Hermle has added the C250 machining centre to the C400 model that it launched in 2012. In the process, it has started to create a new machine series that sits alongside the manufacturer’s core range, which comprises six models from C12 to C62.

The company’s UK and Ireland sales and service agent — Gosport-based Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools Ltd (www.geokingsbury.com) — says that there have been no compromises in the build quality of the C250 machining centre (or its larger counterpart), but they are available with fewer options, which is the reason for their economical price.

The working envelope of the C250 is defined by X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 600, 550 and 450mm, which places it in terms of capacity between the C22 and C32. Every Hermle machine shares the same fundamental attributes, including a modified gantry design, a mineral cast bed and an integrated trunnion-mounted rotary table for the fourth and fifth CNC axes (if specified).

In the three-axis version, the table can accept workpieces weighing up to 1,100kg, while components up to 450mm in diameter x 355mm tall and weighing up to 300kg can be machined on the ±115deg swiveling/rotary table of the five-axis model. Minimal idle times result from 6m/sec2 acceleration to 35m/min rapids in all axes.

Spindle options are 15,000 or 18,000rev/ min, both equipped with Hermle's patented collision protection system. In the event of impact in the Z-axis direction, the energy is absorbed by six displacement sleeves to minimise — and often prevent — spindle damage.

The integral magazine for 30 tools can be expanded by 50 or 88 additional pockets; other options include enhanced cooling and chip management, as well as tool breakage monitoring and measurement. The control system is Heidenhain’s TNC 640.