Starrag LX 051

$900,000 - $1,600,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,050 mm (41.3 in)

Y Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 standard (120 optional)

Overview

The Starrag LX 051 is a horizontal 5-axis machining center in Starrag's LX series, designed for the complete 5-axis machining of complex airframe structural parts such as wing ribs, spars, frames, and engine-attachment fittings. The LX series complements Starrag's NX (column-type) and SRM (blisk) lines by offering a horizontal-spindle configuration that provides superior chip evacuation and coolant delivery for aerospace aluminum and titanium structural work.

The LX 051 features a 500 mm rotary table (B/C axis) that delivers full simultaneous 5-axis motion, with axis travels of 1,050 mm (41.3 in) in X, 800 mm (31.5 in) in Y, and 800 mm (31.5 in) in Z. The horizontal spindle accepts HSK-A63 tooling and delivers up to 20,000 RPM at 30 kW (40 HP) for high-speed aluminum machining, or can be configured with a lower-speed, higher-torque option for titanium structural applications. Rapid traverse reaches 40 m/min (1,575 IPM) on linear axes.

Maximum workpiece capacity is 600 kg (1,323 lb) on the rotary table, accommodating the majority of single-aisle aircraft structural detail parts. Positioning accuracy of ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) and repeatability of ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) support the tight geometric tolerances required under AS9100 aerospace quality systems.

The Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control provides full 5-axis simultaneous interpolation, CYCLE800 swivel plane cycles, and Starrag's proprietary aerospace postprocessor library. The horizontal configuration makes the LX 051 particularly effective when used in pallet-pool FMS cells for sustained lights-out production of recurring airframe part families. New LX 051 machines price between $900,000 and $1,600,000 depending on configuration.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,050 mm (41.3 in)
Y-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Table Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Rotary Axes	B-axis (tilting) + C-axis (rotary), simultaneous 5-axis
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	30 kW (40 HP) continuous
Max Workpiece Weight	600 kg (1,323 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	40 m/min (1,575 IPM)
Tool Capacity	60 standard (120 optional)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in)
Repeatability	±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Spindle Orientation	Horizontal
Su	Mo
Cumpleaos	undefined

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Horizontal spindle orientation provides natural chip-fall and coolant drainage, critical for aluminum aerospace machining where chip re-cutting degrades surface finish and accelerates tool wear
20,000 RPM spindle enables high-speed aluminum cutting — removing material at rates that make complex airframe ribs and frames economically viable to produce
Full simultaneous 5-axis motion on a rigid horizontal platform machines complex airframe geometry — undercuts, angled flanges, intersecting bores — in a single setup
600 kg table load and 500 mm table diameter cover the vast majority of single-aisle airframe structural detail parts without size compromise
FMS-compatible horizontal layout is ideal for pallet pool integration, enabling lights-out multi-shift production of recurring aerospace part families
Starrag's aerospace postprocessor library accelerates new program development by providing proven, validated starting points for complex 5-axis airframe programs

Limitations

20,000 RPM spindle is optimized for aluminum; shops needing sustained heavy titanium roughing may prefer the NX 138's higher-torque configuration
Price range of $900K-$1.6M restricts the LX 051 to committed aerospace production environments — not a general-purpose investment
40 m/min rapid traverse is modest compared to high-speed vertical 5-axis centers optimized for aluminum aerospace machining
500 mm table diameter limits part size; oversized airframe components require a larger LX variant or a gantry-type machine
Specialized aerospace orientation means resale market is narrow compared to more general-purpose 5-axis machining centers

Best For

Aerospace Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers producing recurring families of aluminum wing ribs, spar sections, frames, and fittings in high-mix, low-to-medium volume environments Airframe manufacturers running FMS cells for sustained unmanned production of structural detail parts where horizontal chip evacuation and pallet automation are essential Defense manufacturers machining complex aluminum and titanium airframe components under AS9100 and NADCAP quality requirements Aerospace job shops transitioning from 3+2 machining to full simultaneous 5-axis for complex structural parts with undercuts and compound angles Contract manufacturers serving multiple OEM programs who need a flexible 5-axis horizontal platform capable of rapid part-family changeover

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the Starrag LX 051 and NX 138?

The LX 051 uses a horizontal spindle orientation with a rotary/tilting table and targets aerospace aluminum structural machining at up to 20,000 RPM. The NX 138 uses a moving-column architecture with a stationary table and is focused on high-power titanium and Inconel roughing at up to 100 kW spindle power. The LX 051 excels in high-speed aluminum airframe work with natural chip evacuation; the NX 138 excels in aggressive titanium removal on large, heavy structural components.

02 Can the LX 051 machine titanium?

Yes, but with appropriate spindle configuration. The standard 20,000 RPM / 30 kW spindle is optimized for aluminum. For titanium structural parts, Starrag offers lower-speed, higher-torque spindle variants for the LX platform. Titanium machining on the LX 051 is practical for moderate material removal rates; shops requiring aggressive titanium roughing at full power should evaluate the NX 138 instead.

03 Is the LX 051 suitable for pallet automation?

Yes — the LX 051's horizontal spindle and pallet interface are designed for FMS integration. The machine connects with pallet pool systems from Starrag, Fastems, Liebherr, and others. For aerospace shops running families of structural parts across multiple shifts, a pallet pool of 12-40 pallets enables consistent lights-out production with minimal operator intervention.

04 What CAM software works with the LX 051?

The LX 051 is compatible with all major 5-axis CAM packages including OPEN MIND hyperMILL, Siemens NX CAM, Dassault CATIA V5/V6 NC, and Mastercam. Starrag maintains a validated postprocessor library for these platforms, and works directly with application engineers at CAM vendors to ensure kinematics models and tool-path output are qualified for aerospace production. Customers are advised to engage Starrag's applications team early in CAM implementation.

05 How does the horizontal spindle benefit aerospace machining?

Horizontal spindle orientation allows chips to fall away from the cutting zone by gravity rather than accumulating in pockets and cavities. For aluminum airframe parts — which generate large chip volumes — this dramatically reduces the risk of chip re-cutting, which damages surface finish, accelerates tool wear, and can break cutters. The horizontal configuration also makes coolant delivery to the cutting zone more effective, improving tool life and part quality on deep-feature machining.