Machine Comparison
Star Micronics SB-20RII vs Star Micronics SB-16R Type G
Star Micronics vs Star Micronics · Swiss-Type Lathes
Summary
The Star Micronics SB-20RII and the Star Micronics SB-16R Type G are closely related Swiss-type lathes. They share a main spindle rating of 2.2 kW continuous and 3.7 kW on the 10-minute rating, a 35 m/min rapid traverse and a tool post for 6 tools at 12 mm. The headline difference is bar size.
The SB-20RII turns up to 20 mm (25/32 in), or 25.4 mm (1 in) as an option, against 16 mm (5/8 in). Its sub-spindle runs to 10,000 RPM, or 8,000 RPM with the 25.4 mm option, against 9,000 rpm, and it has a Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control where the SB-16R Type G has a Fanuc 0i-TD. The SB-16R Type G is lighter, 1,700 kg against approx. 2,000 kg. Its listed main spindle speed is lower than its own sub-spindle figure, so confirm that value with the dealer.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Star Micronics SB-20RII | Star Micronics SB-16R Type G |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | ø20mm (25/32in) OP: ø25.4mm (1in) ▲ | ø16mm (5/8in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | Max. 10,000min-1 (OP: Max. 8,000min-1) ▲ | 6,000 rpm |
| Spindle Power | 2.2kW (cont)/3.7kW (10min/25%ED) | 2.2 kW (Continuous) / 3.7 kW (10min./25%ED) |
| Sub-Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM (8,000 RPM with 25.4mm option) ▲ | 9,000 rpm |
| Tool Capacity | 6 tools (ø12mm) / 5 tools (ø16mm) | 6 tools (ø12mm) / 7 tools (ø10mm) |
| Rapid Traverse | 35m/min (X1m Y1, Z1, X2, Z2) | 35 m/min (X1,Y1,Z1,X2,Z2) |
| Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus | Fanuc 0i-TD (8.4" color LCD) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 2,000kg | 1,700 kg |
| Floor Space | 2,070 × 1,095× 1,775mm | 2,070 mm × 1,177 mm × 1,760 mm |
Advantages
Star Micronics SB-20RII
- 20 mm (25/32 in) bar capacity, or 25.4 mm (1 in) as an option, against 16 mm (5/8 in)
- Sub-spindle to 10,000 RPM against 9,000 rpm (8,000 RPM when the 25.4 mm option is fitted)
- Tool post takes 5 tools at 16 mm as the alternative to 6 tools at 12 mm
- 2,070 × 1,095 mm footprint against 2,070 × 1,177 mm
Star Micronics SB-16R Type G
- Lighter machine at 1,700 kg against approx. 2,000 kg
- Tool post takes 7 tools at 10 mm as the alternative to 6 tools at 12 mm
- Suits turned parts up to 16 mm (5/8 in) with small cross holes and slots
Verdict
Buy on bar size. Shops with work between 16 mm and 20 mm, or up to 25.4 mm (1 in) with the option, need the Star Micronics SB-20RII, which also has the faster sub-spindle at 10,000 RPM in its standard form. Shops whose parts stay within 16 mm (5/8 in) give up nothing on spindle power or rapid traverse with the Star Micronics SB-16R Type G, a 1,700 kg machine suited to small parts with cross holes and slots.