Star SB-16

Est. $80,000 - $150,000 Updated 2026-10-03

Image: starcnc.com, Star Micronics

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min

max bar capacity

16 mm (0.63 in)

max machining diameter

16 mm (0.63 in)

max machining length

150 mm (5.9 in)

main spindle speed

10,000 RPM

back spindle speed

8,000 RPM

How much does the Star SB-16 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$80,000 - $150,000

Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from Star Micronics. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Star SB-16 is listed as a compact 5-axis Swiss-type lathe for 16 mm (0.63 in) bar, with a 150 mm (5.9 in) maximum machining length, 16 tool positions and a guide bushing as standard. Nothing on this page has been confirmed against a Star product page. Read the numbers as listed figures and confirm them from the machine's own plate and manual.

Small is the point here. At 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) and 7 kVA of power consumption, the SB-16 asks little of a floor or a supply, which counts when several machines share a cell or a circuit. For comparison, the SB-16R Type G is listed at 1,700 kg.

The main spindle is listed at 10,000 RPM and the back spindle at 8,000 RPM. On stock of 16 mm and under, speed more than power usually governs the cut, and the back spindle's lower limit only shows on very small diameters during back-end work. Five axes is a modest count, so expect less overlap between front and back operations than on machines with more axes.

Rapid traverse is 30 m/min, where the SB-16D and SB-16E are listed at 35m/min on X, Y and Z. The control is a Fanuc 31i-B.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	16 mm (0.63 in)
Max Machining Diameter	16 mm (0.63 in)
Max Machining Length	150 mm (5.9 in)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Back Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM
Number of Axes	5
Tool Positions	16
Guide Bushing	Yes (standard)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min
Machine Weight	1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Power Consumption	7 kVA

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

10,000 RPM main spindle and 8,000 RPM back spindle on 16 mm (0.63 in) bar
16 tool positions on a 5-axis machine
Guide bushing is listed as standard, with 150 mm (5.9 in) of machining length
Light at 1,500 kg (3,307 lb), with power consumption of 7 kVA

Limitations

Rapid traverse is 30 m/min; the SB-16D and SB-16E are listed at 35m/min
Five axes only, which limits how much front and back work can overlap
Bar capacity is 16 mm (0.63 in); the SB-20RII starts at ø20mm (25/32in)
No spindle power figures are listed

Best For

Small turned parts from bar up to 16 mm (0.63 in) Slender parts up to 150 mm (5.9 in) long that need guide-bushing support Cells where a 1,500 kg (3,307 lb), 7 kVA machine suits the floor and supply

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What size parts does the SB-16 handle?

The listed maximum bar capacity and machining diameter are 16 mm (0.63 in), and the maximum machining length is 150 mm (5.9 in). A guide bushing is listed as standard, which is what supports a part of that length at that diameter.

02 How fast are the spindles on the SB-16?

The main spindle is listed at 10,000 RPM and the back spindle at 8,000 RPM. No spindle power is listed for either. Rapid traverse is 30 m/min.

03 What does the SB-16 need for installation?

The listed machine weight is 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) and power consumption is 7 kVA. Both are listed figures, so check them against the nameplate before sizing the supply. The table gives no footprint, air or coolant figures.

04 How does the SB-16 compare with the SB-16R Type G?

Both are 16 mm machines. The SB-16 is listed with 30 m/min rapid traverse, a weight of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) and a Fanuc 31i-B control. The SB-16R Type G is listed with 35 m/min on X1, Y1, Z1, X2 and Z2, a weight of 1,700 kg and a Fanuc 0i-TD control. The SB-16 figures are unconfirmed, so treat the comparison with care.