Machine Comparison
Hermle C 12 vs Hermle C 250
Hermle vs Hermle · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Hermle C 12 and the Hermle C 250 are compact Hermle 5-axis machining centers. The C 250 has the larger envelope, 600 x 550 x 450 mm of X/Y/Z travel against 350 x 440 x 330 mm, and much more table load: 300 kg on the swivelling rotary table, or 1,100 kg on the rigid clamping table, against 100 kg (220 lb).
The C 12 has an 18,000 RPM standard spindle, with options from 12,000 to 42,000 RPM. The C 250 lists 15,000 rpm with SK 40, or 16,000 rpm or 20,000 rpm with HSK A 63. The C 12 carries 36 tools against 30 pockets standard, though the C 250 offers add-on magazines up to ZM 216 and a Heidenhain TNC7 control.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Hermle C 12 | Hermle C 250 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) | 600 mm ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 440 mm (17.3 in) | 550 mm ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 330 mm (13.0 in) | 450 mm ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 100 kg (220 lb) | 300 kg (swivelling rotary table); 1,100 kg (rigid clamping table) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 18,000 RPM standard (12,000 to 42,000 RPM options) | 15,000 rpm (SK 40); 16,000 rpm or 20,000 rpm (HSK A 63) |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | HSK-A63 | SK 40 / HSK A 63 |
| Tool Capacity | 36 tools (HSK-A63) ▲ | 30 pockets standard (additional magazines ZM 30 / ZM 50 / ZM 88 k / ZM 216) |
| Control | Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl | Heidenhain TNC7 |
Advantages
Hermle C 12
- 18,000 RPM standard spindle, with options up to 42,000 RPM
- 36 tools against 30 pockets standard
- Choice of Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control
Hermle C 250
- 600 x 550 x 450 mm travel against 350 x 440 x 330 mm
- 300 kg rotary table load, or 1,100 kg on the rigid clamping table, against 100 kg (220 lb)
- Choice of SK 40 or HSK A 63 spindle taper
- Heidenhain TNC7 control
Verdict
Choose the Hermle C 12 for very small parts, such as bone screws, dental parts, graphite electrodes and watch components, where 350 mm of X travel is enough and an 18,000 RPM spindle with options up to 42,000 RPM suits small tools. Choose the Hermle C 250 for mold and die inserts in hardened steel and medical parts that need 600 mm of X travel, up to 300 kg on the rotary table and a TNC7 control.