What are sliding head lathes?

Introduction to sliding head lathes

CNC Sliding Head Lathes, often referred to as Swiss Auto Lathes, are high-precision machining tools that were originally designed for the production of intricate watch parts and small, precision-engineered components.

As modern computer numerical control (CNC) machines, sliding head lathes are renowned for their ability to achieve incredibly tight geometric tolerances, making them an ideal choice for manufacturing parts that require exceptional accuracy.

Unlike traditional lathes, where the workpiece stays stationary while the tools move, sliding head lathes allow the workpiece to move along the Z-axis. The tool, on the other hand, remains fixed. This innovative movement results in improved precision, faster cycle times, and the ability to handle complex machining tasks more efficiently.

How do sliding head lathes work?

Sliding head lathes operate using a highly specialised mechanism. A bar of material is fed through the CNC machine’s headstock and secured by a collet, with the option for additional support via a guide bush. The design of this system ensures that the cutting tools are positioned close to the workpiece, optimising stability and accuracy during machining operations.

The utilisation of the secondary/sub spindle and back-working tool post, paired with a CNC control system such as the FANUC control used in Star machinery, allows for a single comprehensive operation. This eliminates the requirement for operator intervention of manually changing each component between operations.

One of the standout features of sliding head technology is the ability to utilise a secondary/sub-spindle and a back-working tool post, both of which are controlled by advanced CNC systems like the FANUC control used in Star machinery. This setup enables a highly integrated machining process, reducing the need for operator intervention and manual tool changes between operations.

Star sliding head lathes are versatile, capable of producing milled and turned parts with diameters up to 42mm. They can be configured for a wide variety of applications, from manufacturing miniature components to producing long shafts exceeding 2 meters in length.

Advantages of sliding head lathe technology

A primary benefit of sliding head lathes is their ability to reduce cycle times compared to traditional machining technologies like fixed-head lathes. The cutting tools are positioned very close to the workpiece, minimising non-cutting "idle" time, which significantly boosts efficiency. Additionally, the sub-spindle and the ability to perform multiple operations simultaneously further reduce cycle times, allowing for overlapping operations.

The flexibility of sliding head machines typically enables components to be produced in one-hit which removes the need for additional operations, while the quick set-up time makes short runs easy and efficient. Star machines also have the capability to operate unattended overnight, often referred to as "lights-out machining", which significantly improves productivity and reduces the cost per part.

• High Precision: Sliding head lathes excel in producing precision components with tight geometric tolerances. The design of this machine type allows for intricate and complex machining operations to be completed efficiently with minimal input.

• Reduced material Wastage: The design of sliding head lathes enables the efficient use of barstock with minimal remnant and exceptionally low component reject rates. This is especially advantageous when working with expensive or exotic materials.

• Enhanced Productivity: These lathes are capable of performing multiple operations in a single setup, reducing cycle times and increasing overall productivity. They are especially effective in high-volume production environments.

• Improved Surface Finish: Sliding head lathes can achieve superior surface finishes compared to traditional lathes. This is crucial in industries where aesthetics or precise functionality of the machined components are critical.

• Versatility: Despite their compact size, sliding head lathes can handle a wide range of materials, from plastics and aluminum to tough alloys and stainless steel. They can also machine intricate prismatic shapes and profiles in a single operation.

• Longer Tool Life: Sliding head lathes often employ advanced tooling technologies and techniques such as high-pressure coolant systems, optimised cutting strategies, and Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software, resulting in longer tool life and reduced tooling costs.

• Minimal Operator Intervention: Once set up, sliding head lathes can run autonomously for extended periods with minimal operator intervention. This frees up operators to focus on other tasks, improving overall production efficiency.

• Cost Savings: After the initial investment cost, sliding head lathes can provide a rapid return on investment with significant cost savings over time due to their high efficiency, reduced material waste, and lower operating costs.

• Competitive Advantage: Companies that utilise sliding head lathes gain a competitive edge by offering high-quality, precision-engineered components with shorter lead times. This allows companies to provide a versatile response to customer requirements and often win back work from overseas manufacturers.

Industries That Benefit from Sliding Head Technology

Sliding head lathes offer exceptional precision, speed and efficiency, making them a vital asset across a wide variety of sectors. Their ability to produce complex components in a single operation, with minimal secondary processing, makes them especially valuable in industries where accuracy, consistency and productivity are critical. For example:

• Aerospace – Ideal for machining complex, high-precision components such as actuators, couplings, and fasteners made from tough materials.
• Automotive – Perfect for producing large volumes of precision parts like valves, pins, and shafts with tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes.
• Tooling – Enables the creation of intricate, high-quality tools and components such as dies, punches, and cutting tools.
• Electrical Connectors – Produces small, detailed components used in connectors, terminals, and housings with consistent quality.
• Electronics – Suitable for manufacturing miniature parts such as sensor housings, connectors, and contact pins with exacting precision.
• Fasteners – Efficiently produces bolts, screws, pins, and other fasteners in high volumes with excellent repeatability.
• Marine – Used for corrosion-resistant components such as fittings, shafts, and housings exposed to harsh marine environments.
• Medical – Essential for machining surgical instruments, orthopedic screws, dental implants, and other components to stringent medical standards.
• Motorsport / F1 – Enables rapid prototyping and production of lightweight, high-performance parts like linkages, mounts, and fluid connectors.
• Nuclear – Supports the manufacture of safety-critical components with high accuracy and traceability, such as valve stems and containment parts.
• Oil & Gas – Reliable for producing robust, pressure-rated components such as nozzles, couplings, and instrumentation.
• Sensors – Facilitates the production of compact sensor bodies, housings, and mechanical elements required in various sensing applications.
• Hydraulics & Pneumatics – Ideal for precision components like valve spools, pistons, and connectors that demand tight tolerances and smooth finishes.
• Renewable Energy – Increasingly used to produce precision parts for wind, solar, and hydrogen systems such as sensor housings, coupling components and instrumentation.
• Watchmaking & Luxury Goods – Ideal for producing ultra-precise, miniature components such as gears, bezels and casings, or jewelry such as rings and pendants.

Why choose Star sliding head lathes?

Star GB is the leading provider of sliding head lathe technology, with a strong commitment to delivering precision engineering and exceptional performance. Our machines are manufactured at the state-of-the-art Kikugawa plant in Japan, and are known for their long-term reliability, build quality, and cutting-edge performance.

Star sliding head lathes are easy to set up, simple to program, and more cost-effective to operate than most other sliding head machines, thanks to their lower power consumption. Combined with FANUC's user-friendly CNC controls, we've also developed a suite of software tools to simplify machine investment, operation and maintenance. This includes our revolutionary Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software, our NC Assist template-driven programming software and our SMOOSS-i remote monitoring software.

Unlike typical machine tool dealers, Star GB is a wholly owned subsidiary with a long-established presence in the UK. We provide comprehensive services, including machine sales, accessories, finance options and maintenance. As the sole UK agent for FMB bar feeders and JBS guide bush systems, Star GB offers a single-source solution for mill-turn applications, backed by unrivaled customer support.

Is sliding head technology suitable for your parts?

Not sure if sliding head technology is the best fit for your components? At Star GB, our expert applications department specialises in turnkey projects. Many customers rely on our expertise to deliver a comprehensive turnkey solution that ensures they hit the ground running with their new machine - with components set, proven and ready to run.

Do you have a component but are not certain whether it would suit sliding head technology, or are you looking to discover new machining methods and reduce cycle times? Contact Star GB with details of your next project, including drawings or photos if necessary.