Hermle has added the C 650 to its existing C 250 and C 400 three- to five-axis machining centres, which sit alongside its core range (comprising six models from C 12 to C 62).

Hermle’s sales and service agent in the UK and Ireland, Gosport-based Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools Ltd (www.geokingsbury.com), says that there have been no compromises in the build quality of the C 650 (or its smaller counterparts).

The only limitation is that they have fewer options — hence their competitive price.

The work envelope of the C 650 is 1,050 x 900 x 600mm, positioning it between the C 42 and the C 52 for capacity.

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 3,000kg, making it suitable for tool- and mould-making applications.

Alternatively, the machining of components up to 900mm in diameter x 600mm tall (and weighing 1,500kg) is possible on the ±115deg swivelling/rotary table of the five-axis version.

Minimal idle times result from 6m/sec² acceleration to 35m/min rapid-traverse rates in all axes.

Spindle options are 15,000 or 18,000rev/min, and both spindles are equipped with Hermle’s patented collision protection system.

In the event of impact in the Z-axis direction, energy is absorbed by six displacement sleeves to minimise — and often prevent — spindle damage.

The integral magazine for 42 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, touch-probe and precision packages.

Control is via Heidenhain’s TNC 640 with colour 19in TFT flat-panel monitor.

Various Hermle digital packages, such as information monitoring software and an automation control system, can be supplied as options.

For servicing, the Hermle maintenance diagnosis system is available to continuously monitor the machine’s condition.