Star SB-38
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Tool Capacity
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
max bar capacity
How much does the Star SB-38 cost?
Estimated price range
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-38 is a Swiss-type lathe for bar up to 38 mm (1-1/2 in), built around a 7,000 min-1 main spindle rated 7.5 kW continuous and 11 kW on the 10min./25%ED rating. Machine weight is listed at 4,300 kg, and the maximum turning length is 150 mm (5-7/8 in).
That turning length is the figure to look at first. A 38 mm bar machine with 150 mm (5-7/8 in) of length suits short, stocky parts such as fittings and connector bodies better than long shafts, and anything longer is outside the listed envelope.
The tooling rows describe fixed tool positions. Star gives 5 turning tools on the front, of the stationary type, plus 2 tools on the rear that move under X3 axis control. A second row lists Front 5 tools + Rear 5 tools. The back spindle and the live tools are both listed at 6,000 RPM, a step below the main spindle.
Star uses the same spindle rating elsewhere in this bar size. The SR-38J and the SV-38R are both ø38mm (1-1/2in) machines with 7.5kW continuous and 11kW short-time power, and the SV-38R is listed with 10 stations where the SB-38 has its front and rear tool rows. Against the 20 mm class the difference is mass: the SB-20RII is listed at Approx. 2,000kg, less than half of this machine.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 38 mm (1.496 in) |
| Max Machining Diameter | 38 mm (1.496 in) |
| Back Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Live Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Number of Axes | 6 (X1, Z1, X2, Z2, C1, C2) |
| Tool Positions | 20 (including live tools) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 25 m/min |
| Machine Weight | 4,300kg |
| Max Turning Diameter | Ø38mm (1-1/2in) |
| Max Turning Length | 150mm (5-7/8in) |
| Bar Capacity | 1-1/2" (1.500) diameter |
| Max Spindle Speed | 7,000min-1 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 7.5kw (continuous) / 11kw (10min./25%ED) |
| Turret Stations | 5 tools on the front (stationary type) + 2 tools on the rear (X3 axis control) |
| Tool Capacity | Front 5 tools + Rear 5 tools |
| Rapid Traverse X | 36m/min |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 36m/min |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 36m/min |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-B (Type A) and CNC unit Fanuc 31i-B5 (Type B) |
Specifications sourced from starcnc.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 38 mm (1-1/2 in) bar capacity, against the ø20mm (25/32in) standard size of the SB-20RII
- Main spindle rated 7.5 kW continuous and 11 kW on the 10min./25%ED rating at up to 7,000 min-1
- 2 rear turning tools under X3 axis control in addition to 5 stationary tools on the front
- Back spindle and live tools both listed at 6,000 RPM
- 4,300 kg of machine weight behind a 38 mm bar, where the SB-20RII is listed at Approx. 2,000kg
Limitations
- Maximum turning length is 150 mm (5-7/8 in), so long shaft work is outside the listed envelope
- The 5 front turning tools are a stationary type, and only 2 more sit on the rear
- Back spindle and live tools top out at 6,000 RPM, below the 7,000 min-1 of the main spindle
- The table gives no footprint or coolant tank figure, so installation planning needs Star's layout drawing
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
38 mm (1-1/2 in). The table states it three ways, as 38 mm (1.496 in), as Ø38mm (1-1/2in) maximum turning diameter and as a 1-1/2" (1.500) diameter bar capacity. If your stock is true 1-1/2 in bar, confirm the collet and guide bushing size with Star when ordering.
02
The maximum turning length is listed as 150 mm (5-7/8 in). That is short relative to the 38 mm bar diameter, so the machine is aimed at compact parts. Longer components would need a model with more turning length than this table shows.
03
It is rated 7.5 kW continuous and 11 kW on the 10min./25%ED rating, with a maximum speed of 7,000 min-1. The SR-38J carries the same 7.5kW continuous and 11kW rating at the same ø38mm (1-1/2in) size, so power does not separate the two.
04
Star lists 5 turning tools on the front, of the stationary type, and 2 tools on the rear under X3 axis control. A further row gives Front 5 tools + Rear 5 tools. Live tools are listed at 6,000 RPM. Ask Star for the tooling layout drawing to see how these positions are divided between turning, drilling and driven tools.
05
Both are ø38mm (1-1/2in) machines with 7.5kW continuous spindle power. The SV-38R is listed with 10 stations, while the SB-38 table lists 5 stationary front turning tools and 2 rear tools under X3 axis control. The choice between them comes down to how the tools are carried, not to bar size or power.
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