Star Micronics GB Ltd is set to unveil its latest sliding head lathe, the SP-32, at its annual Open House event taking place 7-9 October 2025 at the company’s Technology Centre in Derby. This marks the first UK showing of the SP-32, which joins the SP Series following the successful launch of the SP-23 in 2023.
The SP-32 is designed to handle bar diameters up to 32mm, with an optional upgrade to 35mm, and is aimed at sectors including automotive, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, as well as general sub-contract machining. Star describes the machine as ‘highly versatile’, with a wide tooling capacity and advanced software features that enhance both productivity and precision.
Equipped with a Fanuc 0i-TF Plus CNC control, the SP-32 includes a program data batch input/output function to streamline daily operations. A new deburring cycle has also been added to the command system. The machine also incorporates Star’s thermal displacement correction technology, which uses integrated thermal sensors to maintain machining accuracy and stability. Additional features include oil mist cooling for the power-driven tool gearbox and built-in spindle sensors to improve indexing accuracy.
The tooling layout includes a zero-shaped tool post with a six-station turning tool holder at the front and a six-spindle cross-drilling unit at the rear. Four of the cross-drilling spindles are cartridge-type positions, allowing for a wide variety of tool units to be mounted for complex applications. A five-spindle sleeve holder (drilling arm) is also provided, with three positions at 22mm and two at 32mm diameter.
Furthermore, backworking capability is enhanced by a five-spindle toolpost with driven tool functionality as standard, enabling up to four rotating tools for efficient overlapped machining and reduced cycle times. The SP-32 also offers both guide bush and non-guide bush configurations. The guide bush option supports high-precision machining of longer parts, while the non-guide bush setup reduces material remnant length for shorter components.
Star GB says the SP-32 is ‘a large capacity, high-quality, entry-level sliding head lathe that reinforces its commitment to innovation in sliding head technology’.
To register for the Open House, vist the website
here, email , or call 01332 864455.