Release of SP-32, a Swiss-Type Automatic Lathe

Star Micronics Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Suruga-ku, Shizuoka; Representative Director, President, and CEO: Mamoru Sato) will launch the SP-32, a new product of its SP Series of Swiss-type automatic lathes.

The SP-20, which was launched in 2023 as an expansion of the standard series, is used in a variety of industries, including automobiles and industrial equipment, both in Japan and overseas.

The new SP-32 inherits the basic configuration of the SP-20, but is now capable of machining up to 32 mm. The SP Series’ wide range of mountable tools and extensive software features enable it to meet the parts machining needs of a wide range of industries, including IT infrastructure equipment used in data centers, as well as automobiles, hydraulic/pneumatic equipment, and general machinery.

Also, in pursuit of ease of use for operators, the NC unit, which is the brain of the machine tool, is equipped with various support features, including “EASY EDIT” (optional), which allows even inexperienced operators to easily create programs, and a program data batch input/output feature that supports the operator’s daily work. In addition, the machine has been designed with improved operability and workability in mind, such as the cutting chamber door having a wide opening and employing a flip-up door that can provide work space with sufficient room for setup (such as replacing tools and adjusting settings) and maintenance.

A gate-shaped tool post, which is configured to surround the guide bush in the center, is employed as the front-side tool post, just like the SP-20. The front side is equipped with a 6-tool holder, and the back side is equipped with a 6-spindle cross-drilling unit. Four of the six spindles on the cross-drilling unit are cartridge-type positions where a wide variety of tool units can be mounted according to the shape of the workpieces, making it suitable for complex machining. In addition, a 5-spindle type with two positions for large-diameter hole drilling is employed for the sleeve holder for drilling tools on the upper section, allowing it to handle a wide range of drilling tasks.

A 4-spindle type or 5-spindle type can be selected for the tool post specifically for machining on the back side, depending on the shape of the workpieces. The drive system for power-driven tools is installed as standard on both types, enabling the use of various rotating tool units in up to 4 positions, which shortens cycle times by realizing efficient division of machining on the front and back sides.

To support increasingly diverse parts machining needs, the machine is equipped with a guide bush switching mechanism. The guide bush specification enables high-precision machining of long and narrow parts such as motor shafts by suppressing the deflection of materials with its stabilizing effect, while the non-guide bush specification shortens the length of leftover materials to be disposed when machining short parts such as nuts, reducing material costs. This makes machining using the optimal specification for the shape of the workpiece possible.

Main Features

High Functionality

• Utilizes a gate-shaped tool post with excellent tool capacity as the front-side tool post. The turning tool holder on the front side features a 6-station type (16 mm). In addition, the sleeve holder for drilling tools on the upper section features a 5-spindle type, with two positions for large-diameter hole drilling.
• Equipped with a 6-spindle cross-drilling unit at the back of the front-side tool post. A wide variety of tool units can be mounted on the four cartridge-type positions according to the shape of the workpieces.
• Can be equipped with Step Cycle Pro (optional), which is effective for chip-breaking. By entering machining conditions on a dedicated screen, improved machining stability can be achieved by breaking up chips to facilitate their discharge.

High Precision

• Achieves highly accurate and flexible thermal displacement correction based on data from thermal sensors installed on various machine positions.
• Prevents excessive heat by oil mist cooling of the power driven tool gear box on the front tool post.
• Built-in sensors on main/sub spindles. Realizes improved indexing accuracy.

Scalability

• Equipped with a guide bush/non-guide bush switching mechanism. Capable of machining at optimal specifications according to the full dimensions of workpieces.
• Optional torque-up specification is available for both main and sub spindles. Can handle drilling holes up to 14 mm in diameter.