Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking technology

Step Cycle Pro is a game-changing new technology released by Star following extensive research & development. Available on most current models, the system provides the synchronised oscillation cutting and air-gap necessary to break the swarf on difficult-to-chip materials.

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A cutting edgedevelopment inchip management

Step Cycle Pro is Star’s latest innovation developed to address the challenges of stringy swarf when processing difficult-to-chip materials such as aluminium, Inconel, stainless steel, copper, plastics, and more.

This advanced air-cut technology transforms long, stringy swarf into small, manageable chips — enabling extended unattended operation, enhanced tool life, and improved surface quality, all with minimal impact on overall cycle time.

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An air cutabove the rest

Delivering higher productivity, improved efficiency, and extended tool life, Star's Step Cycle Pro technology raises the bar even further and sets a new standard in swarf management. The system is user-friendly, requiring no special skills to operate, and can be easily activated or deactivated with a single G-code command.

Dedicated CNC interface

Step Cycle Pro includes a dedicated interface on the FANUC control screen making it easy for programmers to setup, modify and insert the generated command directly into the CNC program.

Improved automation

Increase productivity with less operator intervention and eliminate stoppages related to swarfing issues.

Enhanced tool life

The air-cut time reduces the machining temperature, which can prolong tool life and reduce the risk of distortion.

Simultaneous paths

The Step Cycle Pro system can be used simultaneously on each path without compromising swarf management.

Process efficiency

Step Cycle Pro automatically adjusts the actual feed rate to ensure minimal impact on the overall cycle time.

Easy to activate

The G161 code easily activates or deactivates the software, making it simple to manage chips on demand.

Available now

Step Cycle Pro is now included with all compatible new models, maximising the potential of your investment.

Types ofmachining

Step Cycle Pro has been developed to suit a variety of machining types including turning, drilling, facing and grooving. The advanced system automatically adjusts the actual feed rate when the function is enabled to ensure that any impact on cycle time is minimal and maximum output can be achieved.

End-face machining

Outer diameter machining

Cross drilling

Grooving & cutting off

Drilling

Boring

How SCPworks

The Step Cycle Pro system delivers its highly effective air-cut chip-breaking operation by oscillating the machining axis in synchronisation with the spindle rotation and can be used on both the main and sub spindles simultaneously.

This oscillation cutting method increases production efficiency by eliminating machine stoppages related to swarfing issues and can enhance tool life by reducing the temperature of the tip whilst in operation.

Compatiblemachines

Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking technology now comes included with all compatible new models, helping you optimise productivity and maximise the potential of your investment.

Compatibility with older models is dependant on machine serial number and quantitive lubrication system. Lubrication systems cannot be upgraded.

Over 100UK installs

With Step Cycle Pro now actively installed on over 100 machines in the UK, precision component manufacturers are turning to Star technology to revolutionise their production processes.

Hear what Armeg says...

SCP userfeedback

Terry Fuggle Suisse Autoturn Ltd

The performance of Step Cycle Pro is very impressive, particularly on a part we would've normally had a problem with.

We are turning 16.9mm diameter FV520B stainless steel down to 8mm diameter on our SB-20R Type G using Step Cycle Pro, and the swarf chips are exactly what we want.

Considering it’s a 4.5mm depth of cut, Step Cycle Pro makes chipping the swarf seem effortless, while even further enhancing our tool life.

Ollie Hall Reacton Fire Suppression

Since incorporating SCP, our manufacturing process at Reacton Fire Suppression has undergone significant transformation. Utilising SCP improves productivity while keeping our cycle times the same. The software dramatically extends tool life and improves chip-breaking on difficult materials, therefore reducing 'bird nesting' swarf issues.

The software’s user-friendly interface makes it straightforward for us to customise parameters and operate. This ease of use ensures that we consistently achieve high-quality results. We highly recommend SCP for enhanced machining capabilities and greater efficiency.

Alan Ramsay A&C Precision Engineering Ltd

When we first heard about Step Cycle Pro we wanted to act quickly and its performance has exceeded all expectations. Our unmanned run quantity manufacturing an Aluminium 6082 component has increased by over 1000%.

The technology fully eradicates any swarf damage and now gives us up to 13 hours of unmanned operation. I’m so glad I took the decision to act swiftly and get my hands on the latest Star machinery with Step Cycle Pro installed.