New five-axis Starrag machining centre to debut at EMO

Starrag will be giving a world premiere to the new Heckert X70 at EMO 2025 in September (Hall 12, Stand C35). The versatile five-axis machining centre is designed to deliver exceptional precision and productivity within a compact footprint, and builds on the success of the Heckert HEC X5 series. It features a swivel unit on the workpiece side, facilitating high-dynamic five-axis machining from a single clamping position, and X, Y and Z axis travels of 1,200 x 1,100 x 1,200mm.

The compact machine requires 18% less installation space than its predecessor, the Heckert HEC 630 X5. The Heckert X70 accommodates workpieces with a core contour diameter of 960mm and a maximum height of 800mm, supporting a loading mass of up to 1,000kg, demonstrating no change to the working area. Within its robust and spacious dimensions of 8,150 x 3,700mm, it offers exceptional space utilisation without compromising performance.

Furthermore, turning as a technology is an integral part of the machine concept and can be configured as an option. Using specially developed assemblies and software modules, both classic and complex turning operations can be performed with the unrivalled productivity of a machining centre, and unlike a turning centre, the machine benefits from various set-up options. Not only can the workpieces be clamped vertically for added convenience, but they can, in fact, be clamped during the machining operation thanks to the pallet changer.

The Heckert X70's lightning-fast traverse rate of 65m/min and industry-leading component changeover times enhance productivity. Pallet changes are completed in just 17.5sec, and a tool changer provides a chip-to-chip time of only 7.4sec. The machine’s standard pallet dimension of 630 x 800mm incorporates Starrag's precision-engineered concave surfaces with a curvature depth of 6µm, ensuring stable workpiece positioning of large parts.

Innovative tool change system
It features Starrag’s innovative tool change system, available in both lightweight and heavy duty versions. The lightweight option accommodates tools weighing up to 22kg, while the heavy-duty version supports tools as heavy as 50kg. The machine can handle tools with a maximum length of 800mm and a diameter of 340mm.

Starrag Heckert X70 with guarding removed

Customers can choose from a range of tool magazine options, including a timing belt magazine with 45 or 60 positions for HSK-100 tools, an chain magazine with a capacity of up to 120 HSK-100 tools, and a tower magazine capable of supporting up to 440 HSK-100 tools. The Heckert X70 also offers a broad range of spindles to meet specific application requirements, with options varying from a 12,500rev/min hollow shaft spindle up to a 15,000rev/min motor spindle and different gear spindles with more torque for heavy machining.

For optimal operator experience, the Heckert X70 features Starrag's ergonomic 24-inch touchscreen HMI. The control system supports the powerful Siemens Sinumerik One, ensuring intuitive operation even when wearing gloves. The touch-sensitive display remains responsive to gloves and has a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surface. Operators can effortlessly access PDF construction plans and sequence sketches while maintaining a clear view of the workspace through an integrated camera. With new hardware and fast sensor technology, the new machine is also easier to automate than its predecessor. This is partly due to the extended 13-channel clamping hydraulics and optimised standard interfaces to pallet storage systems and robot cells.

Efficient chip management is accomplished through a thermo-symmetric design and steep-angled fixed plates, complemented by an internal coolant supply operating at up to 80bar pressures. This system ensures effective cooling and chip evacuation, with an additional flushing capability of up to 280 litres per min for applications involving high-chip volumes.

Maximum flexibility
The Heckert X70 can be integrated with Starrag’s comprehensive automation solutions, including Fastems FPT round pallet store systems, different linear storage systems, or robotic cells, catering to various production requirements from small to large batch sizes. The Fastems FPT system provides an economical entry into production automation, enabling workpiece changes for small and medium batch sizes. In contrast, linear storage systems offer maximum flexibility for production processes with integrated master control for effective task planning and distribution.

The new Heckert X70 is based on the comparable four-axis Heckert H-series machine envelope. Instead of the NC rotary table installed in the Heckert H-series, the new Heckert X-series models feature a robust rotary/tilt table — an in-house development that is also manufactured at the Starrag plant in Chemnitz. Not only does the tilting unit have two equally-sized bearings, but also a thermally stable design. This means that the machines can complete five-sided, highly dynamic machining of complex components.

Ensuring the compatibility of the pallets on the new Heckert X70, as well as the Heckert X80 and Heckert X90 models, was particularly important to the developers. The pallets are interchangeable with those from the H series. Moreover, the pallets from the older Heckert HEC 630/800 X5 machines can also be used on the new Heckert X models.

The Heckert X70 is now available as part of Starrag’s expanded Heckert X-series line of five-axis machining centres. Manufacturers are invited to see the new machine at EMO Hannover in September. The Heckert X-series also includes the smaller Heckert X50 and the larger Heckert X80 and Heckert X90 variants for manufacturers seeking larger work envelopes and enhanced capacity.