What Star SU does

Star SU is the marketing, sales, and service affiliate of Star Cutter Company, a US-headquartered precision cutting tool manufacturer operating for over 90 years. The company sells custom-engineered gear cutting tools (hobs, shaving cutters, chamfer hobs, skiving cutters, shaper cutters, milling cutters), round tools (carbide drills, reamers, deep hole gundrills, PCD tooling), and CNC tool grinding machines (NXT 5-axis, FLX, TRU TECH centerless and cylindrical, UTG broach grinders) into automotive/EV, industrial gear, medical device, and defense/firearm manufacturing verticals. Technology differentiation rests on three patents — TRU TECH 3-Point Work Holding (sub-millionths concentricity), Super Round Tool design (2-4 micron roundness/straightness), and Double Jet Gundrill — plus proprietary Chamfer Hob technology delivering 65% cost reduction per gear and 3D printed PCD tool bodies achieving 30% weight reduction. Software ecosystem integrations with NUMROTO, ESPRIT CAM (Hexagon, exclusive), NUM FlexiumPro CNC, and FANUC robotics, combined with a strategic PVD coating partnership with Oerlikon Balzers, anchor the integrated system offering.

The business model blends hardware sales (tools and machines, quote-based, custom-engineered, multi-year enterprise contracts) with recurring service revenue streams: tool reconditioning, recoating, total tool lifecycle management with cost-per-piece rental programs, and 14 service centers across the US, Mexico, and Europe. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customers engage via dedicated Contact Us and Request a Quote channels supported by field sales. Distribution is exclusively direct-to-enterprise. The company holds ISO 9001 certification and maintains affiliated manufacturing through H.B. Carbide (tungsten carbide blanks) and a Neher Group alliance for PCD tool production.

Name

Star SU

Legal name

Star SU LLC

Website

https://star-su.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Star SU is the marketing, sales, and service affiliate of Star Cutter Company, selling custom precision gear cutting tools, round cutting tools, and CNC tool grinding machines to automotive/EV, industrial gear, medical device, and defense manufacturers worldwide via 14 service centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Cutting Tools and Tool Grinding Machines

NAICS

Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)

SIC

Metalworkg Machinery & Equipment (3540), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Grinding, Honing & Superfinishing Equipment (IMAHADAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Surface Treatment & Finishing Equipment (Coating, Plating, Deburring, Shot Blasting) (IMAHADAJ)

Keywords

• Gear cutting tools
• CNC tool grinding machines
• PVD tool coatings
• Precision carbide drills
• Tool reconditioning services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hoffman Estates

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Precision Gear Cutting Tools: Sale of gear cutting tools including hobs, milling cutters, shaper cutters, shaving cutters, chamfer/deburring tools, and skiving cutters. Custom-engineered tools for specific applications.
2. Round Tools and Precision Drills: Custom carbide drills, reamers, PCD tooling, and deep hole drilling solutions for CNC production systems.
3. Tool Coating Services: High-performance PVD coatings through partnership with Oerlikon Balzers including TiN, TiAlN, Alcrona Pro (AlCrN), and Futura Nano Top (FNT) coatings.
4. Tool Reconditioning and Resharpening: CNC grinding restoration services to original specifications, recoating, and tool lifecycle management including pickup and delivery services.
5. CNC Tool Grinding Machines: Manufacture and sale of CNC grinders including NXT, FLX, TRU TECH, and UTG Series for manufacturing and reconditioning of cutting tools.
6. Machine Service and Support: Field support, spare parts, maintenance, repair, warranty services, and preventative maintenance contracts for grinding machines.
7. Total Tool Lifecycle Management: Innovative cost/piece tool rental including resharpening, recoating, and pickup/delivery. Special tool licensing with flat rate based on annual volume.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Star SU manufactures and sells precision gear cutting tools (hobs, shaper cutters, shaving cutters, skiving cutters, chamfer/deburring tools, master gears, rolling rack tools), round tools (custom carbide drills, reamers, deep hole drills, PCD tooling), CNC tool grinding machines (NXT, FLX, TRU TECH, UTG Series), and provides tool reconditioning, PVD coating, and total tool lifecycle management services. It operates as the marketing, sales, and service affiliate of Star Cutter Company, with 14 service centers worldwide.

Product overview

Star SU is a comprehensive precision manufacturing solutions provider specializing in gear cutting tools, round cutting tools, tool grinding machines, and related services. The portfolio includes four core product categories: Gear Tools (chamfering/deburring tools, gear hobs, milling cutters, chamfer hobs, skiving cutters, master gears/plug gauges, gear shaper cutters, gear shaving cutters, rolling rack tools, and gear manufacturing machines), Round Tools (custom carbide drills & reamers, deep hole drills, and PCD tooling with 3D printed options), Tool Grinding Machines (NXT 5-axis CNC grinder, FLX flexible grinder, TRU TECH centerless and cylindrical grinders, and UTG broach grinders), Carbide Materials, and comprehensive Services (tool coating via Oerlikon Balzers partnership, tool reconditioning, and total tool lifecycle management). The company operates as the marketing, sales, and service affiliate of Star Cutter Company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NXT: NXT CNC 5-axis tool and cutter grinding system with large grind zone in compact footprint
• TRU TECH
• FLX
• UTG
• Super Round Tool (SRT)
• Gear Tool Services

Products and services

• Rolling Rack Tools High precision cold forming tools for gear profiles, serrations, grooves, and threads, engineered for optimal contact ratios with minimal thermal influence.
• Gear Shaving Cutters Precision shaving cutters including conventional, diagonal, transverse, plunge, underpass, helical, and special form types for gear finishing operations.
• Gear Shaper Cutters Comprehensive range of shaping tools including disc-type, deep counterbore-type, shank-type, and internal hub type cutters for virtually any gear manufacturing application.
• Master Gears and Plug Gauges Precision measurement tools for measurement, setting, calibration and correction including master gears to DIN 3970 standards, setting masters, rolling gears, and plug gauges.
• Skiving Cutters Advanced skiving solutions for spur and helical involute gears and splines, designed to enhance precision, productivity, and tool life in modern gear manufacturing.
• Chamfer Hobs Precision chamfering tools combining chamfering and deburring in a single continuous process for faster cycle times and lower cost per part, with demonstrated 65% cost reduction vs conventional methods.
• Milling Cutters Long-lasting, form-relieved milling cutters including single/duplex, rack, special form, multiple thread, and saw blade types with ultra-precision ground pitch accuracies of less than 5 micrometers.
• Chamfering and Deburring Tools Chamfering, deburring and rolling tools including P type, PR type, A 1000 type, AR 1000 type, SPR 1000 type, and T 1000 grooved tools for various gear configurations.
• Involute Hobs Complete line of involute gear hobs including involute spline hobs, multiple thread involute hobs, single thread involute hobs, worm gear hobs, and solid carbide hobs designed for maximum productivity.
• Non-Involute Hobs Non-involute gear hobs including sprocket hobs, straight key spline hobs, and special form hobs for tooth forms such as square shafts and conjugate forms.
• Customized Hob Shapes Custom designed and manufactured shank hobs and special drive hobs to exact specifications including OD and face clamping to clutch key ways with special hubs.
• Hobbing Machines FFG straight and helical hobbing machines supporting diameters from 80mm to 2300mm, available in H80-H2300 series with dry and wet hobbing capabilities for automotive and industrial gear production.
• Chamfer Deburring Machines Modul-MT chamfering and deburring machines (CDA 250) from FFG Werke for chamfering, deburring, and chamfer rolling spur and helical gears and shafts in medium to high volume production.
• Gear Tool Services Tool reconditioning and recoating services for hobs, chamfer hobs, skiving cutters, shaper cutters, shaving cutters, milling cutters, master gears, rack cutters, saw cutters, rolling rack tools, and broaches.
• Tool Coating Services High performance PVD tool coatings through strategic partnership with Oerlikon Balzers, including TiN, TiAlN, Alcrona Pro (AlCrN), and FNT (Futura Nano Top) coatings.
• Carbide Blanks and Preforms Tungsten carbide custom blanks and pre-forms manufactured by affiliate H.B. Carbide, available in comprehensive selection of grades for high-performance near-net shaped tools.
• Total Tool Lifecycle Repair Complete tool lifecycle management including resharpening, recoating, pickup and delivery, with 14 different service centers located worldwide and innovative cost-per-piece tool rental programs.
• Tool Grinding Machine Services Field support, spare parts, maintenance, repair, and preventive maintenance services including AR support, remote service via TeamViewer, machine rebuilds, and control upgrades for Star Cutter grinding machines.
• UTG Broach Grinder CNC-driven universal tool grinder available in UTG-600 through UTG-2400 models for part lengths of 3mm to 2400mm, built in the USA with NUM 6-axis CNC controller.
• FLX Tool Grinder 5-axis CNC tool and cutter grinding system with focus on flexibility, accommodating wide range of applications with automation and wheel change features suitable for high-volume lights-out manufacturing. Features FlexiumPro CNC controls.
• TRU TECH Centerless Grinders Precision surface grinding machines including T93XM and T93XM-A series for cylindrical workpieces without centers or chucks, featuring patented TT5000 and PP8000 Grinding Units with 3-point work holding capability.
• TRU TECH Cylindrical Grinders Universal cylindrical grinders including TT1020M and T23XM models for multiple diameters, complex shapes, and angles with icon-based conversational software.
• NXT Tool Grinder CNC 5-axis tool and cutter grinding system with large grind zone in compact footprint, suitable for drills, reamers, milling cutters, form cutters, medical tools, taps, punches, gear tools, and specialty tools. Features NUMROTO software.
• 3D Printed PCD Tools Additive-manufactured PCD monoblock tool bodies and chip deflectors offering up to 30% weight reduction while retaining torsional stiffness, with optimized coolant passages for improved tool life.
• PCD Interpolation Tools Multi-operation PCD tools combining milling, interpolation of multiple diameters, spot-facing, and machining internal forms to reduce cycle times and cost per hole.
• PCD Combination Tooling Custom-designed multi-operation tools combining drilling, thread milling, spot facing, interpolation and reaming to reduce part cycle times and eliminate multiple tool changes.
• PCD Deep Pocket Side Mill Special-design PCD pocket mill combining face milling and side wall machining in one tool with optional 3D printed body for process optimization.
• PCD Face Milling Cutter Custom design PCD milling cutters available in adapter or monoblock styles, including additive-manufactured (3D printed) bodies with up to 30% weight reduction and engineered coolant passages.
• PCD Reamers Multi-fluted fixed pocket PCD precision reamers with helical and straight flute styles for excellent bore roundness, surface finish and size control.
• PCD Drills Custom diameter and length PCD drills with multi-step styles and chip breakers for improved part quality, surface finish, and extended tool life in non-ferrous materials.
• Deep Hole Drills Precision deep hole drilling solutions including single flute gundrills, solid carbide gundrills, double jet gundrills, double crimp gundrills, two-flute/two-hole milled style gundrills, solid carbide twist drills, barrel push-pull reamers, and rifle buttons.
• In-Stock Express Programs Expedited delivery programs including SFGD Express (24-hour shipment), SCGD Express, and SFGD Custom Express for single flute gundrills.
• Tool Reconditioning Services Round tool reconditioning and resharpening services using state-of-the-art technology for deep hole drills, carbide drills, reamers, cavity port tooling, and fixed pocket PCD tooling.
• Grinding Units Patented TRU TECH Perimetric Grinding Units including TT5000 (5 inch wide regulating roller) and PP8000 (3 inch wide regulating roller) for sub-micron accuracy without manual alignment.
• Custom Carbide Drills and Reamers Custom-designed solid carbide drills and reamers since 1970 including solid carbide drills, drills for aluminum, core drills, port/cavity machining tools, reamers, Super Round Tool (SRT), and valve guide reamers.
• Double Pilot Reamer Design New precision-engineered Double Pilot Reamer design for precision reaming applications with enhanced design features.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65% cost reduction per gear with Chamfer Hob technology
• +5 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Oerlikon BalzerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for high-performance PVD tool coatings. Oerlikon Balzers provides vacuum chambers, cleaning lines, and inspection equipment with state-of-the-art technology. Star SU leverages Oerlikon technical expertise to help customers determine the best coating for any application including TiN, TiAlN, Alcrona Pro (AlCrN), and Futura Nano Top (FNT).
• FFG (Fair Friend Group)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStar SU offers FFG hobbing machines and Modul chamfering/deburring machines through partnership. FFG supplies Model straight and helical hobbing machines (H80-2300 series) and Modul-MT chamfering/deburring machines (CDA 250).
• Neher GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance for PCD tool production. Star Cutter Company, in alliance with Neher Group, produces PCD tools for non-ferrous materials including aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass, wood, graphite, and fiberglass. Also produces 3D printed monoblock tool bodies.
• Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (ESPRIT)coreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive partnership where ESPRIT CAM software is pre-packaged to run Star Cutter 5-axis software. ESPRIT is a high-performance CAD CAM system for CNC programming, optimization and simulation using digital twin simulation platform. Perfect for medical tooling manufacturers.
• REGO-FIX Center for Machining ExcellenceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStar SU announced partnership with REGO-FIX Center for Machining Excellence (CME) to promote Louis Belet micro tool capabilities. REGO-FIX provides machining excellence center for showcasing micro tool capabilities.
• H.B. CarbidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliate company that manufactures tungsten carbide custom, altered standard and standard blanks and pre-forms. Produces near-net shaped tools from powder through finished ground blanks in comprehensive selection of grades.
• NUMcoreTechnology or IntegrationNUM provides Flexium+ and FlexiumPro CNC solutions for NXT and FLX tool grinders. NUMROTO software package included for producing and resharpening wide range of tools with 3D simulation, probe cycles, and in-process wheel dressing.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Gleason Corporation: Gleason is the most direct competitor in gear cutting tools and gear manufacturing machines, offering hobs, shaper cutters, shaving cutters, and complete gear production systems. Like Star SU, it serves automotive, aerospace, and industrial gear manufacturers with both tools and machines, and competes for the same customers in precision gear manufacturing.
• Liebherr-Verzahntechnik: Liebherr's gear cutting technology division produces hobbing machines, gear shaping machines, and skiving tools targeting medium-to-large gear manufacturing applications. Comparable to Star SU's NXT, FLX, and TRU TECH machine portfolio in the gear manufacturing equipment space.
• Samputensili (Stellram / Dormer Pramet): Samputensili is a specialist in gear cutting tools (hobs, shaper cutters, shaving cutters) and gear grinding machines, serving automotive and industrial gear markets. Closely comparable to Star SU's gear tools and gear manufacturing machinery portfolio.
• Kapp & Niles (NILES-SIMMONS): Kapp & Niles specializes in gear grinding machines and profile grinding, and is a direct competitor in gear manufacturing equipment. Comparable to Star SU's TRU TECH and NXT precision grinding offerings for tooth finishing and profile grinding.

Broad incumbents

• Sandvik Coromant: Sandvik Coromant is a global leader in metal cutting tools including drills, reamers, and milling cutters, with a broader portfolio than Star SU but overlapping in round tools and gear machining. Operates at much larger scale with deeper R&D budgets; competes for the same industrial tooling customers.
• Kennametal: Kennametal is a major manufacturer of metalworking tools including carbide drills, reamers, and PCD tooling, with overlapping product categories and customers in automotive and industrial machining. Broad incumbent with significantly larger scale and global footprint.
• Mitsubishi Materials Corporation: Mitsubishi Materials manufactures cutting tools including drills, end mills, and PCD tooling, with a large global presence serving automotive and industrial manufacturers. Overlaps with Star SU in round tools and PCD tooling, but operates at a much larger scale.
• Walter Tools (Walter AG): Walter Tools is a major precision tooling manufacturer offering drills, reamers, tapping, and milling tools for metalworking. Competes with Star SU in round tools and custom carbide drilling/reaming, with broader standard product catalog.
• OSG Corporation: OSG is a global manufacturer of taps, drills, end mills, and PCD tools, with significant overlap with Star SU's round tools portfolio. Larger scale and broader standard catalog, but competes for similar precision machining customers.

Emerging players

• FFG Werke (Fair Friend Group): FFG Werke is a channel partner of Star SU (supplying hobbing and chamfering/deburring machines that Star SU resells), but also produces competitors' gear manufacturing machines. Comparable in the gear cutting machinery segment and serves overlapping automotive/industrial customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/StarSUllc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/star-su
• Facebookfacebook.com/StarSUllc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Star SU