Star Micronics GB, the leading provider of sliding head lathe solutions, will host its annual open house from 19-21 November 2024 at its Technology Centre in Derby, Derbyshire. This event will feature live demonstrations of the latest production technologies from Star and its partners, along with the UK premiere of the new SB-20RII sliding head lathe.

UK premiere of the SB-20RII sliding head lathe

After attracting significant interest at recent shows in Chicago (IMTS) and Stuttgart (AMB), the SB-20RII will make its UK debut. As Star’s most popular machine series, with over 27,000 SB models sold globally, the SB-20RII is expected to be popular with manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.

The SB-20RII offers various improvements to further enhance performance, versatility and ergonomics. This includes additional tool stations, increased power, higher spindle speeds, advanced control features, and improved accuracy. Despite its added capabilities, such as the ability to process components up to 25.4mm in diameter, the SB-20RII has a 10% smaller footprint than the best-selling SB-20R Type G.

Offering a total of 7 axes, the main spindle platen of the SB-20RII includes 6 turning tools, two fixed ER-16 spindles for cross-working, plus a further three modular cross power-driven stations that accept a variety of cartridge attachments. The flexibility of the SB-20RII is further enhanced by its ability to switch between guide bush mode and non-guide bush mode.

Incorporating various technologies to minimise heat generation, the SB-20RII includes Star’s innovative thermal displacement correction technology to optimise accuracy, stability and machining performance. The machine is equipped with Star’s innovative new ECO mode and is compatible with the latest developments including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking technology, last part completion mode and Easy Edit programming utility. 

A gamechanger for the fixed head market

Following a successful preview at last year’s open house event, Star GB will again showcase the SK-51 Type A fixed headstock lathe. This 2-inch bar capacity slant-bed machine is equipped with twin 12-station turrets, offering 7.5kW powered driven tools on every station. It offers 5,000rpm on the main and sub spindles, and a 640mm Z-axis stroke length on both turrets.

The machines features the advanced FANUC iHMI control system with a 15-inch touchscreen that offers conversational programming dialogue, free figure contour programming and a fixed phrase insert function for the configuration of individual blocks of code to drop into the final program. Toolpath simulation is also built into the control.

Versatile manufacturing solutions

In addition to the SB-20RII and SK-51 Type A, Star GB will be showcasing a range of its most popular models, including;

SD-26 Type E – A new model capable of ⌀26mm machining, developed to give engineers the ultimate mill-turn solution for complex components. The Type E variant offers a programmable B1 head with 4 front and 4 rear facing tools, plus an additional 6 cartridge positions for various attachments.

SR-32JIII Type B – The latest 32mm capacity model within the popular SR series, delivering a range of enhancements including improved rigidity, upgraded swarf clearance, refined ergonomics, Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking technology and the inclusion of a sub-spindle flush pump as standard.

SP-23 – A new model capable of 1-inch machining, developed to optimise versatility and performance whilst maintaining a modest footprint. The machine is equipped with an 8-station front turning platen and a 7-spindle cross-drilling inner tool post, on which a wide variety of tooling attachments can be mounted.

SB-16III – Superseding the SB-16II, this upgraded model utilises the latest generation FANUC 0i-TF Plus CNC control system. The machine’s main spindle platen includes five turning tools, a three-spindle cross drilling unit, and a four-station drilling arm.

SL-10 – Accuracy, efficiency and versatility within an ultra-compact footprint. The SL-10 offers 6 turning tools on the main side and up to 5 cross-working tool positions, of which 4 tool positions are available for cartridge attachments such as thread whirling, slotting, gear hobbing, angled drilling and polygon units.

Advanced Chip Management with Step Cycle Pro

The open house will also showcase Star’s Step Cycle Pro (SCP) technology, which tackles the challenges of stringy swarf when machining difficult-to-chip materials.

The system delivers its highly effective ‘air-cut’ chip-breaking operation by oscillating the axis in synchronisation with the spindle rotation cycle and can be used simultaneously on both the main and sub-spindles. This oscillation-cutting method increases production efficiency by eliminating machine stoppages related to swarf entanglement and enhances tool life by reducing the temperature of the tip whilst in operation. 

Step Cycle Pro offers a dedicated interface on the FANUC CNC system that allows engineers to easily select the ideal program conditions and chip length for the application. It automatically adjusts the actual feed rate when the function is enabled to ensure minimal effect on cycle times and enables maximum productivity to be achieved. 

Ancillary solutions for seamless automation

Visitors will see the latest developments in barfeed technology including the FMB Turbo RS 3-38. This model features the innovative RS technology, connecting the barfeed directly to the lathe spindle by a moving guide module. By eliminating the unsupported telescopic area between the barfeed and lathe, this offers improved stability for both long and short bar stock lengths. Also on show will be the LNS QLS 65, a feature-packed bar loader available in 1.3m and 1.6m lengths.

A comprehensive range of Star’s technical partners will also exhibit their latest developments including tooling, software, parts handling, optical measurement, high-pressure coolant, mist extraction, fire suppression and more. 

Product, process and industry knowledge

Star GB’s applications, service and sales team will be on hand to share their technical knowledge, giving existing and prospective users advice on identifying the ideal solution to their requirements and maximising their return on investment. Visitors will be welcome to discuss future investment plans, technical drawings, and the various schemes and finance options available to make upgrading their equipment even more affordable. 

Star GB’s Technology Centre is located in Derby alongside the Rolls-Royce factory on Raynesway and is easily accessible from the A52 and the M1 with dedicated parking. The event has an open invitation to all UK & Ireland manufacturers, opening at 9:00am and closing at 5:00pm each day from Tuesday 19th November through to Thursday 21st November. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees, including a hog roast lunch served each day from 12:30pm with a vegetarian alternative available. 

Registration is online via the company’s website: www.stargb.com/open; email: marketing@stargb.com or telephone: 01332 864455.