UK's Star Micronics Showcases SB-12RII Lathe and Chip Control Technology

en.Wedoany.com Reported - From November 3 to 5, UK-based Star Micronics GB held an open house at its newly built technical center in Derby, where the SB-12RII Swiss-type CNC sliding-head lathe made its UK debut. The event also featured live demonstrations of Step Cycle Pro chip control technology, NC Assist 2026 programming assistance software, and several automatic lathes, showcasing small-diameter precision part machining, chip handling, and CNC program verification through actual cutting demonstrations. Eight Star machine tools were also operated during the event, covering turning and multi-tasking equipment of various specifications.

Developed by Japan's Star Micronics, the SB-12RII is the successor to the SB-12R Type G and is primarily used for manufacturing precision parts for medical devices, electronic connectors, and humanoid robots. The machine has a maximum machining diameter of 13 mm, a main spindle speed of up to 15,000 rpm, and a sub-spindle speed of up to 12,000 rpm. It retains both guide bush and non-guide bush configurations, allowing switching based on part length and material requirements. When machining slender workpieces, the guide bush provides support for the bar stock; when machining short parts, the non-guide bush configuration reduces material waste at the bar end.

The new model's front machining tool post adopts an inclined dovetail sliding guideway structure, improving tool post rigidity and reducing the impact of cutting loads on continuous machining stability. The tool post is equipped with a five-station cross drilling unit, three of which support the replacement of different types of tool assemblies. Optional configurations such as an angled hole machining unit are also available to meet the multi-process machining requirements of small-diameter parts.

The maximum length of workpiece clamped by the sub-spindle has been increased from 80 mm on the previous generation to 105 mm, and the sub-spindle motor output is approximately three times that of the original model. The back power tool motor power has been increased from 0.75 kW to 1.0 kW, and the front power tool maximum speed reaches 12,000 rpm. The machine's overall footprint has been reduced by approximately 10% compared with the previous generation, making it suitable for workshops with limited production space that need to install multiple precision machining machines.

Step Cycle Pro controls chip formation by adjusting cutting feed motions, helping the machine handle the tangling and chip evacuation problems caused by continuous long chips. This technology was exhibited alongside the machine machining demonstrations, with a focus on the application of chip breaking control in continuous automatic machining. The machine also features an ECO Mode standby energy-saving function and is equipped with the FANUC 0i-TF Plus CNC system to support multi-process machining and machine operation.

The NC Assist 2026 software features a new 3D simulation engine that can assist in checking CNC programs and machining processes. Through machine operation, software demonstrations, and on-site explanations by technical personnel, the UK technical center showcased the workflow from program preparation and part cutting to finished product collection. The on-site report on November 3 also introduced the SB-12RII's control system, operating space, and finished product collection device, among other configurations.