Reduce Tool Change Time to One-Third on Swiss-Type Lathes: Tungaloy’s Modular Head-Change Tool ModuMini-Turn
Reduce Setup Time and Downtime on Swiss-Type Lathes
Tungaloy’s Modular Head-Change Tool “ModuMini-Turn”
07/04/2026
KOJI HASHIMOTOGeneral Director
In small-part machining on Swiss-type lathes, challenges such as downtime from tool changes and setup adjustments, reliance on skilled operators, and dimensional variation have become major obstacles to improving productivity.
Tungaloy’s modular head-change tool, “ModuMini-Turn,” structurally eliminates hidden losses—such as complex tool replacements, positional misalignments, and unexpected stoppages during unattended or nighttime operations—making it a highly regarded solution.
In this article, we introduce the key features and implementation benefits, together with Mr. Sato of Tungaloy-NTK Vietnam LLC (hereafter Tungaloy Vietnam).
Cutting Tool Manufacturer Tungaloy: Over 90 Years of Expertise and Global Reach
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Tungaloy is a comprehensive cutting tool manufacturer that developed cemented carbide for the first time in Japan in 1929.
Leveraging a wide range of tool materials—such as CBN, PCD, and CVD—along with advanced tool design technologies, the company supports manufacturing operations worldwide.
In Vietnam, Tungaloy operated as a representative office for approximately 10 years. In August 2024, it established Tungaloy-NTK Vietnam LLC, strengthening its local technical support system and accelerating proposal-driven activities for the Vietnamese manufacturing industry.
What Is the Modular Head-Change Tool “ModuMini-Turn”?
ModuMini-Turn is a high-rigidity, small-diameter modular head-change tool platform specifically designed for machining on Swiss-type lathes.
In conventional Swiss-type lathes, insert replacement must be performed within the machine’s confined internal space.
As a result, the following issues often occur:
▲ Increased operation time
▲ Tightening errors
▲ Insert misalignment
With ModuMini-Turn, the entire head unit—rather than just the insert—is replaced. By simply installing a pre-adjusted head outside the machine, the tool change is completed.
This approach enables both a significant reduction in setup time and consistent machining accuracy.
Five Key Features That Enhance Swiss-Type Lathe Productivity
Tungaloy’s ModuMini-Turn not only streamlines tool changes but also helps improve overall shop-floor productivity. Its main features include:
① Significant Reduction in Setup Time
Replacing the entire head unit drastically shortens tool change time. ② Reduced Downtime
Machine stoppages are minimized, improving overall equipment utilization. ③ Improved Dimensional Accuracy
Pre-measurement outside the machine ensures consistent dimensional repeatability. ④ Standardized Operations
Even less-experienced operators can perform tool changes reliably.。 ⑤ Rapid Recovery from Issues
Prepared spare head units allow immediate recovery in case of problems.
It is
a tool platform designed to minimize dependence on skilled operators, enabling stable operation through a
system-based approach rather than relying on individual expertise
Implementation Case Studies in Japan and Thailand (Southeast Asia)
①Tool Change Time Reduced to One-Third (Kosmek – Thailand)
■ Challenge
Frequent dimensional deviations of 0.1 mm were observed during final inspection. These were caused by variability in in-machine insert replacement and inconsistent machining accuracy.
■ Results
• Tool change time was reduced from 30 minutes to 10 minutes.
• Daily downtime was cut by approximately 160 minutes, enabling production of up to 80 additional parts per day.
• Improved mounting accuracy in a well-lit workspace led to a roughly 30% reduction in defect rate.
"After six months of trial operation, the system was fully adopted. The modular head-change approach enabled both standardized operations and improved machine utilization, contributing to increased shop-floor productivity." — Mr. Sato, Tungaloy Vietnam
② External Setup for Swiss-Type Lathes (Suzuki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
■ Challenge
The confined space inside the machine made insert replacement and setup operations cumbersome. Dropped or lost parts and screws caused longer working times and increased costs.
■ Results
• Operation time was significantly reduced and standardized
(Skilled operator: 8 min → approx. 2.7 min / New operator: 19 min → approx. 3 min)
• Reduced downtime improved overall line utilization
• Risk of input errors and contact-related incidents was minimized, enabling stable operation
"By thoroughly performing pre-measurement and adjustments outside the machine and switching to the practice of installing pre-adjusted heads, we achieved zero trial cutting and zero machine stoppages, greatly enhancing equipment utilization." — Mr. Sato, Tungaloy Vietnam
Comprehensive Lineup for Swiss-Type Lathe Machining
The ModuMini-Turn series offers a versatile platform that accommodates a wide range of operations in Swiss-type lathe machining.
【Outer Diameter Machining】
▲ TinyMini-Turn head with internal coolant and four-hole coolant supply (QC-JBBS-4N)
【Grooving and Parting-Off】
▲ Outer-diameter grooving and parting-off head, compatible with high-pressure coolant (QC-JCTER/L-CHP)）
【Grooving and Threading】
▲ Screw-on type head for outer-diameter grooving and threading (QC-STCL)
【Shank】
▲ Shank for screw-on type heads, compatible with high-pressure coolant (QC-1012/1212/1616-CHP)
By using a common shank, multiple operations can be performed efficiently. In addition to standard products, the system also accommodates custom heads with special geometries, addressing the diverse requirements of small-part machining.
Simulation to Evaluate Cost-Effectiveness Before Implementation
We provide a simulation tool that enables users to estimate potential cost savings before implementation. By entering:
• Tool change time
• Number of holders
• Number of tool changes
• Production data
the tool visualizes the system’s cost-effectiveness.
Start with a Small-Scale Trial to Validate Effectiveness
Challenges such as labor shortages, reliance on skilled operators, and increased downtime are common in Swiss-type lathe operations in Vietnam. Implementing the system on just 2–3 machines initially allows for verification of its impact on setup time reduction and improved machine utilization.
ModuMini-Turn is a solution that significantly enhances Swiss-type lathe productivity by reimagining tool changes. If you are looking to reduce downtime, shorten setup time, or minimize dimensional defects in Swiss-type lathe operations in Vietnam, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
▲ From left: Mr. Sato (Tungaloy Vietnam), Mr. Hashimoto (Ueno Vietnam)
【Interview Cooperation】
Tungaloy-NTK Vietnam LLC
Eiji Sato
Deputy General Director
