FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

New Star SR-20RIV Type E sliding-head lathe

Star Micronics is set to launch the SR-20RIV Type E, the latest evolution of its long-established SR-20RIV sliding-head lathe. Building on the success of the Type A and Type B variants, the new model has been developed to meet even broader application requirements across sectors such as automotive and medical manufacturing.

Since the original release of the SR-20RIV in 2012, over 2400 machines have been sold worldwide, thanks to key attributes like reliability and versatility. The new Type E introduces enhanced functionality with a customer-requested B-axis tool post capable of simultaneous four-axis control, enabling more complex machining tasks such as 3D milling. UK availability is scheduled from September 2025.

Alongside the powered tool unit featuring a B-axis with NC-programmable angle control, further features of note include a front-end gang-type tool post that incorporates Star’s proprietary uniform-load cross-guide structure. Here, eight linear guide bearings are evenly arranged around the guide bush, which is the cutting point where load generates during machining. By distributing the load evenly to eight linear guide bearings, the load applied to each linear guide bearing is minimised and tool post rigidity improves. The employment of this tool-post structure enables extended continuous operation with stable accuracy, while prolonging the service life of linear guide bearings.

Importantly, the machine can be switched between guide bush and non-guide bush configurations depending on part length. This capability optimises material use: guide bush mode offers support for long parts, while non-guide bush mode minimises bar remnants for short components, reducing waste and cost.

With capacity for up to 41 tools on a 27-position station, the Type E supports a wide range of complex and multi-process machining applications.

More information www.stargb.com

Turned parts subcontractor continues expansion

The installation in April 2025 at Dawson Precision Components of a Citizen Cincom L20-XLFV sliding-head lathe brings the subcontractor’s tally of CNC turn-mill centres to 21, most of which are bar-fed and feature driven tooling. This high-precision turned parts specialist is required by some customers to hold tolerances down to single-figure microns.


Dawson Precision’s additional Cincom lathe brings the proportion of sliding-head lathes – as distinct from fixed-head models – in its Oldham factory to nearly three-fifths, or more if taking into account a Citizen Miyano BNA-42GTY. This model is a hybrid fixed/sliding-head lathe capable of operating like a slider in guide bush-less mode, with the headstock able to move in and out of the working area.

A vast array of materials is machined by Dawson Precision Components for customers in the medical, life sciences, space, defence, communications, rail, motorsport, leisure and other sectors. They include plastics like PTFE, PEEK, acetal and nylon, which collectively account for up to 15% of production output. The ability of Citizen’s LFV operating system software to break what would normally be stringy swarf into short, manageable chips is a key reason for the subcontractor choosing the chip-breaking option on its three latest Cincoms, as well as the Miyano. It is similarly effective when turning copper and numerous types of aluminium.


Managing director Simon Dawson says: “There’s no doubt Citizen lathes last a long time – we have one on the shop floor that’s still producing components and holding tolerance after 25 years. Our policy, though, is to replace them regularly to take advantage of the higher productivity that modern, faster machines allow, as it makes it easier to compete for new work.”

More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Advanced automation for sliding-head lathes

Iemca, a brand of Bucci Industries, has introduced its Boss Superfast+ bar magazine, a new solution that the company says enhances further the performance of sliding-head lathes. Process automation and userfriendliness have been the guiding principles in its design, ensuring optimised cycle times and performance.

The new Boss model configuration includes an innovative feature to notify the remaining bar quantity in the single-rack magazine. This information is displayed on the new operator panel, exclusive to Superfast+, which features a capacitive touchscreen and a completely redesigned HMI interface. Additionally, the notification is immediately visible through the illumination of one of the machine’s signal tower lights.

The operator receives alerts at two stages: when an intermediate bar stock level is reached, and when the last bar is being processed, signalling an empty magazine. These notifications simplify workshop operations, allowing for more efficient material replenishment and maintenance scheduling.

To enhance further the ‘Plus’ variant of the Boss model, automatic adjustment of the single-rack magazine based on the bar diameter and shape ensures instant time savings. In the standard version, the operator must manually intervene and verify the adjustment. With motorised regulation, users simply input the diameter value on the operator panel, and the magazine automatically adjusts, eliminating manual operations and significantly reducing downtime.

A combination of reduced re-tooling times and increased productivity is achieved with the self-adjusting front bushing holder. There is no longer a need to manually replace the front bushing pair when changing bar formats. Instead, users simply enter the bar diameter and shape on the operator panel, and the bushings automatically adapt to the bar and pusher. This capability simplifies the process and reduces operator intervention.

More information www.iemca.com

Automation investment delivers major benefits

Mills CNC has recently supplied Ayrshire Precision, a precision subcontract specialist, with two new SYNERGi systems.The systems, both derivations and highly-customised versions of Mills’ standard SYNERGi ‘Sprint’ solutions, were installed at Ayrshire Precision’s 1300 m² facility in 2023, the first retrofitted to a DN Solutions Puma 2600SY lathe in March, and the second, also retrofitted, to a Puma 2100SY in September.

SYNERGi Sprint automation systems are compact, flexible and cost-effective.They are suitable for integration with DN Solutions’ lathes, machining centres and turn-mill machines to create automated manufacturing cells.The basic elements of a SYNERGi Sprint system comprise: a FANUC industrial robot;two- or three-jaw pneumatic grippers (end effectors); a part loading/unloading grid plate; industrial safety guarding; and SYNERGi software and a 17” touchscreen HMI for programming and monitoring.

Chris Hepburn, Ayrshire Precision’s managing director, says: “We liked the design and build of the SYNERGi Sprint system:it was simple and straightforward.We asked Mills to put forward their plans and proposals for two SYNERGi Sprint cells – one incorporating our existing Puma 2600SY for larger parts, and the second incorporating our Puma 2100SY for smaller components.

“The investment in our two SYNERGi cells is paying dividends. We have two inherently flexible automated cells that, to a large extent, not only help us future-proof our small turned part operations but also increase our overall capacity.Although initially there was some anxiety concerning our move towards automated production, the results have exceeded expectations. Working in collaboration with Mills has enabled us to benefit from unmanned production and become more productive and profitable as a consequence.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

GM CNC launches NP26 in UK marketplace

GM CNC is introducing the NP26 horizontal turning lathe, the most advanced addition to the NP series. Known for its compact design and high performance, the NP26 takes productivity further by offering increased bar capacity, larger swing and upgraded chuck size – all while maintaining a space-saving footprint. With a swing over bed of 740mm, a distance between centres of 640mm and an increased bar capacity of 75mm (optional 77mm), GM CNC says the NP26 delivers big performance in a small package. The 87mm diameter spindle bore further enhances its capability to handle larger components.

Compared with the NP16 and NP20, the NP26 stands out with a range of upgraded features. It is the only model in the series to offer a programmable tailstock, providing greater precision and automation for complex turning tasks. The FANUC 0i-TF Plus control system with a 10.4-inch screen comes standard, but an optional 15-inch screen is available exclusively for the NP26, enhancing user visibility and programming convenience. According to GM CNC, the compact footprint of just 2877 x 2282 x 1990mm ensures it fits into any production environment while delivering the power and precision of a larger lathe.

The NP26 comes equipped with standard accessories such as a hydraulic chuck with soft jaws, rear-disposal chip conveyor, fully enclosed splash guarding, tool holders, coolant flush on the Z-axis cover, and a three-step warning light. The addition of a programmable tailstock further enhances the machine’s versatility.

For those looking to customise their setup, the NP26 offers an array of optional accessories, including a manual or automatic tool presetter, swing-type parts catcher, Kitagawa power chuck, high-pressure coolant system, bar feeder interface, automatic door, and even a robot system for automated loading and unloading.

More information www.gm-cnc.com