Star Micronics SK-26
Key Specifications
max bar capacity
max machining diameter
max machining length
main spindle speed
main spindle power
back spindle speed
How much does the Star Micronics SK-26 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 SK-26 is listed as a 26 mm (1.024 in) bar machine with 200 mm (7.87 in) of machining length, 9-axis simultaneous control and main and back spindles that both run to 10,000 RPM. Two further rows shape how it is used: it runs with a guide bushing or with a guide-bushless option, and Star LFV chip breaking is marked as available.
The guide bushing choice follows the part. With the bushing, long slender work is supported next to the cut across the 200 mm (7.87 in) length. The guide-bushless option is for short parts, where a bushing adds nothing and a shorter bar remnant saves material. LFV chip breaking is aimed at materials that form long, stringy chips. "Available" should be read as something to specify, not something to assume is fitted.
Spindle power is listed as 3.7 / 5.5 kW (5 / 7.4 HP) on the main spindle and 1.5 / 2.2 kW (2 / 3 HP) on the back spindle. Because both reach the same speed, the back spindle can match surface speed on finishing cuts, but with less than half the power it is not the place for roughing. Driven tooling is listed as radial and axial on both the main and back sides.
The control appears only as FANUC, with no model, and the weight as Approx. 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs). These are listed figures, so check them against the machine on offer.
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) |
| Spindle Bore | 56 mm |
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
- Main and back spindles both listed at 10,000 RPM
- Runs with a guide bushing or with the guide-bushless option
- Star LFV chip breaking is listed as available
- Driven tooling is radial and axial, on both the main and back sides
- 9-axis simultaneous control on a machine of Approx. 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Limitations
- Back spindle power of 1.5 / 2.2 kW (2 / 3 HP) is less than half the 3.7 / 5.5 kW (5 / 7.4 HP) of the main spindle
- Machining length is 200 mm (7.87 in), which caps shaft length in one chucking
- The control is listed only as FANUC, with no model named
- No tool count, Y-axis stroke or rapid traverse figure is listed
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Yes. The guide bushing row reads "Yes / Guide-bushless option", so the machine works as a guide-bushing lathe and can be set up without the bushing where that option is fitted. Bushless running suits short parts and leaves a shorter bar remnant. Confirm that the option is present on the machine you are considering.
02
LFV chip breaking is listed as "Available (Star LFV)". That wording means it can be had on this model, not that every machine has it. If your work produces long chips that wrap around tools, ask specifically whether LFV is included and on which axes.
03
The main spindle is listed at 3.7 / 5.5 kW (5 / 7.4 HP) and the back spindle at 1.5 / 2.2 kW (2 / 3 HP). Both run to 10,000 RPM. The rows do not label which figure is the continuous rating and which is the short-time rating, so have that confirmed if you plan to cut near the limit.
04
The SK-51 Type A is a much larger machine: Ø51mm (2in.) maximum turning diameter, 6,600kg and a spindle of 5,000 rpm rated 7.5kW continuous. The SK-26 is listed at 26 mm (1.024 in), Approx. 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) and 10,000 RPM with 3.7 / 5.5 kW (5 / 7.4 HP).
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