Star Micronics SX-38 Type A/B

$300,000 - $480,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

7,000 min-1

Tool Capacity

80 tools resident

Rapid Traverse

30m/min (X1, X2, X3, Y1, Z1, Z2, Z3), 24m/min (Y2), 15m/min (Y3)

Spindle Power

7.5kW (continuous) / 11kW (10min./25%ED)

max machining diameter

38 mm (1-1/2 in)

max headstock stroke standard

320 mm (13-19/32 in)

Overview

The Star Micronics SX-38 is a 12-axis sliding headstock CNC automatic lathe with slant-bed construction, designed for the most demanding large-diameter Swiss-type applications up to 38mm (1.5 inches, optionally 42mm). The SX designation signals that this is Star's large-diameter specialist—a machine that combines maximum axis count, dual tooling systems, and the rigidity of slant-bed construction to tackle parts that push the limits of Swiss-type turning complexity.

The 12-axis configuration—the highest in Star's lineup—provides unprecedented simultaneous machining capability. Both main and sub spindles are powered by matched 7.5 kW continuous (11 kW peak) motors running at 7,000 RPM, delivering equal cutting capability for front and back operations at 38mm diameters. This matched power configuration is notable: while most Swiss lathes compromise on sub-spindle power, the SX-38 provides full-power back-working for aggressive operations in steel, titanium, and stainless steel.

The SX-38's dual tooling system combines gang-type tools (4 positions with B-axis controlled power-driven tool unit providing 4 front and 4 rear positions) with a 10-station turret (max 2 tools per station). This hybrid approach provides the speed of gang-type operations plus the capacity of turret indexing. The back 8-spindle unit handles secondary operations. Power-driven tools run at 6,000 RPM (gang) or 5,700 RPM (turret) with 2.2 kW continuous motors.

Available in Type A and Type B (both running FANUC 31i-B5 control), the SX-38 features a 320mm headstock stroke and generous 150mm front ejection length. At a footprint of 2,955 x 1,430 mm with 14.4 kVA power consumption and a 284-liter coolant tank, this is a serious production machine. The slant-bed construction improves chip evacuation and provides superior rigidity compared to flat-bed designs, particularly important when machining at 38mm diameters.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Machining Diameter	38 mm (1-1/2 in)
Max Headstock Stroke Standard	320 mm (13-19/32 in)
Max Headstock Stroke Rgb	289 mm (11-3/8 in)
Max Front Ejection Length	150 mm (5-7/8 in)
Max Part Projection	75 mm (2-61/64 in)
Number Of Axes	12
Main Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	7.5 kW continuous / 11 kW (10 min, 25% ED)
Sub Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Power	7.5 kW continuous / 11 kW (10 min, 25% ED)
Gang Type Tools	4 tools + B-axis unit (front 4 + rear 4)
Turret	10 stations (max 2 tools per station)
Back Unit	8-spindle (max 8 tools)
Power Driven Speed Gang	6,000 RPM (2.2 kW continuous / 3.0 kW peak)
Power Driven Speed Turret	5,700 RPM (2.2 kW continuous / 4.0 kW peak)
Guide Bushing	Revolving guide bush
CNC Control	FANUC 31i-B5
Power Consumption	14.4 kVA
Coolant Tank	284 L
Dimensions	2,955 x 1,430 x 1,975 mm
Max Turning Diameter	Ø38mm (1-1/2in)
Max Headstock Stroke	320mm (13-19/32in)
Max Headstock Stroke With Rg B Unit	289mm (11-3/8in)
Max Spindle Speed	7,000 min-1
Spindle Motor Power	7.5kW (continuous) / 11kW (10min./25%ED)
Tool Capacity	80 tools resident
Turret Stations	10 stations
Rapid Traverse Rate	30m/min (X1, X2, X3, Y1, Z1, Z2, Z3), 24m/min (Y2), 15m/min (Y3)
Coolant Capacity	284ℓ
Floor Space	2,955 x 1,430 x 1,975mm
Electrical	14.4 kVA
Cnc Control	Fanuc 31i-B5

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Aerospace manufacturers producing the most complex large-diameter fittings, valve bodies, and actuator components with angled holes and compound features Medical device manufacturers producing large, complex orthopedic implants that require 12-axis simultaneous machining to complete in a single setup Oil and gas component manufacturers producing multi-feature valve bodies, coupling components, and downhole tool parts with demanding geometries Shops seeking to consolidate lathe and mill operations into a single Swiss-type platform for complex large-diameter parts Defense manufacturers producing precision components with compound angles, multiple thread types, and extensive cross-working features Any application where 12-axis capability with B-axis eliminates secondary operations that currently require separate milling or drilling setups

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Star Micronics SX-38 cost?

A new Star SX-38 Type A/B typically runs $300,000-$480,000 depending on configuration and tooling. The matched 7.5 kW spindles, 12-axis configuration, and B-axis capability place it at the top of Star's pricing. Used SX-38 machines are rare but trade for $170,000-$280,000 when available.

02 What is the difference between the SX-38 and SR-38?

The SX-38 offers 12 axes (vs 10), matched 7.5 kW sub spindle (vs 3.7 kW), slant-bed construction (vs flat bed), and dual gang+turret tooling (vs gang only). The SR-38 is more affordable and compact. Choose the SX-38 for the most complex large-diameter parts; choose the SR-38 when standard complexity at 38mm is sufficient.

03 Why does the SX-38 have a slant bed?

The slant-bed design provides three advantages: better chip evacuation (chips fall away from the work zone by gravity), improved structural rigidity (the casting geometry handles cutting forces more efficiently), and better ergonomic access for the operator. These benefits are particularly important at 38mm diameters where chip volume, cutting forces, and physical access to the work zone are all significant concerns.

04 Can the SX-38 handle 42mm bar stock?

Yes, with the optional expanded capacity. The standard configuration handles 38mm bar stock, with an optional upgrade to 42mm for shops that occasionally need the additional diameter. The 7.5 kW spindles and robust construction handle the larger bar size without performance compromise.

05 What is the advantage of 12 axes over 10?

The additional 2 axes provide more independent motion control, enabling additional simultaneous operations. For example, the turret can be positioning to the next tool while the gang-type tools are cutting, and the back-working unit can be machining while front operations are in progress. This parallelism directly reduces cycle time on complex parts.