rapid traverse: ~15 m/min
- Clamping force: Up to 26 kN
- Machine weight: ~11,000 kg
- Typical setup: Bar feeder + chip conveyor + high-pressure coolant
What Industry Experts Recommend Before Buying (Critical Checklist)
1. Spindle & Gear Train Condition (MOST CRITICAL)
Experts always start here because multi-spindle machines = multiplied wear risk.
Check:
- Vibration and noise at high RPM
- Spindle synchronization accuracy
- Bearing condition (listen + thermal test)
Why:
A 6-spindle system means 6x potential repair cost if worn. Spindle rebuilds are expensive and downtime-heavy.
2. CNC Control & Electrical System (Siemens 840C / 840D)
- Verify control generation (840C = older, 840D = preferred)
- Check for backup files, PLC programs, and parameters
- Inspect drives (SERCOS / AC servo systems)
Expert tip:
Older 840C systems can still run reliably, but spare parts and service availability must be confirmed before purchase.
3. Tooling System & Slide Wear
- Inspect cross slides (X/Z play, backlash)
- Check tool holders, driven tools, and indexing
- Measure repeatability under load
Why:
The MS42C relies heavily on multi-tool simultaneous cutting. Any deviation causes scrap across all spindles.
4. Bar Feeding & Automation Integration
- Check bar feeder brand (IEMCA, Cucchi, etc.)
- Verify synchronization with machine cycle
- Inspect guide channels (wear, oil condition)
Important:
A poor bar feeder setup can reduce machine efficiency by 30–50%, even if the machine itself is perfect.
5. Maintenance History & Running Hours
- Request:
- Service logs
- Spindle rebuild records
- Ball screw replacement history
Machines with documented preventive maintenance are far more valuable than “low price / unknown history” units.
6. Machine Accuracy & Test Cut (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
Always perform:
- Live test cut on real material
- Measure:
- Roundness
- Surface finish
- Dimensional repeatability
Expert rule:
If seller refuses test cut → high risk machine
7. Hydraulic & Clamping System
- Check:
- Clamping force consistency (26 kN system)
- Leakage in hydraulic unit
- Collet/chuck wear
Weak clamping = part slippage → scrap production
8. Chip Management & Coolant System
- Inspect chip conveyor (KNOLL systems common)
- Check coolant pressure and filtration
- Look for chip buildup inside enclosure
Why important:
Poor chip evacuation reduces tool life and can damage slides.
9. Structural Integrity (Frame & Casting)
- Inspect machine bed (cast iron structure)
- Look for cracks, repairs, or heavy crash history
The MS42C is built for rigidity, but crash damage can permanently affect alignment.
10. Spare Parts & Support Availability
- Confirm:
- INDEX OEM support availability
- Local service partners
- Spare parts stock
Critical point:
Multi-spindle machines are production machines, not hobby machines → downtime = serious financial loss.
Advantages of INDEX MS42C (Why Buyers Choose It)
- True simultaneous machining (6 spindles) → extremely high output
- Proven German build quality
- Flexible tooling configuration
- Suitable for 24/7 production environments
Common Risks in Used MS42C Purchases
- Hidden spindle wear (most common issue)
- Outdated control without backup
- Missing tooling (can cost €20,000–€50,000 extra)
- Poor maintenance history
Professional Buying Strategy (Recommended Approach)
- Shortlist 2–3 machines (never buy first option)
- Request full video of machine running
- Perform on-site inspection
- Run test cut
- Negotiate based on:
- Spindle condition
- Tooling included
- Control version
Final Expert Conclusion
A used INDEX MS 42C is an excellent high-production investment if properly maintained—but also one of the highest-risk machines to buy blindly due to its complex multi-spindle architecture.
Best practice:
Buy condition + documentation, not just price.
