Star SR-38

$350,000 - $570,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

7,000 min-1

Spindle Power

7.5kw (continuous) / 11kw (10min./25%ED)

Max Turn Length

150mm (5-7/8in)

max bar capacity

38 mm (1.5 in)

max machining diameter

38 mm (1.5 in)

max machining length

320 mm (12.6 in)

Overview

The Star SR-38 is a 10-axis CNC Swiss-type automatic lathe that sits at the top of Star's sliding headstock lineup, handling bar stock up to 38mm (1.5 in) diameter. With 10 controlled axes including a B-axis for angular machining, the SR-38 is designed for the most complex turned-milled parts that would otherwise require multiple setups across different machines. The 11 kW main spindle and 5.5 kW counter spindle both reach 7,000 RPM, providing ample power for aggressive cutting in stainless steel, titanium, and other demanding materials common in medical and aerospace applications.

The SR-38's B-axis is what separates it from simpler Swiss machines. This swiveling tool station enables angular drilling, milling, and tapping at compound angles without dedicated angled holders—dramatically expanding the range of features that can be completed in a single cycle. Combined with the 8-spindle backworking unit and multiple tool stations, the SR-38 can produce parts with cross-holes at arbitrary angles, compound contours, off-axis features, and complex backworked geometry that would challenge or defeat lesser machines. Drilling capacity reaches 23mm diameter, and the machine can tap threads up to M16 x P2.0.

Star's Motion Control System is particularly impactful on a machine this complex, intelligently orchestrating 10 axes to minimize idle time between cuts. The system manages overlapping operations—front turning, cross-work, and backworking can happen simultaneously—to extract maximum productivity from every cycle. The SR-38 is available in Type A and Type B configurations, with the Type B offering enhanced B-axis versatility and additional tooling options. At roughly 4,500 kg, the machine is substantial enough for rigid cutting yet compact enough to fit in standard production environments. The Fanuc control handles the complex multi-path programming required for 10-axis synchronized operation.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	38 mm (1.5 in)
Max Machining Diameter	38 mm (1.5 in)
Max Machining Length	320 mm (12.6 in)
Main Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	11 kW (15 HP)
Counter Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Counter Spindle Power	5.5 kW (7.4 HP)
Number Of Axes	10 (including B-axis)
B Axis Range	135°
Max Drilling Diameter	23 mm
Max Tapping Size	M16 x P2.0
Guide Bushing	Yes
Collet Type	TF48-NFT
Machine Weight	4,300kg
CNC Control	Fanuc
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	7,000 min-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)
Rapid Traverse X	36m/min
Rapid Traverse Y	36m/min
Rapid Traverse Z	36m/min
Coolant Capacity	253ℓ
Cnc Control	Fanuc 31i-B (Type A) and Fanuc 31i-B5 (Type B)
Floor Space	2,740 x 1,315 x 2,120mm
Electrical	16.9 KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing complex orthopedic implants, spinal hardware, and multi-feature surgical instruments Aerospace shops machining hydraulic fittings, actuator components, and precision connectors requiring angular features Automotive manufacturers producing complex sensor housings, injector bodies, and multi-feature turned-milled parts Shops consolidating multi-operation parts onto a single platform to reduce handling, improve accuracy, and cut costs High-value production environments where part complexity justifies the investment in a full 10-axis Swiss platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Star SR-38 cost?

A new Star SR-38 has a list price around $350,000-$570,000 depending on the Type A or Type B configuration, tooling package, and options. The Type B with enhanced B-axis capability sits at the higher end. Used SR-38 machines are relatively scarce on the secondary market due to high demand, but when available, 2012-2020 models typically sell for $150,000-$300,000.

02 What is the difference between the SR-38 Type A and Type B?

The Type B offers enhanced B-axis versatility with additional angular machining positions and expanded tooling options compared to the Type A. The Type B provides more flexibility for complex compound-angle features and typically includes additional backworking capability. Both share the same 38mm bar capacity, 10-axis configuration, and spindle specifications.

03 How does the Star SR-38 compare to the Citizen Cincom L32?

The SR-38 and L32 target somewhat different niches despite both being Swiss lathes. The SR-38 handles larger bar stock (38mm vs 32mm), has more axes (10 vs 7-9), and includes an integrated B-axis. The L32 offers Citizen's LFV chip-breaking technology and a wider range of model configurations. For parts up to 32mm that need LFV for gummy materials, the L32 is excellent. For larger or more geometrically complex parts requiring angular features, the SR-38 is the better platform.

04 What is the B-axis used for on the SR-38?

The B-axis allows the driven tool spindle to swivel through 135 degrees, enabling drilling, milling, and tapping at angles other than perpendicular to the part axis. This is critical for parts with angled cross-holes, compound-angle features, or surfaces that aren't parallel to the machine axes. Without a B-axis, these features require dedicated angled holders or secondary operations on a different machine.

05 Can the SR-38 machine titanium and Inconel?

Yes. The 11 kW main spindle provides substantial torque for machining Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Monel, MP35N, and other exotic alloys commonly used in medical and aerospace applications. The rigid machine construction and guide bushing support maintain accuracy during heavy cuts in these difficult materials. Many SR-38 installations are specifically dedicated to medical-grade titanium and cobalt-chrome work.

06 How many operators does the SR-38 need?

Once set up and paired with a bar feeder, the SR-38 runs unattended for extended periods. One operator can typically oversee 2-4 SR-38 machines during production, handling bar loading, tool monitoring, and quality checks. The initial setup for a new complex part may require a dedicated experienced setup person for several hours, but once dialed in, the machine runs with minimal intervention.