Star SU FLX
Image: star-su.com, Star SU
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Workpiece ⌀
x axis travel
y axis travel
z axis travel
How much does the Star SU FLX cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Star SU FLX that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Star SU FLX is a compact 5-axis CNC tool and cutter grinder for carbide round tools, with a base footprint of 72.0 in x 55.0 in and a 24,000 RPM grinding spindle. Star Cutter describes it as 15% smaller than its other 5-axis tool grinder, and the base model weighs 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg).
Travels are 16.9 in (429 mm) in X, 11 in (280 mm) in Y and 13.38 in (340 mm) in Z, with 260° of B-axis rotation and a C-axis that turns at 1,500 RPM. The working range follows from that: tools up to 9 in (228 mm) long, 4 in (100 mm) in diameter when sharpening with hand loading, and 1 in (25 mm) in diameter for new tools loaded automatically. Star Cutter calls 9 in length and 1 in diameter the sweet spot.
Two spindles are listed, both with automatic HSK50 clamping: an asynchronous 7 kW unit and a synchronous 15 kW unit. The base machine carries two wheels. The automation bay raises that to as many as 15 wheel changing stations and brings pallet loading for parts from 3 to 20 mm in diameter, with up to 1,105 parts on a pallet depending on their size.
That bay is modular and can be added in the field. It widens the machine from 55.0 in to 94.5 in and takes the weight to 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg). The control is the FlexiumPro CNC, which keeps the functions of the Flexium+ system: 3D simulation, probing cycles for tool and wheel, in-process wheel dressing and adaptive grinding.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 16.9 in (429 mm) |
| Y Axis Travel | 11 in (280 mm) |
| Z Axis Travel | 13.38 in (340 mm) |
| B Axis Range | 260° |
| C Axis Range | 360° (1,500 RPM) |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 4 in (100 mm) sharpening / handload; 1 in (25 mm) new manufacturing / autoload |
| Max Workpiece Length | 9 in (228 mm) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 24,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW max. |
| Spindle Options | Asynchronous: Auto HSK50, 7 kW; Synchronous: Auto HSK50, 15 kW |
| Wheel Capacity | Two wheels; up to 15 wheel changing stations with automation |
| Automation Part Diameter | 3–20 mm (0.118–0.787 in) |
| Automation Part Length | up to 228 mm (9 in) |
| Automation Pallet Capacity | up to 1,105 parts depending on part size |
| CNC Control | FlexiumPro CNC |
| Machine Dimensions | 72.0 in x 55.0 in x 73.5 in (1,829 mm x 1,397 mm x 1,862 mm) (L x W x H, base model) |
| Machine Dimensions with Automation | 72.0 in x 94.5 in x 73.5 in (1,829 mm x 2,400 mm x 1,862 mm) (L x W x H) |
| Machine Weight | 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) base model; 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg) with automation |
Specifications sourced from star-su.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Base footprint of 72.0 in x 55.0 in, which Star Cutter puts at 15% smaller than the NXT
- 24,000 RPM spindle in two versions, asynchronous 7 kW or synchronous 15 kW, both Auto HSK50
- Wheel capacity grows from two wheels to as many as 15 wheel changing stations with the automation bay
- Pallet automation loads parts from 3 to 20 mm in diameter and up to 228 mm (9 in) long, with up to 1,105 parts per pallet
- Automation can be added in the field, so the base machine can be bought first
Limitations
- Automatic loading is limited to 1 in (25 mm) in diameter; tools up to 4 in (100 mm) are loaded by hand
- Tool length stops at 9 in (228 mm), against 381 mm (15 in) of end-work grind length on the NXT
- Y travel of 11 in (280 mm) and Z travel of 13.38 in (340 mm) leave less room than the 650 mm (25.6 in) and 768 mm (30.2 in) of the NXT
- Maximum spindle power is 15 kW, where the NXT is offered with 28 kW
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The FLX is the smaller machine. Star Cutter describes its footprint as 15% smaller than the NXT, and its travels are 16.9 in (429 mm), 11 in (280 mm) and 13.38 in (340 mm) against 506 mm (19.9 in), 650 mm (25.6 in) and 768 mm (30.2 in) on the NXT. The FLX takes tools up to 9 in (228 mm) long, and its strongest spindle is 15 kW, where the NXT goes to 28 kW.
02
Up to 9 in (228 mm) long. Maximum diameter depends on how the tool is loaded: 4 in (100 mm) for sharpening with hand loading, and 1 in (25 mm) for new manufacturing with automatic loading. The automation takes diameters from 3 to 20 mm. Star Cutter puts the sweet spot at 9 in length and 1 in diameter.
03
Two wheels on the base machine. With the automation bay the wheel changer has up to 15 stations, and Star Cutter states that the magazine design reduces changeover time by 30% compared to standard solutions. The product page also lists a 6 in grinding wheel diameter for the machine.
04
The FlexiumPro CNC, which Star Cutter says can control 32 axes or spindles. It keeps the functions of the Flexium+ system, including 3D simulation, probing cycles for tool and wheel measurement, in-process wheel dressing, adaptive grinding and job control. Setup and programming are done on a large touchscreen panel.
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