Market-leaders in advanced machining technology, Star Micronics GB Ltd, will showcase its cutting-edge range of sliding headstock lathes at MACH 2024. Visitors will experience a host of process demonstrations and witness a range of complex mill-turn components in production live at the event.

The latest machinery developments

Following its worldwide debut at EMO Hannover, the new SP-23 sliding head lathe will be demonstrated for the first time at a UK manufacturing exhibition. 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 five cartridge positions available. The machine features five drilling stations on the front and a 4-station back working platen with power tool capability.

Another key development within the Star portfolio, the new SD-26 Type E occupies the middle ground between the supplier’s 20mm and 32mm bar diameter ranges. Capable of processing ⌀26mm material, the machine offers a programmable B1 head with four front and four rear facing tool positions, plus an additional six cartridge positions for various attachments.

Superseding the popular SB-16II Type E, the upgraded third-generation SB-16III model utilises the latest generation FANUC 0i-TF Plus CNC control system. It includes Star’s renowned dovetail structure for the Y-axis and features a fully programmable C-axis on both the main and sub spindles. The main spindle platen includes six turning tools, two fixed high-speed ER11 spindles for cross working, plus a further three modular cross power-driven stations that can accept a variety of cartridge attachments.

In addition, Star GB will be demonstrating a range of popular models up to 42mm bar capacity including the SX-38 Type A, SR-32JIII Type B, SR-20RIV Type B, SR-20JII Type B, and the SL-10.

Single source solutions

As the official UK agent for FMB Machinery, Star GB will showcase the latest developments in barfeed technology including FMB’s Turbo RS 4-45 and Turbo RS 3-38 automatic bar feeders. 

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.

Supporting its technical suppliers, Star GB will also demonstrate high-pressure coolant solutions developed by Pumps & Equipment (Warwick) Ltd (stand 18-12), mist extraction technology from Filtration Service Engineering, and fire suppression systems designed by Firetrace Ltd (stand 20-403). As the sole UK agent for JBS, its compensating guide bush systems will also be on show on Star GB’s stand. 

Smart software development

Celebrating a two-year milestone since the launch of its popular Step Cycle Pro technology at MACH 2022, Star’s innovative chip-breaking solution has been hugely successful with engineers looking to overcome the challenges presented by stringy swarf when processing challenging materials. 

Step Cycle Pro operates by implementing an 'air-cut' chip-breaking method, which involves a synchronised oscillation of the machine's axis with the spindle's rotational cycle. This advanced feature can be applied to all spindles concurrently, increasing production efficiency by eliminating machine stoppages related to swarf entanglement. 

Through ongoing development, Step Cycle Pro technology is now available throughout most of the Star machine range and will be available for live demonstrations at the show.

Star’s new ECO mode, an energy saving function with a dedicated interface that saves power during machine standby, will be present on various machines. The software offers customisable options to reduce power usage during idle time by deactivating non-essential systems, motors, pumps, and lighting.

With a focus on industry 4.0 smart manufacturing, each machine on Star’s booth will be linked to its SMOOSS-I remote monitoring system. The software enables users to remotely monitor machine status, part count, production rate and history via a smart phone, tablet or PC. It can also monitor other Fanuc CNC machine tools equipped with FOCAS software.

The popular NC Assist programming software will also be on display with Star’s engineers showing how quickly and efficiently CNC programs can be generated via its simple conversational interface.

A unique learning opportunity

The exhibition presents a unique learning opportunity for both existing and prospective users of Star sliding head lathe technology, empowering them with new methods of overcoming their unique manufacturing challenges. On Star GB’s stand throughout the week will be its applications, service, sales and marketing teams to give visitors an introduction to Star technology and offer an insight into the productivity enhancements its solutions can provide.  

Alec Warner, Operations Manager for Star GB says: “The MACH Exhibition gives us the ideal platform to demonstrate our solutions as demand for automation, unmanned operation and more complex applications increases. This year we’re showcasing a range of entry-level machines all the way up to our highest specification models, demonstrating how every application has a bespoke, cost-effective solution.”

“The live machining demonstrations, coupled with the knowledge and insight of our engineering team, creates an interactive experience for visitors and allows them to explore the full potential of Star technology. Our emphasis on customer support is what sets us apart, so we encourage visitors to come get to know our team and see our machines in action.”

Star GB will be located in hall 20 on stand 130 and will be pleased to welcome all visitors with an interest in manufacturing. More information can be found at www.stargb.com and registration for MACH 2024 is via its portal at www.machexhibition.com.