Star SC-20

$100,000 - $170,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

10,000 min-1

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min

Spindle Power

2.2kw / 3.7kw

max bar capacity

20 mm (0.787 in)

max machining diameter

20 mm (0.787 in)

max machining length

180 mm (7.09 in)

Overview

The Star SC-20 is a compact Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe designed for shops that need 20mm bar capacity in the smallest possible footprint. The SC (Standard Compact) designation reflects Star Micronics' engineering focus on minimizing floor space while delivering genuine Swiss-type precision and production capability. In an era where shop floor real estate is increasingly valuable, the SC-20 enables shops to add 20mm Swiss capacity without the physical footprint of Star's full-size SR or SV series machines.

Despite its compact dimensions, the SC-20 delivers serious machining capability. The main spindle reaches 10,000 RPM with a built-in motor for smooth, vibration-free operation across the speed range. The back spindle enables complete part machining with secondary operations, and the gang-type tool post provides rigid, accurate tool positioning. Star's precision guide bushing technology ensures the concentricity and surface finish quality that defines Swiss-type machining, with no compromise due to the compact frame.

The SC-20's compact design provides benefits beyond floor space savings. The shorter overall length reduces the bar feeder footprint, and the lighter machine weight simplifies installation and foundation requirements. The reduced thermal mass means faster warm-up to stable operating temperature, and the efficient design keeps power consumption low. For shops adding multiple Swiss lathes, the SC-20's compact size means more machines per square meter of floor space, directly increasing production capacity per unit of real estate.

The Fanuc control provides familiar, reliable CNC operation, and Star's global support network ensures responsive service and parts availability. The SC-20 is particularly popular in Japanese and Asian manufacturing environments where space efficiency is paramount, and it has gained strong traction globally as shops increasingly prioritize floor space utilization. For parts that fit within the SC-20's tooling envelope, the compact design imposes no compromise on part quality or cycle time.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	20 mm (0.787 in)
Max Machining Diameter	20 mm (0.787 in)
Max Machining Length	180 mm (7.09 in)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Back Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM
Number Of Axes	5
Tool Positions	18
Guide Bushing	Yes (standard)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min
Machine Weight	1,600kg
Power Consumption	7 kVA
Max Turning Diameter	Ø20mm (25/32in)
Bar Capacity	Ø20mm (25/32in) x 2.5 (max. 55mm)
Turret Stations	6 tools or 5 tools (12mm): selectable
Max Spindle Speed	10,000 min-1
Spindle Motor Power	2.2kw / 3.7kw
Coolant Capacity	152ℓ
Floor Space	1,855 x 1,060 x 1,750mm
Electrical	3.0KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Shops with limited floor space that need to add 20mm Swiss-type capability in the tightest possible footprint Multi-machine Swiss cells where maximizing machines per square meter directly increases revenue capacity High-volume production of simple precision components in the 10-20mm range Shops adding their first Swiss lathe where installation simplicity and lower infrastructure requirements are valued Electronics, automotive, and general precision manufacturers producing pins, contacts, and turned fittings

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Star SC-20 cost?

A new Star SC-20 typically costs between $100,000 and $170,000 depending on configuration. The compact design keeps the price competitive within Star's lineup. Used SC-20 machines sell for $30,000-$80,000 depending on age, condition, and included peripherals.

02 How much floor space does the SC-20 save?

The SC-20 typically saves 20-30% of floor space compared to Star's full-size SB-20R or SR-20J. The exact savings depend on the bar feeder configuration, but the overall machine plus feeder footprint is significantly smaller, which can be critical in space-constrained facilities.

03 Does the compact size affect part quality?

No. The SC-20 uses the same guide bushing technology, spindle precision, and build quality as Star's larger machines. Part concentricity, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy are identical. The compact design achieves its size reduction through efficient packaging, not by compromising machining capability.

04 What's the difference between the SC-20 and SB-20R?

The SB-20R offers more axes (7 vs 5), more tool positions (22 vs 18), and longer machining length (200mm vs 180mm) in a larger footprint. The SC-20 prioritizes compact size over maximum capability. Choose the SC-20 when floor space is the primary constraint, and the SB-20R when you need more tooling flexibility.

05 Can the SC-20 run unattended with a bar feeder?

Yes. The SC-20 integrates with standard bar feeders from LNS, FMB, and IEMCA for continuous bar-fed production. The compact bar feeder integration is one of the SC-20's design priorities, ensuring the complete machine-plus-feeder cell remains as small as possible while supporting lights-out production.