Star Micronics SR-32J

$300,000 – $480,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

Max. 7,000min-1

Spindle Power

5.5kw (continuous) / 7.5kw (30min./60%ED)

Max Turn Length

310mm (12-13/64in)

max bar diameter

32 mm (1.26 in)

max part length

200 mm (7.87 in) with guide bushing

number of axes

5 simultaneous (up to 9 with optional units)

Overview

The Star Micronics SR-32J is a Swiss-type CNC sliding headstock lathe designed for simultaneous five-axis machining of bar stock up to 32 mm in diameter. Star Micronics, a Japanese precision machine tool builder with a long history in Swiss-type lathe development, engineered the SR-32J to deliver high-cycle efficiency, strong multi-axis capability, and a compact footprint suitable for high-density shop floor deployment. The SR-32J is recognized in the Swiss machining community for its rigid construction and competitive performance in precision turned component production.

The SR-32J features overlapping axis motion during machining, allowing the machine to begin positioning the next tool while cutting with the current one. This overlapping motion — a key design focus in Star's SR-series architecture — reduces non-cutting time between operations and contributes to cycle time reduction on complex multi-operation parts. Combined with the machine's high rapid traverse rates and fast spindle acceleration, overlapping axis control makes the SR-32J a competitive choice for high-volume Swiss production where seconds per cycle translate directly to machine output and profitability.

The machine supports both guide bushing and guide bushing-less operation, with the conversion between modes achievable through a tooling change rather than a machine modification. Guide bushing mode is preferred for long, slender parts where additional workpiece support prevents deflection, while guide bushing-less mode reduces bar remnant waste and is well-suited to shorter workpieces. Star's guide bushing cartridge design allows quick changeover between modes, which is an advantage for shops running mixed part families with different length-to-diameter ratios.

Star Micronics supports the SR-32J with the FANUC 32i-B control, a platform familiar to operators across a wide range of CNC turning and machining applications. The FANUC control provides compatibility with common CAM post-processors and simplifies operator training in shops that already use FANUC-based equipment. Star's North American distribution and service network provides application support, spare parts availability, and field service coverage across the United States and Canada, contributing to the machine's strong installed base in North American precision parts manufacturing.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Diameter	32 mm (1.26 in)
Max Part Length	200 mm (7.87 in) with guide bushing
Number Of Axes	5 simultaneous (up to 9 with optional units)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 rpm
Sub Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Guide Bushing	Yes (guide bushing-less conversion available)
Live Tools	Yes — driven tools on upper and lower tool posts
Live Tool Speed	6,000 rpm
CNC Control	FANUC 32i-B
Machine Weight	3,100kg
Key People	Frank Schlesinger
Related Topics	brightness
Max Turning Diameter	ø32mm (1-1/4in)
Max Turning Length	310mm (12-13/64in)
Bar Capacity	ø32mm (1-1/4in)
Turret Stations	6 tools
Max Spindle Speed	Max. 7,000min-1
Spindle Motor Power	5.5kw (continuous) / 7.5kw (30min./60%ED)
Rapid Traverse X	24m/min
Rapid Traverse Y	24m/min
Rapid Traverse Z	24m/min
Coolant Capacity	174ℓ
Cnc Control	Fanuc 32i-B
Floor Space	2,711 x 1,275 x 1,705mm
Electrical	6.2KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Overlapping axis motion reduces non-cutting time between operations, delivering competitive cycle times on complex multi-operation Swiss parts
FANUC 32i-B control is familiar to operators across many CNC platforms, simplifying training and CAM post-processor integration
Guide bushing / guide bushing-less conversion via tooling change — no machine modification required — supports mixed part family production
Strong North American Star Micronics distribution and service network ensures parts availability and field support

Limitations

Sub-spindle speed (8,000 rpm) is lower than the main spindle, which can be a limiting factor for high-speed back-working strategies on small-diameter features
Live tool speed of 6,000 rpm is adequate for most work but trails higher-speed options available on competing machines for demanding milling operations
Base 5-axis configuration requires optional units to reach full 9-axis capability — total machine cost increases significantly with full optional tooling

Best For

Precision parts manufacturers producing automotive fuel system, hydraulic, and connector components requiring consistent quality at high volume Medical device and dental component producers machining stainless steel and titanium Swiss-turned parts in the 10–32 mm diameter range Job shops seeking a FANUC-based Swiss lathe for easier operator cross-training and CAM integration with existing FANUC machine fleet Swiss machining operations prioritizing cycle time efficiency through overlapping axis motion on complex multi-operation components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the maximum bar diameter for the Star Micronics SR-32J?

The SR-32J accepts bar stock up to 32 mm (1.26 inches) in diameter. This is the standard capacity for the 32-class Swiss lathe market, covering the dominant range of precision turned component diameters in medical, automotive, and industrial applications. For smaller diameter work, the SR-32J can also run smaller bar with appropriate collets and guide bushings.

02 How does overlapping axis motion improve cycle time on the SR-32J?

Overlapping axis motion allows the machine's control to begin moving the next tool or axis into position while the current cutting operation is still in progress. On complex parts with many operations, this concurrent motion reduces the accumulated non-cutting time between operations that would otherwise add up to significant cycle time. Star's SR-series architecture specifically prioritizes this overlap to maximize spindle cutting time as a percentage of total cycle time.

03 Can the SR-32J be run without a guide bushing?

Yes. The SR-32J supports guide bushing-less operation through a tooling change rather than a machine modification. In guide bushing-less mode, the guide bushing unit is removed and replaced with a short guide collet, reducing bar remnant length. This mode is preferred for short workpieces where material savings on expensive bar stock — particularly titanium and stainless — are significant. Guide bushing mode provides better workpiece support for longer or slender parts.