Machine Comparison
GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE vs GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · Vertical Machining Centers
Summary
The GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE and the GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro are vertical machining centers aimed at different work. The GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE is built for milling graphite electrodes for sinker EDM; the GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro is a general-purpose machine for contract shops running mixed jobs.
The GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro has the larger envelope: 800 mm of X travel against 500 mm, 500 mm of Y against 450 mm and 540 mm of Z against 350 mm. Its table measures 910 x 500 mm against the GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE's 550 x 450 mm T-slot table, and it carries 1100 kg against 200 kg. Magazines are listed at 24 / 40 pockets for the GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro and 18 / 36 pockets for the GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE | GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm | 800 mm ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 450 mm | 500 mm ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm | 540 mm ▲ |
| Table Size | T-slot table 550 x 450 mm | 910 x 500 mm |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 200 kg | 1100 kg ▲ |
| Tool Capacity | 18 / 36 pockets | 24 / 40 pockets |
Advantages
GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE
- Dedicated to graphite electrode milling, for shops that make their own EDM electrodes
- Compact 500 x 450 x 350 mm envelope sized for electrode blanks rather than large parts
- Suited to unattended electrode batches with small cutters
GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro
- 800 mm of X travel against 500 mm, and 540 mm of Z against 350 mm
- 1100 kg table load against 200 kg, for heavy fixtures
- 910 x 500 mm table against 550 x 450 mm
Verdict
The GF Mikron HSM 500 GRAPHITE is the pick for a shop running sinker EDM that wants a machine dedicated to its own graphite electrodes. The GF Mikron VCE 800 Pro suits contract machining of mixed jobs, with parts up to 800 mm long, heavy fixtures and workpieces up to 1100 kg, and drilling and roughing work. Few shops would weigh one against the other for the same part.