Pittler-Acme spindle and motor spindle repair
Brochexpress is an independent workshop specialising in the repair, maintenance and diagnostics of Pittler-Acme spindles and motor spindles — a historic German manufacturer of cam-driven multi-spindle automatic lathes, many of whose 1950s-1970s machines are still in service or undergoing full rebuild today.
Pittler-Acme, a historic German benchmark in cam-driven multi-spindle lathes
TLDR: Pittler, associated with the Acme brand under the Pittler-Acme name, is a historic German manufacturer of cam-driven multi-spindle automatic lathes, with emblematic models such as the PRB and PRC series (6 or 8 spindles) that equipped many European bar-turning workshops from the 1950s-1960s onwards, a significant number of which are still in production or the subject of full rebuilds today.
Pittler, associated with the Acme brand under the Pittler-Acme name, built a solid reputation in the manufacture of cam-driven multi-spindle automatic lathes, a technology in which the movement of each tool is controlled by a cam, with all tools moving simultaneously for very high productivity compared with a single-spindle automatic lathe. The brand's emblematic models, such as the PRB and PRC series, come in 6-spindle configurations (for example PRB 32/6, PRC 35/6, PRC 36/6) or 8-spindle configurations (PRC 50/8), for bar diameters ranging from 32 to 50 mm. These machines, many of which were built in the 1950s to 1970s, remain sought after today and regularly undergo full rebuilds by specialist workshops, with replacement of cam drives and restoration of original tolerances — a testament to the robust design of these historic multi-spindle lathes.
A range of multiple spindles synchronised by a cam-driven drum
TLDR: Pittler-Acme lathes feature a rotating spindle drum equipped with 6 or 8 spindles, each positioned in turn opposite a machining station, with a mechanical cam drive system precisely synchronising the movement of each tool with the corresponding spindle revolution.
On Pittler-Acme lathes, the rotating spindle drum is equipped with 6 or 8 spindles depending on the model, each spindle being positioned in turn opposite a dedicated machining station as the drum rotates. The mechanical cam drive system precisely synchronises the movement of each tool with the rotation of the drum, making it possible to carry out several machining operations simultaneously on different parts at each spindle revolution — a principle that still underpins many modern CNC multi-spindle lathes today. On the PRB 32/6 model, the spindle bore is 32 mm for a maximum turning length of 152 mm; the 8-spindle configurations (PRC 50/8) handle bars of up to 50 mm in diameter.
Pittler-Acme spindles and motor spindles covered (non-exhaustive list)
- Drum spindles in 6-spindle configuration, PRB and PRC series (PRB 32/6, PRC 35/6, PRC 36/6)
- Drum spindles in 8-spindle configuration, PRC 50/8 series
- Spindles paired with mechanical cam drive systems
- Spindles of historic multi-spindle lathes undergoing full rebuild
- Spindles of Pittler-Acme lathes of all generations, 1950s to 1970s
Interfaces and specifications
The Pittler-Acme spindles and motor spindles we repair cover configurations of 6 or 8 spindles per drum, for bar diameters of 32 to 50 mm — exact specifications to be confirmed on quotation according to the precise reference of your machine.
Our expertise on your Pittler-Acme spindles and motor spindles
TLDR: Brochexpress works across the entire life cycle of your Pittler-Acme spindles, with the same rigour as on the other brands in our portfolio.
On-site customer service
- Diagnostics and service directly on your machine, in your production workshop, to limit downtime on your bar-turning line
Full diagnostics
- Inspection of clearances, balancing, bearing condition, sealing and the synchronisation of the drum spindles, with a detailed technical report
Preventive and corrective maintenance
- Maintenance programme tailored to the production rates of high-volume bar turning, as well as corrective work in the event of a breakdown
Overhaul and refurbishment
- Grinding, bearing replacement, sealing rework and rotation testing in the workshop, restoring the manufacturer's original tolerances — including as part of a full rebuild of a historic machine
Why choose Brochexpress for your Pittler-Acme spindles and motor spindles
- Independent workshop, with no capital ties to manufacturers, guaranteeing an objective diagnosis
- Expertise in multiple spindles synchronised by a cam-driven drum, including on historic machines
- Two service sites: Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland)
- Support from the first intervention through to return to production
Lead times and warranty
- On-site service within 48h
- Workshop repair: around 20 working days depending on parts availability
- 12-month warranty on all our repairs
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair the spindles of 1950s-1970s Pittler-Acme lathes still in service?
Yes, we work on these spindles, however old the machine — valuable know-how for this historic fleet that is still active.
Do you take part in the full rebuild of a Pittler-Acme multi-spindle lathe?
Yes, we support full overhaul projects, restoring original tolerances on the spindles of the drum.
What is the average lead time for a full overhaul?
Allow around 20 working days in the workshop, depending on the condition of the spindle and the availability of parts (bearings, seals, specific components).
Do you work on 8-spindle configurations (PRC 50/8)?
Yes, we diagnose and repair each of the spindles in these configurations, whatever their number.
Do you offer a preventive maintenance contract for a fleet of Pittler-Acme machines?
Yes, we draw up preventive maintenance programmes tailored to your production pace.
A reliable partner for your industrial performance
Whether it is an emergency on-site intervention, a full workshop overhaul or a preventive maintenance programme, Brochexpress brings its expertise to your production. As an independent workshop, we work across the entire Pittler-Acme range — spindles and motor spindles of cam-driven multi-spindle automatic lathes — with the responsiveness and rigour demanded by the most exacting industrial environments: bar turning and mechanical subcontracting.
Our teams are at your disposal from our sites in Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland) for a study of your needs, a diagnosis or a personalised quotation.
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Pittler® and Acme® are historic trademarks. Brochexpress is neither affiliated with, nor a partner of, nor an authorised distributor of the Pittler or Acme manufacturers. Our business covers independent repair and maintenance of industrial equipment, permitted under the principle of referential trademark use (EU Trademark Directive 2015/2436 / French Intellectual Property Code, art. L.713-6).