Star Micronics eCA-S32T

$220,000 - $360,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

7,000 min-1

Spindle Power

5.5kw (continuous) / 7.5kw (5min)

Max Turn Length

350mm (13-25/32in)

max machining diameter

32 mm (1-1/4 in)

max headstock stroke

350 mm (13-25/32 in)

max chucking diameter sub

32 mm (1-1/4 in)

Overview

The Star Micronics eCA-S32T is a non-guide-bush turret-type sliding headstock CNC automatic lathe designed for efficient production of medium-to-large components up to 32mm (1.25 inches) diameter. Combining Star's purpose-built non-guide-bush philosophy with dual-turret architecture, the eCA-S32T delivers maximum tooling capacity with minimum bar waste—a combination that directly impacts profitability on parts made from expensive materials like titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt-chrome alloys.

The main spindle delivers 5.5 kW continuous power (7.5 kW peak) via built-in motor drive at up to 7,000 RPM, providing strong cutting capability for medium-to-large diameter work in steel, stainless, and titanium. The sub spindle runs at 7,000 RPM with 2.2 kW continuous (3.7 kW at 15 minutes) via built-in motor drive. The 350mm headstock stroke provides generous machining length, and the maximum front ejection length of 150mm accommodates parts up to nearly 6 inches.

The dual 10-station turret architecture is the eCA-S32T's defining feature. Each turret accepts up to 2 turning tools per station with 16mm shanks, providing a total of 40 potential tool positions across both turrets. An 8-tool backworking post handles secondary operations. Power-driven tools run at up to 5,700 RPM for cross-drilling, milling, and threading operations. C-axis control with 0.01-degree minimum indexing enables precision angular positioning on both spindles.

At 5,700 kg and a footprint of 3,175 x 1,745 mm, the eCA-S32T is a substantial machine built for production. The 230-liter coolant tank and 8.0 kVA power consumption support sustained operation. The non-guide-bush design eliminates guide bush fitting, adjustment, and replacement—simplifying maintenance and reducing operating costs compared to guide-bush machines. This machine serves the growing market of shops that recognize non-guide-bush operation as the optimal approach for shorter-ratio medium-diameter parts.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Machining Diameter	32 mm (1-1/4 in)
Max Headstock Stroke	350 mm (13-25/32 in)
Max Chucking Diameter Sub	32 mm (1-1/4 in)
Max Front Ejection Length	150 mm (5-7/8 in)
Max Part Projection	100 mm (4 in)
Main Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	5.5 kW continuous / 7.5 kW (5 min), built-in motor drive
Sub Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Power	2.2 kW continuous / 3.7 kW (15 min), built-in motor drive
First Turret	10 stations (max 2 tools per station, 16 mm shank)
Second Turret	10 stations (max 2 tools per station, 16 mm shank)
Backworking Post	8 tools
Power Driven Speed	5,700 RPM
C Axis Indexing	0.01 degree minimum
Guide Bushing	Non-guide bush (dedicated design)
Power Consumption	8.0 kVA
Coolant Tank	230 L
Machine Weight	5,700kg
Dimensions	3,175 x 1,745 x 1,860 mm
Max Turning Diameter	Ø32mm (1-1/4in)
Max Turning Length	350mm (13-25/32in)
Turret Stations	10 stations (first turret), 10 stations (second turret)
Max Spindle Speed	7,000 min-1
Spindle Motor Power	5.5kw (continuous) / 7.5kw (5min)
Coolant Capacity	230ℓ
Floor Space	3,175 x 1,745 x 1,860mm
Electrical	8.0KVA
Cnc Control	Motion Control System

Specifications sourced from starcnc.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing expensive titanium and cobalt-chrome implants where bar waste reduction provides direct material cost savings at 32mm diameter Automotive component manufacturers running high-volume shorter-ratio parts (shafts, pistons, fittings) that do not require guide bush support Shops producing parts from high-cost bar stock where the non-guide-bush bar savings justify the purpose-built platform Contract shops handling high-mix 32mm work requiring extensive tool capacity with minimal changeover time between part families Manufacturers transitioning from turning centers to Swiss-type efficiency who prefer the familiar turret-based tooling approach Any shop where eliminating guide bush consumable costs and maintenance time improves overall production economics

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Star Micronics eCA-S32T cost?

A new Star eCA-S32T typically runs $220,000-$360,000 depending on tooling configuration and options. The dual-turret architecture and non-guide-bush specialization position it competitively against guide-bush 32mm Swiss lathes, with the material savings often offsetting the purchase price difference over time.

02 How does the eCA-S32T compare to the SR-32JIII?

The SR-32JIII is a guide-bush machine with gang-type tooling, suited for long slender parts requiring concentricity support. The eCA-S32T is a non-guide-bush machine with dual turrets, optimized for shorter parts where bar waste reduction and tool capacity are priorities. The SR-32JIII has a more powerful sub spindle (3.7 kW vs 2.2 kW). Choose based on part geometry (long vs short) and material cost sensitivity.

03 How much bar material does the eCA-S32T save compared to a guide-bush machine?

At 32mm diameter, a guide-bush machine typically wastes 250-300mm of bar remnant. The eCA-S32T reduces this to approximately 30-50mm, saving about 250mm per bar. On 32mm titanium bar stock at roughly $50-$80 per foot, this saves $40-$65 per bar. Processing 500+ bars annually translates to $20,000-$30,000+ in material savings.

04 Why are there two turrets instead of one?

Dual turrets enable simultaneous operations from two independent tool stations, reducing cycle time by performing operations in parallel. While one turret is turning, the other can be positioned for the next operation. The dual-turret approach also doubles the available tool capacity, supporting complex parts or multiple part families without setup changes.

05 Can the eCA-S32T produce parts as accurately as a guide-bush machine?

For parts with length-to-diameter ratios under approximately 3:1, yes. The eCA-S32T's headstock rigidity and Star Motion Control maintain excellent accuracy on shorter parts. For very long, slender parts (L/D over 3:1), a guide-bush machine will typically deliver better concentricity because the guide bush supports the workpiece close to the cutting point.

06 What part length can the eCA-S32T handle?

With 350mm headstock stroke, the eCA-S32T can machine parts up to approximately 13.5 inches in length. However, for optimal accuracy without guide bush support, most applications keep the part length-to-diameter ratio under 3:1, which at 32mm means parts under approximately 96mm (3.75 inches) in length for the tightest tolerances.