Star Micronics GB Ltd to debut new SP-32 sliding head lathe at October Open House

Star Micronics GB Ltd will showcase the new SP-32 sliding head lathe for the first time in the UK at its annual open house event, taking place from 7 – 9 October 2025.

The SP-32 is the latest addition to Star’s SP Series of sliding head lathes. Following the launch of the SP-23 in 2023, which has proven popular among subcontract manufacturers, the SP-32 expands the series’ capability to handle bar diameters up to 32mm (35mm optional).

Designed for versatility, the SP-32 offers a wide tooling capacity and extensive software functions, making it well-suited to a broad range of sectors including automotive, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, and general subcontract machining.

The machine is equipped with the FANUC 0i-TF Plus CNC unit, which includes a range of advanced features such as a program data batch input/output function to streamline daily operation. In addition, a new deburring cycle has been added to the Star command system.

Incorporating various technologies to minimise heat generation, the SP-32 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 and Star’s innovative new ECO Mode, an energy-saving function that saves power during machine standby.

The SP-32 incorporates a zero-shaped tool post with a 6-station platen on the front and a 6-spindle cross-drilling unit at the rear. Four of the cross-drilling unit’s spindles are cartridge-type positions where a wide variety of tool units can be mounted to suit complex applications. In addition, a 5-spindle sleeve holder (drilling arm) is provided with three positions at 22mm and two positions at 32mm diameter.

The backworking platen is specified with a 5-spindle tool post with driven tool capability as standard, enabling up to four rotating tools for efficient (overlapped) back machining and reduced cycle times.

To maximise flexibility, the SP-32 offers guide bush and non-guide bush capability. The guide bush option ensures high-precision machining of longer parts, while the non-guide bush configuration minimises material remnant length for shorter parts.

Key Features

High functionality

Zero-shaped tool post with excellent tool capacity
6-station turning tool holder (16 mm)
5-spindle upper drilling sleeve holder with two large-diameter drilling positions
6-spindle cross-drilling unit with four cartridge-type positions
Step Cycle Pro technology for improved chip control and machining stability

High precision

Thermal displacement correction via integrated thermal sensors
Oil mist cooling for power-driven tool gearbox to prevent heat build-up
Built-in spindle sensors for improved indexing accuracy

Scalability

Guide bush / non-guide bush capability
Optional torque-up specification for both main and sub spindles

The SP-32 reinforces Star’s ongoing commitment to innovation in sliding head technology, providing UK manufacturers with a large capacity, high-quality, entry-level sliding head lathe.

The open house event will take place from 7 – 9 October 2025 at Star GB’s Technology Centre in Derby. Registration is via the company’s website: www.stargb.com/open;