Star Micronics SC-20

Est. $500,000 – $900,000 Updated 2026-10-03

Key Specifications

machine type

CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe

number of spindles

number of stations

bar capacity

1 – 20 mm (0.04 – 0.79 in) diameter

spindle speed

Independent per spindle, up to 8,000 RPM

spindle drive

Individual CNC servo motors per spindle

How much does the Star Micronics SC-20 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$500,000 – $900,000

Our best estimate for a multi-spindle automatic in this class — not a quote from Star Micronics. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Star Micronics SC-20 is listed as a CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe with 6 spindles at 6 stations, taking bar from 1 to 20 mm (0.04 to 0.79 in) in diameter. What defines it in the table is the drive arrangement: each spindle has its own CNC servo motor, its speed is set independently up to 8,000 RPM, and actuation is full CNC with no cams. These are listed figures. They have not been confirmed against a Star page, so verify them before committing a job.

Independent spindle speeds matter on a multi-spindle because every station cuts a different diameter with a different tool. A drill at one station and a form tool at the next can each run at a suitable speed instead of sharing one compromise. The table gives 2 to 3 CNC slides per station, a configurable number, and 2 back-working units as standard, so the cut-off side of the part can be machined without a second operation. With no cams, a changeover is a program and tooling change.

Typical cycle time is listed as 3 to 10 seconds per part and marked part-dependent. Treat it as a range, not as a figure for any particular part. Through-spindle coolant is listed as standard and bar loading is by an automatic magazine bar feeder. Listed materials are steel, brass, aluminum, titanium and plastics.

Weight is approximately 7,500 kg (16,535 lb). The control is described only as a Fanuc-compatible CNC programmed in Fanuc-compatible G-code; the table names no control model.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Machine Type	CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe
Number of Spindles	6
Number of Stations	6
Bar Capacity	1 – 20 mm (0.04 – 0.79 in) diameter
Spindle Speed	Independent per spindle, up to 8,000 RPM
Spindle Drive	Individual CNC servo motors per spindle
Actuation	Full CNC (no cams)
Back Working Spindles	2 back-working units standard
Tool Slides per Station	2–3 CNC slides per station (configurable)
Coolant	Through-spindle coolant standard
Bar Feeder	Automatic magazine bar feeder
CNC Control	Fanuc-compatible CNC
Programming	Fanuc-compatible G-code
Materials	Steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, plastics
Machine Weight	Approx. 7,500 kg (16,535 lb)
Typical Cycle Time	3 – 10 seconds per part (part-dependent)

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

Each of the 6 spindles has its own CNC servo motor and an independent speed of up to 8,000 RPM
Full CNC actuation with no cams, so a changeover does not involve a cam set
2 back-working units are listed as standard for machining the cut-off side
Through-spindle coolant is listed as standard
Bar range of 1 to 20 mm (0.04 to 0.79 in), loaded by an automatic magazine bar feeder

Limitations

Bar diameter stops at 20 mm (0.79 in)
The 3 to 10 seconds cycle time is part-dependent and is not a figure for any specific part
No spindle power, stroke or part-length figures are listed
The control is described only as Fanuc-compatible; no control model is named

Best For

High-volume small parts from bar of 1 to 20 mm (0.04 to 0.79 in) Part families that change over often, since there are no cams to swap Parts needing cut-off side work, using the 2 back-working units Steel, brass, aluminum, titanium and plastics, the listed materials

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Does the SC-20 use cams?

No, the table lists actuation as full CNC with no cams, and each spindle is driven by an individual CNC servo motor. Each station has 2 to 3 CNC slides, a number that is configurable. Programming is in Fanuc-compatible G-code on a Fanuc-compatible CNC.

02 How fast do the SC-20's spindles run?

Spindle speed is listed as independent per spindle, up to 8,000 RPM. Because the 6 spindles are not tied to one speed, each station can run at the speed its own tool and diameter call for. The table gives no spindle power figure.

03 What cycle time can be expected from the SC-20?

The table gives a typical cycle time of 3 to 10 seconds per part and states that it is part-dependent. It is a range for the class of work, not a prediction. A real figure needs a time study on the actual part, bar material and tooling.

04 What bar sizes and materials is the SC-20 listed for?

Bar from 1 to 20 mm (0.04 to 0.79 in) in diameter, fed by an automatic magazine bar feeder. The listed materials are steel, brass, aluminum, titanium and plastics. Through-spindle coolant is listed as standard. The machine weighs approximately 7,500 kg (16,535 lb).