Star Micronics GB Limited

When accurate turn-milling of stainless and high-tensile steel components is required, one of the best companies to approach is Sevenoaks subcontractor, Turncircuit. Its Star sliding-headstock lathes routinely hold very tight tolerances in those materials, even on features produced using the driven tools.

In October 2011, RDL Technologies installed its sixth Star sliding-headstock 7-axis CNC lathe, a 32 mm capacity SR-32JN. It introduced guide bush-less turning to the company, whereby the headstock grips the bar so close to the point of machining that the remnant is only around one-quarter of the normal length, saving a considerable amount of material.

The in-house exhibition held by Star GB at its Melbourne technical centre from 8th to 10th November 2011 generated eight sliding-head lathe orders valued at almost £1.3 million, the majority for delivery before the end of the year. A total of 150 visitors from 91 companies were welcomed by managing director Bob Hunt and his team, a significant increase compared with last year's show. The eight companies placing orders were all contract manufacturers, two of which were new to Star GB. The mill-turn centres spanned the capacity range from 16 mm through 20 mm to 32 mm, of which four units were sold.

With its two tool platens in front of and behind the spindle centreline, Star's new SW-20 sliding-headstock mill-turning centre with 11 CNC axes will make its European debut at EMO 2011.

In the last 12 months, Tom Bennett and his son, Rob, have advanced significantly their subcontract business, Scot Bennett Engineering Limited, partly by installing modern CNC turning plant including a Star SR-20J sliding-headstock mill-turn centre. At the same time, they sold off their final six single-spindle cam automatics.

Automotive parts are mill-turned in one hit to close tolerances on a Star sliding-headstock lathe at Basildon subcontractor, Specialized Engineering Components (SEC), which considers the machine ideal for working with high tensile steels, stainless steels and other tough materials.

Within half an hour of Star GB's in-house exhibition opening on the morning of Tuesday 12th October 2010, precision turned parts subcontractor, Swissmatic, Wishaw, had placed an order for two SR-20RIII sliding-head bar auto's. It brought the company's total purchases of Star multi-axis CNC lathes in 2010 to seven.

Star Micronics GB will hold an open house at its headquarters and technical centre in Melbourne, Derbyshire, from 12th to 14th October 2010. Opening times will be 8.00 am to 5.00 pm each day except on Wednesday 13th, when the show will run until 9.00 pm and include a traditional Star supper.

Direct Engineering, a subcontractor in Countesthorpe, a few miles south of Leicester, placed an order during MACH 2010 for its first sliding-head lathe, a 7-axis CNC Star SR-32J.