Technoset Expands Precision Machining Capabilities with Major Investment in Star SL-10s and DMG Mori NTX500

Precision subcontractor Technoset has strengthened its machining capabilities with the recent acquisition of four high-performance machine tools—three Star SL-10 sliding head lathes and a DMG Mori NTX500 mill/turn centre. This significant investment underlines the Rugby-based company’s ongoing strategy to deliver high-precision components with greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

“We invest regularly in new technology,” said Managing Director Adam Land, “and these latest machines demonstrate our commitment to maintaining industry-leading quality while reducing lead-times for our customers.”

Precision and Productivity with Star SL-10

Technoset’s investment in the Star SL-10 lathes builds on a long-standing relationship with Star GB. These compact, high-speed machines are designed for complex, high-accuracy parts, offering key features such as:

• Main and sub-spindles for multi-processing
• Vertically oriented gang toolpost with cross-drilling and backworking capabilities
• Rapid traverse speeds of 35m/min and spindle speeds up to 15,000rpm (main) and 12,000rpm (sub)

Two of the SL-10s are already installed, with a third arriving in July 2025. Optional extras include FMB MicroMag bar feeders, high-pressure coolant systems, Absolent mist extraction, and Firetrace fire extinguishers.

The machines are being deployed on a high-volume fibre optic connector project, producing over 500,000 components this year from materials such as stainless steel and brass, typically under 5mm in diameter. Choosing the 10mm capacity SL-10 ensures flexibility for potential future design changes.

“We chose Star again because of the platform’s performance, reliability, and support,” Land explained. “Their team helped us with time studies and ROI projections, which made the investment decision clear.”

Raising the Bar with DMG Mori NTX500

In addition to the Star machines, Technoset has also installed a DMG Mori NTX500 mill/turn centre—a machine that had been “on the radar” since its debut at EMO 2023. With X/Y/Z strokes of 375/150/610mm, and spindle speeds up to 42,000rpm, the NTX500 is engineered for complex, high-precision machining tasks.

The NTX500 was chosen for a project requiring exceptional accuracy and consistency, which existing equipment struggled to maintain. DMG Mori brought a machine to their Coventry showroom, where Technoset’s team collaborated on process development and testing.

After a series of successful trials and customer verification, the NTX500 was approved for production. The result: “The best parts in terms of accuracy and repeatability we’ve ever seen,” Land noted. A long-term order followed, validating the machine’s impact and Technoset’s capability.

Forward Momentum

Despite economic headwinds, Technoset continues to invest confidently in its future. With a clear focus on quality, technology, and long-term customer partnerships, the company is well-positioned to meet growing demand across sectors like fibre optics and advanced engineering.

“These investments not only improve our capacity,” said Land, “they reaffirm our commitment to precision, innovation, and customer trust.”