Hermle Machine Company LLC

Two New Hermle Machining Centers Demonstrate Advanced 5-Axis Capability

Hermle Machine Company of Franklin, Wisconsin, the North American headquarters of Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG located in Gosheim, Germany, has introduced two new machining centers, the B 300 and the C 50 U, to the North American market. Available in both 3- and 5-axis configurations, the B 300 has been called the ?Entry Level Hermle.? Incorporating select elements of Hermle?s popular C Series machining centers including patented gantry design for fast, precise movement, trunion table, and a mineral casting base, the B 300 was designed to offer Hermle quality at a price point accessible to a wider variety of shops and manufacturers. Machine features include X, Y and Z axes at 800-600-500 mm, respectively; a 15,000 rpm spindle powered by a 19kW drive; and a 30-position tool magazine accommodating both SK 40 and HSK A 63 tooling. Tool change is by direct pick-up, and chip-to-chip time is approximately 6 seconds. The 3-axis version features a rigid clamping table, 1000 x 560 mm, with a 1500 kg capacity. The 5-axis version utilizes an NC swiveling rotary table, 280 mm in diameter with a 250 kg maximum load. The control is a pendant mounted Heidenhain iTNC 530, and a limited range of options is available. The C 50 U, the latest and largest member of Hermle?s well-known C series, is designed for complex machining of large heavy parts. The C 50 U features X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels of 1000, 1100, and 700 mm, respectively, and can accommodate a workpiece weight of 2,000 kg. Ideal for the full simultaneous 5-axis and/or 5-sided machining of large automotive parts, aircraft components or molds, the maximum part dimension is a diameter of 1,000 mm and a height of up to 810 mm. Supporting the superior size and strength of the C 50 U are further capabilities including: ? Crane loading with door opening up to 1250 mm ? Space-saving pick-up magazine integrated into the base unit ? Three guideways with a single guideshoe for ideal force balance ? Work platforms along the entire machine front and at magazine load station. According to Kenneth Merk, Executive VP-Sales & Service, ?As the advantages of 5-axis machining have become evident, many new players have entered the market. In addition to Hermle?s proven designs and superior quality, we offer the customer extensive experience in defining and optimizing 5-axis applications in all sizes of parts and in materials ranging from glass to composite to the hardest new alloys. ?The new B 300 is an answer to market demand for Hermle quality at an affordable price that will enable a larger number of shops and manufacturers to step up to a higher standard in 5-axis machining. Likewise, the C 50 U fills a need expressed by many of our customers who have resorted to specialized fixturing arrangements in order to accommodate larger 5-axis parts. ?For over a decade, over 90% of our sales have involved 5-axis configurations. Today, our ability to offer Hermle?s experience, combined with multiple sizes and price points, is winning new customers both inside and outside of our traditional base.? For more information, please contact Kenneth Merk, Executive VP-Sales & Service, at 414-421-9770 or by e-mail at info@hermlemachine.com. Hermle Machine Company, located in Franklin, Wisconsin, is the North American headquarters of Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG located in Gosheim, Germany. The firm handles all sales support and service functions for a network of distributors located throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Hermle produces a wide range of precision machine tools noted throughout the world for their exceptional accuracy and high quality.