5-axis machining centre range expanded

Following the introduction of the F 5000 and F 6000 5-axis machining centres, Heller has extended this latest generation series with the launch of a larger capacity model, the F 8000, suitable for single part manufacture through to flexible series production, 24/7.

The machine is capable of producing parts within a 1,400 x 1,200 x 1,400 mm working envelope, the X-axis stroke being 150 mm longer than that of its predecessor. Nevertheless, the new machine occupies a 25% smaller, narrower footprint, thanks in part to a new design of rack-type tool storage. Four machines can be placed side by side where until now only three could be installed.

If a user purchases an optional, enhanced specification PRO version, they will benefit from having a machine with 50% higher linear axis acceleration at 6 m/s², reducing chip-to-chip time by approximately 30%. The PRO package also offers greater precision, with positioning tolerance in X/Y/Z of 6 µm, representing a 25% improvement over the former model.

Equipped with an automatic pallet changer as standard, the new machine utilises 800 x 800 mm pallets, although it is possible to use larger 1,000 x 1,000 mm pallets. Maximum load is 2,000 kg, but from the start of 2025 an optional pallet load of 3,000 kg will be offered. In addition, extended automation with linear or rotary storage systems or robots is available.

The F 8000 uses the same modular system as the entire F series for key components such as heads, spindles, pallets and tool magazines. Machine structure is also consistent across the series, ensuring compatibility not only with previous 5-axis generations, but also with Heller’s new H series of 4-axis horizontal machining centres. Standardisation of structural components such as beds and columns enables the same strokes, pallet loads and workpiece dimensions.

Among the highlights of the F 8000 and its smaller counterparts are the redesigned, high performance, swivelling heads with integrated motor spindles, developed and manufactured in-house. Equipped with an HSK-A 100 tool interface as standard, the Dynamic Cutting Universal unit achieves torques of 400 Nm and speeds of 12,000 rpm. The Speed Cutting Unit with the same interface provides 15,000 rpm, although with optional HSK-A 63 tooling, spindle speed is up to 18,000 rpm. For ultra-heavy machining, the Power Cutting Universal unit with gear-driven spindle delivers 1,146 Nm of torque and speeds up to 8,000 rpm.

In addition to the swivel heads, a tilt head variant is available to enable a particularly high degree of flexibility in 5-axis machining. It is due to the tilt kinematics allowing efficient machining of recesses and undercuts, which are often required when manufacturing aerospace components. A high-torque, direct-drive, rotary table for combined mill-turning operations is offered across the F series. It means that, in addition to prismatic machining operations, external and internal contours can be turned in a single set-up, improving accuracy and reducing cycle times.

The F 8000 is equipped with the latest Siemens CNC system, SINUMERIK ONE, which will run programs run on previous machines equipped with the Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control.