Starrag NX 138

$1,500,000 - $2,500,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,380 mm (54.3 in)

Y Travel

1,000 mm (39.4 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

6,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A100

Tool Capacity

60 standard (120 optional)

Overview

The Starrag NX 138 is a high-power 5-axis machining center purpose-engineered for the roughing and finishing of large titanium and Inconel aerostructural components. Part of Starrag's NX series — developed specifically to meet the exacting demands of aerospace prime contractors — the NX 138 combines a high-torque spindle, thermally stable moving-column architecture, and a large working envelope to tackle the most demanding metal-removal challenges in airframe manufacturing.

Axis travels measure 1,380 mm (54.3 in) in X, 1,000 mm (39.4 in) in Y, and 800 mm (31.5 in) in Z, with full simultaneous 5-axis motion through a tilting rotary table (A and C axes). The spindle is a core-cooled, high-torque unit delivering up to 6,000 RPM and 100 kW (134 HP) continuous power through an HSK-A100 interface, optimized for aggressive material removal in Ti-6Al-4V and Ni-based superalloys. Feed rates up to 20 m/min on linear axes balance cutting efficiency with the controlled dynamics needed for large aerostructure tolerances.

The NX 138's table accepts workpieces up to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) and up to 1,200 mm in length, accommodating wing ribs, spar sections, bulkheads, and engine pylons. The moving-column design keeps the workpiece stationary during machining, critical for large parts that cannot be dynamically loaded. Positioning accuracy meets DIN 300 Part 2 standards at ±0.008 mm (±0.00031 in) with ±0.004 mm (±0.00016 in) repeatability.

The Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control integrates Starrag's Process Optimizer software for titanium roughing cycle optimization. Competing platforms include the Forest-Liné Minumac, MAG Cincinnati Giddings and Lewis, and Dörries Scharmann. New NX 138 machines price between $1,500,000 and $2,500,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Rotary Axes	A-axis (tilting table) + C-axis (rotary table)
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A100
Spindle Motor Power	100 kW (134 HP) continuous
Max Workpiece Weight	1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Max Workpiece Length	1,200 mm (47.2 in)
Feed Rate Max	20 m/min (787 IPM)
Tool Capacity	60 standard (120 optional)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.008 mm (±0.00031 in)
Repeatability	±0.004 mm (±0.00016 in)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Architecture	Moving column, stationary table

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

100 kW continuous spindle power enables aggressive titanium roughing at material removal rates that significantly reduce cycle times on large aerostructure components
Moving-column architecture keeps large workpieces stationary, eliminating the inertia and vibration issues that degrade accuracy when large parts are dynamically indexed
Full 5-axis simultaneous machining of complex aerostructure geometry — wing ribs, spar sections, bulkheads — in a single setup reduces fixturing costs and eliminates re-chucking errors
Starrag Process Optimizer integration with the Siemens 840D sl control automatically adjusts cutting parameters for titanium roughing, maximizing material removal while protecting the spindle
HSK-A100 tooling interface provides the high clamping forces needed to resist cutting forces during aggressive titanium and Inconel cutting
1,500 kg table load capacity and 1,200 mm workpiece length accommodate the majority of single-aisle aircraft structural components without size compromise

Limitations

Price of $1.5M-$2.5M is a major capital commitment, justifiable only for aerospace prime or Tier 1 production at significant part volumes
6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed limits aluminum machining efficiency; a high-speed spindle variant would be needed for aluminum-intensive aerostructure programs
Large machine footprint and moving-column architecture require substantial floor space, foundation, and environmental control infrastructure
60-tool standard magazine may not be sufficient for complex programs with high tool diversity; 120-tool expansion adds cost
Long delivery times from Starrag (typically 12-18 months) can complicate production planning for urgent capacity additions

Best For

Aerospace prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers producing titanium wing ribs, spar sections, bulkheads, and structural pylons where aggressive material removal and tight tolerances must coexist Engine mount and nacelle manufacturers machining titanium and Inconel structural components with complex 5-axis geometries Defense manufacturers producing large, high-strength airframe components under AS9100 and NADCAP-audited quality systems Aerostructure job shops specializing in high-value titanium and Inconel programs where material cost and scrap rate make accuracy paramount Contract manufacturers building capacity to service single-aisle and wide-body aircraft programs for Boeing, Airbus, and their supply chains

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the Starrag NX series designed for?

The Starrag NX series was purpose-developed for high-volume aerospace structural machining in titanium and Inconel. The NX machines are configured to deliver maximum material removal rates in these difficult alloys while maintaining the tight tolerances (typically ±0.05 mm or better) required for aerospace structural certification. The NX 138 targets the medium-large aerostructure segment, bridging smaller 5-axis machining centers and full gantry systems.

02 How does the NX 138 handle titanium machining?

The NX 138's 100 kW spindle provides the torque needed to maintain high chip loads in titanium at the relatively low spindle speeds (2,000-4,000 RPM range) optimal for Ti-6Al-4V. The machine's rigid moving-column structure and direct-drive rotary axes minimize chatter during long roughing passes. Starrag's Process Optimizer software, integrated with the Siemens 840D sl, continuously monitors cutting forces and adjusts feed rates to maximize material removal without spindle overload.

03 Can the NX 138 machine aluminum aerostructures?

The NX 138 can machine aluminum, but its 6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed means it is not optimized for high-speed aluminum cutting (which typically benefits from 15,000-24,000 RPM). Shops primarily machining aluminum aerostructures would be better served by a dedicated high-speed 5-axis center. The NX 138 is best positioned for programs that are predominantly titanium or Inconel, with aluminum operations as a secondary requirement.

04 What is the delivery time for a new Starrag NX 138?

Delivery times for Starrag NX series machines typically range from 12 to 18 months from order confirmation, reflecting their custom-configured nature and build complexity. Early engagement with Starrag's application engineering team is essential for planning production ramp-up schedules aligned with aircraft program timelines.

05 How does the NX 138 compare to gantry-type aerostructure machines?

The NX 138 is a column-type 5-axis machine optimized for medium-large parts up to 1,500 kg, offering more agile setup and better accessibility than a full gantry. Gantry machines (like the Starrag Ecospeed F or similar) target the largest fuselage-panel and spar work where X-travel exceeds several meters. The NX 138 occupies the sweet spot between large-format 5-axis trunnion machines and full gantry systems, covering the majority of structural detail part programs.