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07.11.2003
Working area a recently upgraded sliding-head lathe can deploy a total of 28 tools with three in cut at any one time for simultaneous front and reverse end machining.
Following a major upgrade, Star's SR-20R sliding-headstock lathe, which falls mid way in the Japanese manufacturer's range in terms of specification, will now turn, mill, drill/tap and carry out other machining operations such as thread whirling and wobble broaching on more complex components up to 20 mm diameter in a single hit.
Most notable is an increase in the number of tools in the working area to 28, around a quarter more than equivalent competitive models.
The six-position turning tool post above the guide bush is unaltered but the live crossworking post, which previously had four stations, can now deploy five tools.
Its versatility is such that one of the stations may be fitted with a cartridge containing three front-facing, driven tools that can be brought into play alongside the four pre-existing, in-line, powered or static tools for front endworking.
Alternatively, the post can house three cross-working tools plus a larger cartridge with five front-facing driven tools; or with two front-facing and two rear-facing tools, the latter complementing the four powered or static tools on the backworking attachment for simultaneously machining the reverse end of a parted-off component in the sub spindle.
All live stations have rigid tapping capability.
Said Bob Hunt, managing director of Star Micronics GB, "This has been the best selling machine in the Star range for many years, both in the UK and abroad, owing to the excellent balance between capital investment and complexity of component that can be produced.
We are therefore confident that the new model will prove even more popular.
"Moreover, we are able to offer the enhanced capability of the SR-20R II at a price equivalent to that of the former model, and with delivery in the UK from September this year."
The specification of the lathe includes a 10,000 rpm main spindle with full C-axis and an 8,000 rpm sub spindle with the option of a C-axis instead of the standard 15 degree indexing.
Rapid traverse in each axis is a generous 20 m/min, contributing to short cycle times.
The 32-bit CNC system has fast processing capability and the control panel may be swung towards the machining area to facilitate set-up.
Contributing also to rapid changeover is a mechanism for automatically adjusting collet gripping force for both main and sub spindle, and for the clearance between guide bush and bar.
Absolute detection of slideway positions is standard, designed to save time when the power supply is switched off and on by returning the machine immediately to its former settings.
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