Star Micronics SK-26

$180,000 - $280,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

max bar capacity

26 mm (1.024 in)

max machining diameter

26 mm (1.024 in)

max machining length

200 mm (7.87 in)

main spindle speed

10,000 RPM

main spindle power

3.7 / 5.5 kW (5 / 7.4 HP)

back spindle speed

10,000 RPM

Overview

The Star Micronics SK-26 is a 26mm Swiss-type automatic lathe with sub-spindle and driven tool capability, positioned in Star's lineup as the production-focused platform for the 20-26mm bar range. The SK series represents Star's high-volume production Swiss-type design philosophy: robust machine construction, comprehensive tooling complement, sub-spindle for complete part production, and a focus on production reliability and uptime that suits the high-volume precision manufacturing environments where the SK-26 is most widely deployed.

With 26mm bar capacity, the SK-26 extends Star's Swiss-type production capability into the diameter range occupied by many orthopedic implant components, hydraulic fitting bodies, and larger precision fasteners. The sub-spindle enables complete part machining—front turning, milling, and threading followed by cutoff and full back-work including secondary turning, drilling, and threading—without any operator handling between the front and back machining sequences. This complete-part capability is the fundamental economic justification for Swiss-type machine investment, and the SK-26 delivers it across the full 26mm diameter range.

The SK-26's tooling system accommodates a comprehensive tool complement including gang turning tools, radial driven tools, axial driven tools, and back spindle tooling. Star's tooling architecture for the SK series is designed for efficient changeover between part programs, which is important for precision shops running medium-volume high-mix operations where flexibility between part families is as important as throughput on a single program. The machine's design reflects the balance between production volume capability and setup flexibility that characterizes the broader SK series approach.

Star uses the FANUC CNC control across its major Swiss-type platforms including the SK-26, providing the programming compatibility and support ecosystem that FANUC familiarity brings. Star's LFV chip-breaking is available on the SK-26 for difficult-material applications, enabling lights-out production in stainless steel and titanium—essential for medical and aerospace precision markets where the SK-26's 26mm capacity is particularly well matched to part requirements.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	26 mm (1.024 in)
Max Machining Diameter	26 mm (1.024 in)
Max Machining Length	200 mm (7.87 in)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	3.7 / 5.5 kW (5 / 7.4 HP)
Back Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Back Spindle Power	1.5 / 2.2 kW (2 / 3 HP)
Number Of Axes	9-axis simultaneous
Lfv Chip Breaking	Available (Star LFV)
Guide Bushing	Yes / Guide-bushless option
Driven Tooling	Yes (radial and axial, main and back)
CNC Control	FANUC
Machine Weight	Approx. 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Manufacturer	Star
Model	SV-32
Spindle Bore	56 mm

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Medical implant manufacturers producing orthopedic screws, spinal implant components, and bone anchor heads in the 20-26mm diameter range requiring Swiss-type precision and complete part production Hydraulic and pneumatic component manufacturers producing valve spools, port bodies, and fitting blanks in the 20-26mm bar range at production volumes justifying Swiss-type bar-fed automation Precision industrial and aerospace shops running medium-to-high-volume programs of complex turned and milled parts in the 20-26mm range where complete-part capability and FANUC compatibility are both priorities Swiss production shops upgrading from 20mm capacity to serve larger-diameter medical and industrial part programs without the cost of 32mm Swiss platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the main difference between the Star SK-26 and SC-20?

The SK-26 has 26mm bar capacity with a full sub-spindle for complete part machining. The SC-20 is a compact 20mm platform without a back spindle, intended for simpler parts that don't require back-work capability. The SK-26 is the more capable and more expensive machine, suited for complex complete-part production; the SC-20 is the economical choice for simpler parts where back-work is not required.

02 What does a Star Micronics SK-26 cost?

New SK-26 pricing typically ranges from $180,000 to $280,000 depending on configuration, LFV option, and tooling complement. This positions the SK-26 in the mid-range of the 26mm Swiss-type market, competitive with Citizen Cincom D25-VIII and Tornos DECO 26a for the 25-26mm precision production market.

03 Does the SK-26 support guide-bushless operation?

Yes, the SK-26 is available in both guide bushing and guide-bushless configurations. Guide-bushless operation reduces bar remnant waste and suits parts with shorter length-to-diameter ratios; guide bushing configuration provides maximum rigidity for long, slender parts. The choice depends on the specific part geometry mix the shop runs.

04 How many tool positions does the SK-26 have?

The SK-26 accommodates configurations with numerous tool positions across gang turning, radial driven, axial driven, and back spindle positions. The exact count depends on the specific tooling arrangement, but the SK-26's layout supports the comprehensive tool complement needed for complex part programs without tool changes interrupting the production cycle.

05 Is the Star SK-26 comparable to the Citizen L20-XII for medical production?

Both are capable Swiss-type platforms for the medical precision market, but at different bar capacities. The L20-XII covers up to 20mm (25mm with option) while the SK-26 covers up to 26mm. The L20-XII benefits from a much larger installed base and the exclusive Citizen LFV technology; the SK-26 offers genuine 26mm capacity with Star LFV and FANUC control for shops that prefer the Star ecosystem or specifically need 26mm capacity.