A CNC sliding-headstock lathe is so fast, it can outside diameter-turn, drill the front end, part off and drill the back end of a component - under 10mm diameter - in just five seconds.

For mill-turning components up to 10mm diameter, Star has introduced a new, sliding-headstock lathe that is so fast, it can OD-turn (outside diameter), drill the front end, part off and drill the back end of a component in five seconds. Even a few years ago, it would have been almost impossible to achieve such a process in less than 10s. Designated SR-10J, the bar auto from Star Micronics GB is a highly productive mill-turning centre that rivals the output of a cam auto, but with the added flexibility of CNC to allow rapid changeover to produce a different component.

It is therefore another weapon in the armoury that manufacturers in the West can call upon to help compete with low-wage economies, according to Star Micronics GB's engineering manager, Stephen Totty.

He said, 'If you are making sub-10mm parts, it is preferable to use a small capacity machine, because the moving elements are smaller and faster than on a 16mm capacity lathe or larger.

Our new machine is ideal for smaller work, as it has 35m/min rapids with extremely fast acceleration, and front-working tools positioned very close to the bar on three sides in a yoke formation.' The SR-10J is also competitively priced, as it costs only a little more than Star's entry-level SB-16 model.

However, the 10mm machine occupies 30% less floor area.

Moreover, it has been demonstrated to produce parts significantly faster owing to quicker movements and the availability of a 2-axis sub-spindle.

In conjunction with a four-station endworking unit whose tools are driven at up to 10,000 rev/min, the sub-spindle is capable of working independently of, and simultaneously with, main spindle operations.

In all, there are 21 cutters in the working area including three live cross-working tools attached to the left of a six-station gang toolpost.

Positioned on the other side, behind the spindle centerline, four tools are available for front endworking and a further four further tools for rear endworking.

The 15,000 rev/min main spindle has full C-axis control as standard and there is the option of 15 deg indexing on the 10,000 rev/min sub-spindle.

Headstock stroke is up to 135mm.

Concluded managing director, Bob Hunt, 'One of our customers commented recently that we are living in a world where things are getting smaller - he was referring in particular to electronic goods such as mobile telephones, but there are other good examples in the medical and automotive sectors.

We therefore believe the new SR-10J will be particularly popular and look forward to demonstrating its capabilities to our existing user base and future prospects at MACH this year, where the machine will be making its UK debut.'