Starrag SRM 500

$1,200,000 - $2,000,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

18,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

40 standard (80 optional)

Spindle Power

35 kW (47 HP) continuous

Max Workpiece ⌀

500 mm (19.7 in)

Accuracy

±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in)

Overview

The Starrag SRM 500 is a dedicated 5-axis machining center engineered specifically for blisk (bladed disk) and impeller milling in aerospace turbine engine manufacturing. Starrag has been the dominant machine builder in blisk machining for decades, and the SRM 500 represents the current generation of that expertise — delivering the combination of high-torque spindle dynamics, precise 5-axis kinematics, and process-tuned software that blisk machining demands.

The SRM 500 is built around a table with up to 500 mm workpiece diameter capacity and a maximum workpiece weight of 150 kg (330 lb), covering the full range of blisk and impeller sizes encountered in regional jet, narrow-body, and wide-body turbine programs. The direct-drive A-axis (tilting) and C-axis (rotary) provide full simultaneous 5-axis motion with angular positioning accuracy better than ±3 arcseconds. The spindle delivers up to 18,000 RPM and 35 kW (47 HP) through an HSK-A63 interface, optimized for titanium, nickel alloy, and aluminum blisk roughing and finishing in a single setup.

What distinguishes the SRM 500 is Starrag's purpose-built blisk machining software, integrated with the Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control, which includes adaptive feed control and contact zone monitoring specifically for blade and channel machining. Starrag works directly with aerospace OEMs and their CAM software partners (OPEN MIND hyperMILL, Siemens NX) to validate post-processors for specific blisk programs.

Machining cycle times for titanium fan blisks have been benchmarked at 30-50% faster than general-purpose 5-axis centers running equivalent programs. Positioning accuracy is ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) with ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) repeatability. New SRM 500 machines price between $1,200,000 and $2,000,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Workpiece Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	150 kg (330 lb)
Max Spindle Speed	18,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	35 kW (47 HP) continuous
A Axis Range	±110°
C Axis	360° continuous
A Axis Accuracy	±3 arcseconds
C Axis Accuracy	±3 arcseconds
Rapid Traverse Linear	30 m/min (1,181 IPM)
Tool Capacity	40 standard (80 optional)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in)
Repeatability	±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Specialty Software	Starrag Blisk machining process package
Condition	used
Year	2012
Category	Machining Centers in Germany
Subcategory	Machinery
Subcategory 2	Aluminium die casting & machining
Listing Id	113544980
Manufacturer	Starrag
Model	HEC 400 D
Location	🇩🇪Germany

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Purpose-engineered for blisk and impeller machining with Starrag's validated process software, reducing programming time and optimizing tool paths specific to blade channel geometry
18,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle covers titanium, nickel alloy, and aluminum blisks in a single machine configuration without spindle change
Direct-drive A and C axes with ±3 arcsecond angular accuracy deliver the rotational precision needed for blade profile tolerances in turbine certification
Starrag's OEM relationships with aerospace engine makers and CAM software vendors mean validated post-processors and cut strategies are available, reducing new program qualification time
Full simultaneous 5-axis machining enables complete blisk roughing and finishing in a single setup, eliminating re-clamping errors that could compromise blade-to-blade indexing accuracy
Adaptive feed control integrated with Siemens 840D sl protects the spindle and workpiece during titanium blade channel roughing, where cutting forces vary significantly with blade curvature

Limitations

500 mm diameter limit restricts the machine to smaller turbine stages; large fan blisks for wide-body engines require larger SRM variants
150 kg maximum workpiece weight is modest; heavier blisk assemblies with integral disks will require the SRM 700 or custom configurations
Highly specialized machine — blisk and impeller focus means it is not cost-effective for general 5-axis production work
Price of $1.2M-$2M is justifiable only at meaningful blisk production volumes under aerospace contracts
Tool capacity of 40 tools is limited for complex blisk programs; the 80-tool expansion is typically required for full-program operation

Best For

Aerospace turbine engine manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers producing compressor and fan blisks for commercial and military engines Aero-engine MRO shops performing blisk repair and restoration where geometric accuracy relative to the original part profile is critical Turbocharger and industrial compressor manufacturers producing high-precision impellers in titanium, aluminum, and nickel alloys Defense propulsion program contractors producing military turbine engine blisks under strict NADCAP and AS9100 quality requirements Research and development facilities validating new turbine blade profiles and novel titanium and CMC alloy machining strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is a blisk and why does it need a specialized machine?

A blisk (bladed disk) is a single-piece turbine rotor component where the blades and disk are integrally machined from one billet rather than assembled separately. The complex geometry of the blade channels — thin, curved, closely spaced blades in a circular array — requires simultaneous 5-axis motion with extremely precise angular positioning and adaptive feed control. General-purpose 5-axis machines can machine blisks but at significantly longer cycle times and with higher risk of chatter and tool overload in the blade channels. Dedicated blisk machines like the SRM 500 reduce cycle time by 30-50%.

02 What materials can the SRM 500 machine?

The SRM 500 machines titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo), nickel superalloys (Inconel 718, Waspaloy, Rene alloys), aluminum alloys (2024, 7075 for lower-pressure stages), and steel. Titanium fan blisks are the primary application for commercial aviation, while nickel alloys dominate in high-pressure compressor stages where temperature resistance is required.

03 How long does it take to machine a titanium fan blisk on the SRM 500?

Cycle time for a titanium fan blisk varies widely based on diameter, blade count, and channel depth, but representative cycle times for a narrow-body engine fan blisk (approximately 400-500 mm diameter, 20-24 blades) range from 40 to 120 hours depending on the roughing to finishing ratio and required surface finish. Starrag's process software and validated toolpaths have reduced these times by 30-50% compared to general 5-axis programs running the same geometry.

04 Does Starrag provide application support for blisk programs?

Yes — Starrag maintains dedicated application engineering teams that work directly with customers to qualify blisk programs. They collaborate with CAM software vendors (OPEN MIND, Siemens NX) and cutting tool suppliers to develop and validate the complete machining process before it runs in production. This level of application support is a significant part of the SRM value proposition for new aerospace customers.

05 What is the difference between the SRM 500 and SRM 700?

The SRM 700 accommodates workpieces up to 700 mm diameter, targeting larger turbine stages including wide-body engine fan blisks and large industrial compressor impellers. The SRM 500 is sized for regional jet and narrow-body engine blisks, turbocharger impellers, and smaller industrial compressors. The SRM 700 uses a higher-torque spindle configuration, reflecting the larger material removal demands of bigger blisk diameters.