Market-leading sliding head lathe supplier, Star GB, will host its annual open house event from 7-9 November 2023 at its Technology Centre in Derby. 

The educational event will be packed with the latest technology from Star and its technical partners, with machining demonstrations across its portfolio and the UK premiere of the new SP-23 sliding head lathe following its worldwide debut at EMO Hannover. 

UK premiere of the SP-23

Following unprecedented levels of interest at the EMO exhibition, the highly-anticipated SP-23 is expected to be popular amongst UK manufacturers. An entirely new model capable of 1-inch machining, the SP Series has been developed by Star to deliver outstanding versatility and performance within a modest footprint.

The SP-23 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 with 5 cartridge positions available. The machine features 5 drilling stations on the front and a 4-station backworking platen with power tool capability.

Incorporating various technologies to minimise heat generation, the SP-23 includes Star's innovative thermal displacement correction technology to optimise accuracy, stability and machining performance. The machine is compatible with the latest software developments including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking technology option and features Star’s innovative new ECO mode, an energy saving function with a dedicated interface that saves power during machine standby.

Versatile manufacturing solutions

Showcasing the most diverse range of machines ever to be displayed at its open house event, Star GB will be displaying the latest and most popular models up to 42mm diameter bar capacity. In addition to the SP-23, the machinery portfolio will include the new SD-26 Type E, ST-38, SX-38 Type A, SR-32JIII Type B, SR-20RIV Type B and SL-10 sliding head lathes.  

Star GB will also be previewing its latest fixed headstock lathe, the SK-51 Type A. This 2-inch bar capacity slant-bed machine is equipped with twin 12-station turrets and includes the Fanuc iHMI control system. This advanced CNC system features conversational programming dialogue, free figure contour programming, fixed phrase insert function and 3D machining simulation.

Cutting-edge chip management

Several machines at the event will be demonstrating Star’s cutting-edge development in swarf management. Step Cycle Pro (SCP) is the company’s latest breakthrough to combat the challenges presented by stringy swarf when processing difficult-to-chip materials such as aluminium, Inconel, stainless steel, copper and plastics. 

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. 

The latest ancillary solutions

As the official UK agent for FMB Machinery, the open house gives visitors the opportunity to see the latest developments in barfeed technology including FMB’s Turbo RS 4-45, Turbo RS 3-38, Turbo RS 2-20 and SL 80 V short bar loader. 

These latest-generation bar feeders with the innovative RS technology are connected to the lathe spindle by a moving guide module, eliminating the unsupported telescopic area between the barfeed and lathe. This offers improved support for both long and short bar stock lengths, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of bar vibrations or deflections during the machining process. 

RS technology also increases efficiency when converting from guide bush to non-guide bush mode as the carriage remains static and no switching device is necessary. The bar feeders offer best-in-class rigidity and vibration damping characteristics due to an extruded aluminium base, and easier maintenance through a simplified design with fewer components.

The popular NC Assist programming software will be on display with Star’s engineers showing how quickly and efficiently CNC programs can be generated via its simple conversational interface. A range of Star’s technical partners will also be exhibiting their latest developments including tooling, software, in-process 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 7^th November through to Thursday 9^th November. Refreshments and lunches will be provided for all attendees. 

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