New Star SW-20 Sliding Head Lathe To Be Launched At EMO 2011

The 20 mm capacity machine is ideal for balanced turning, milling and drilling operations from either side of the bar, making it especially useful when processing slender components that could otherwise be easily deflected.

The Fanuc 31i Model B5 control allows high speed and top accuracy for up to 5-axis simultaneous machining. It is on a swing-out support for easy access when the operator is working in the machining area.

An 8-station, rear-facing toolpost with vertical movement in Y works in conjunction with a counter spindle having X and Z motions to complete the most complex backworking operations during single-hit manufacturing.

Star SR-20J

For the manufacture of turned parts up to 20 mm diameter ranging from relatively simple to medium-complex, Star's existing SR-20J early-entry, 7-axis slider will also have an upgraded Fanuc control, the 31i Model B for enhanced machine performance. It will additionally feature the option of six driven stations on the rear tool post, rather than the standard four stations, allowing more comprehensive rear endworking.

The machining area can accommodate a large number of cutters in addition to the usual six ganged turning tools above the guide bush. They include four front-facing and four rear-facing endworking tools in the main sleeve holder, up to 10 live cross-working stations, or other attachments such as for angle drilling, hobbing, slotting and thread whirling.

Star SR-32J

Another established Star sliding-headstock lathe that will have a higher-level control system is the SR-32J. It will be shown at EMO fitted with a Fanuc 32i Model B on a swing-out support, which is more ergonomic than the former control.

A further improvement is the provision of two live cross-working stations rather than one, allowing a greater number of driven tools to be employed or more attachments to be bolted on in their place.

Other lathes on show – ST-38 and SF-25

Star's flagship, 38 mm capacity ST-38 will make another appearance. Its 6 mm advantage in maximum bar diameter over conventionally sized sliders allows more companies to take advantage of the technology, with its faster cycle times, greater accuracy and higher productivity compared with fixed-head turning. The mill-turn centre has 12 CNC axes shared between two C-axis spindles and three live turrets for one-hit machining of highly complex components. X and Z axis rapids are 30 m/min, resulting in short idle times.

The recently-introduced Star SF-25, one of the manufacturer's first two fixed-headstock lathes, will also be in evidence. The compact, 32 mm bar capacity turning centre is equipped with a 10-station turret and an additional tool spindle complete with 24-station automatic tool changer. It is well suited to manufacturing complex medical, aerospace and automotive components.