Machine Comparison
GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE vs GF Mikron MILL E 1200
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · Vertical Machining Centers
Summary
The GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE and the GF Mikron MILL E 1200 are both vertical machining centers from GF Machining Solutions, but they are in different size classes and serve different jobs. The GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE is a compact machine for milling graphite electrodes; the GF Mikron MILL E 1200 is a large production machine for long plates and heavy parts.
The GF Mikron MILL E 1200 is bigger on every row: 1250 mm of X travel against 500 mm, 600 mm of Y against 450 mm, 600 mm of Z against 350 mm, a 1450 x 600 mm T-slot table against 550 x 450 mm, and a 1500 kg load limit against 200 kg. Its magazine is listed at 30 / 60 pockets, the GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE's at 18 / 36 pockets.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE | GF Mikron MILL E 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm | 1250 mm ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 450 mm | 600 mm ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm | 600 mm ▲ |
| Table Size | T-slot table 550 x 450 mm | T-slot table 1450 x 600 mm |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 200 kg | 1500 kg ▲ |
| Tool Capacity | 18 / 36 pockets | 30 / 60 pockets |
Advantages
GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE
- Built for milling graphite electrodes, for shops that make their own sinker EDM electrodes
- A 500 x 450 x 350 mm envelope and 550 x 450 mm table sized for electrode blanks rather than large plates
- Suited to fine electrode detail with small cutters
GF Mikron MILL E 1200
- 1250 mm of X travel against 500 mm
- 1450 x 600 mm T-slot table against 550 x 450 mm, for multi-part fixtures
- 1500 kg load limit against 200 kg
- 600 mm of Z travel against 350 mm for long tools
Verdict
Choose by job, not by size alone. A shop running sinker EDM that wants to make its own graphite electrodes should look at the GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE, whose 500 x 450 x 350 mm envelope and 200 kg table suit electrode blanks. A production shop machining long plates, frames or multi-part fixtures needs the GF Mikron MILL E 1200, with 1250 mm of X travel, a 1450 x 600 mm table and a 1500 kg load limit.