Starrag Starrag S1250 HD

$2,000,000 - $3,500,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

HSK-A125

Tool Capacity

Up to 465 tools (HSK-A125)

Table Size

1000 x 1250 mm

max workpiece weight

5,000 kg (11,023 lb)

bearing type

Hydrostatic bearings on all axes

number of axes

5 (simultaneous)

Overview

The Starrag S1250 HD is a large-format hydrostatic 5-axis machining center engineered for heavy-duty simultaneous 5-axis machining of aerospace structural components in titanium, Inconel, and high-strength steel. The HD designation indicates the hydrostatic bearing system that eliminates friction and stick-slip, providing exceptional damping, surface finish quality, and virtually unlimited bearing life under the heaviest cutting loads.

The S1250 HD features a 1,000 x 1,250 mm table accommodating workpieces up to 5,000 kg (11,023 lb). The machine achieves world-class material removal rates exceeding 1,516 cm3/min in titanium when paired with Starrag tooling, and sustains rates above 800 cm3/min in titanium during production operations. This level of metal removal in titanium places the S1250 HD among the most productive 5-axis machines available for hard metal aerospace applications.

Hydrostatic bearings on all guideways provide zero-friction linear motion with exceptional damping characteristics, eliminating the vibration and chatter that limit conventional roller or linear guide machines during heavy titanium machining. The result is longer tool life, better surface finish, and higher material removal rates than machines relying on rolling element bearings. The spindle uses an HSK-A125 taper for maximum rigidity with large-diameter face mills and inserted cutters.

The tool magazine supports up to 465 tools per machine with HSK-A125 interface, enabling complex multi-operation machining sequences on large aerospace parts. Built in Rorschacherberg, Switzerland, new machines typically price between $2,000,000 and $3,500,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	1000 x 1250 mm
Max Workpiece Weight	5,000 kg (11,023 lb)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A125
Bearing Type	Hydrostatic bearings on all axes
Number Of Axes	5 (simultaneous)
Tool Capacity	Up to 465 tools (HSK-A125)
Titanium Mrr	> 800 cm3/min (production), 1,516 cm3/min (peak)
Productivity Gain	30% more productive for titanium and Inconel vs conventional machines
Milling Head	Compact milling heads built for stiffness
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Machine Origin	Rorschacherberg, Switzerland
Table Load Max	5000 kg

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Hydrostatic bearings on all axes provide zero-friction motion with exceptional damping, eliminating chatter during heavy titanium machining and extending tool life significantly
World-record titanium material removal rates exceeding 1,516 cm3/min demonstrate unmatched productivity in hard metal aerospace applications
HSK-A125 taper provides maximum spindle-toolholder rigidity for large-diameter face mills and heavy roughing operations in titanium and Inconel
Up to 465-tool magazine capacity supports complex multi-operation machining of large aerospace structural parts without tool changes between operations
5,000 kg table capacity handles the largest titanium forgings and aerospace structural billets encountered in commercial and military aircraft production
Swiss-built precision with decades of aerospace machining expertise ensures the highest build quality and application support

Limitations

At $2M-$3.5M, the S1250 HD is among the most expensive 5-axis machining centers available, requiring very high-value aerospace production to justify
Hydrostatic bearing systems require dedicated hydraulic power units, filtration, and temperature control, adding maintenance complexity vs roller guideway machines
Very limited global dealer network with service concentrated in key aerospace manufacturing regions
HSK-A125 tooling is less common and more expensive than HSK-A63 or HSK-A100, increasing tooling investment

Best For

Aerospace OEMs and tier 1 suppliers machining large titanium structural components such as bulkheads, wing spars, and fuselage frames for commercial aircraft Military aircraft manufacturers producing titanium and Inconel structural and engine components where maximum material removal rates reduce costly machine time Aerospace manufacturers seeking to consolidate multiple roughing and finishing operations on titanium parts into a single high-productivity platform Production facilities where hydrostatic bearing technology provides measurable tool life and surface finish advantages over conventional machines High-volume aerospace titanium production where the 30% productivity advantage over conventional machines provides rapid capital payback

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes hydrostatic bearings better for titanium machining?

Hydrostatic bearings use a thin film of pressurized oil to separate the guide surfaces, eliminating metal-to-metal contact. This provides three key advantages for titanium machining: zero stick-slip for smooth motion at all feed rates, exceptional vibration damping that suppresses chatter during heavy cuts, and virtually unlimited bearing life since there is no wear.

02 How does the S1250 HD achieve over 1,500 cm3/min in titanium?

The record-setting 1,516 cm3/min titanium MRR was achieved using Starrag-developed tooling optimized for the S1250 HD platform. The combination of hydrostatic bearing damping, HSK-A125 spindle rigidity, and high spindle power enables aggressive depth of cut and feed rate parameters that would cause chatter on conventional machines.

03 What maintenance does the hydrostatic system require?

The hydrostatic bearing system requires a dedicated hydraulic power unit that maintains constant oil pressure and temperature. Maintenance includes regular hydraulic oil analysis and replacement (typically annually), filter changes, temperature control system checks, and pump inspection. The hydrostatic system eliminates guideway wear entirely, preserving machine accuracy over decades.

04 How does the S1250 HD compare to the Starrag STC series?

Both target large-format 5-axis aerospace machining, but the S1250 HD uses hydrostatic bearings for maximum damping and titanium productivity, while STC machines use conventional guideway technology. The S1250 HD is the premium choice for heavy titanium roughing. The STC series may be more cost-effective for aluminum-dominant applications.