About Star CNC Machines
Star Micronics has been building Swiss-type lathes since 1948 — they didn't invent the sliding headstock, but they've spent decades refining it. The SR series is their bread and butter: the SR-20J handles 20mm bar stock, the SR-32J goes to 32mm, and the SR-38 takes it to 38mm. The "J" suffix means it has a back spindle for simultaneous front and back machining, which cuts cycle time significantly on parts that need work on both ends. Most Star machines run Fanuc controls, which makes finding service techs easier than some of the more proprietary Swiss control systems. Parts availability is good for post-2000 machines. Older SR series from the 1990s can be harder to source parts for, so factor that in if you're looking at a machine from that era. The SB series handles smaller diameter work — the SB-12R and SB-16R are built for very fine precision work under 16mm. If you're not sure which model fits your part mix, we can help you figure it out.Star Swiss Lathe Models — What the Numbers Mean
Star's model numbering is straightforward once you know the system. The number after SR or SB tells you the maximum bar stock diameter in millimeters: SR-20 = 20mm, SR-32 = 32mm, SR-38 = 38mm. The letter suffix tells you the configuration: "J" means back spindle (sub-spindle), "R" means right-hand tooling layout, and "II" or "IV" indicates the generation. So an SR-20JII is a 20mm, back-spindle machine in its second generation. We carry SR-20J, SR-32J, SR-38, SB-12R, SB-16R, ST-20, ST-38, SV-20R, SV-32, SV-38R, and ECAS series machines when available.Who Runs Star CNC Machines
Medical device manufacturers are the biggest buyers — the tolerances Star machines hold on implant screws, surgical instrument parts, and catheter components are hard to match with conventional turning equipment. Aerospace fastener shops run them for high-volume precision hardware. Electronics manufacturers use them for connector pins and terminal components. If your shop is running Swiss parts in volume and your current machine is aging out, a used Star is worth a serious look. They hold their value well because demand from these industries stays consistent.Service and Maintenance Notes
Star machines need a tech who knows Swiss lathes — the guide bushing setup, collet maintenance, and bar feeder alignment are different from conventional CNC lathe work. Most Fanuc-trained service techs can handle the control side; the mechanical side is where Swiss experience matters. Parts for SR and SB series machines are available through Star dealers and aftermarket suppliers. Budget for guide bushing replacement as part of your purchase evaluation — a worn guide bushing is the most common reason a used Swiss lathe isn't holding tolerance.Models
- Star SB-12R
- Star SB-16R
- Star SB-20R
- Star SR-10J
- Star SR-20J
- Star SR-20JII
- Star SR-20R IV
- Star SR-32J
- Star SR-32JII
- Star SR-38
- Star SR-38J
- Star ST-20
- Star ST-38
- Star SV-20R
- Star SV-38R
- Star SW-12R ll
- Star SW-20
- Star ECAS-20
- Star ECAS-32T
- Star SB-16
- Star SB-16D
- Star SB-16E
- Star SC-20
- Star SR-20R II
- Star SV-12
- Star SV-20
- Star SV-32
- Star SV-32J II