Machine Comparison
Hermle C 12 vs Makino a500iR
Hermle vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Hermle C 12 and the Makino a500iR are 5-axis machining centers in different size classes, so they serve different jobs. The Makino travels 900 x 750 x 800 mm against 350 x 440 x 330 mm on the Hermle, carries 400 kg (880 lb.) against 100 kg (220 lb), and holds 90 tools standard, with 133, 218 or 311 as options, against 36.
The Makino a500iR also rapids at 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) against 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard, or 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) optional, on the C 12, and quotes a 1.0 sec tool-to-tool change; the C 12 lists 4.5 sec chip-to-chip, a different measure. The Hermle C 12 has the faster standard spindle, 18,000 RPM against 14,000 rpm, though the Makino offers 20,000 and 24,000 options.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Hermle C 12 | Makino a500iR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 440 mm (17.3 in) | 750 mm (29.5 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 330 mm (13.0 in) | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 100 kg (220 lb) | 400 kg (880 lb.) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 18,000 RPM standard (12,000 to 42,000 RPM options) | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | HSK-A63 | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) |
| Tool Capacity | 36 tools (HSK-A63) | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) ▲ |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 4.5 sec chip-to-chip | 1.0 sec |
| Rapid Traverse | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard; 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) optional | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) ▲ |
Advantages
Hermle C 12
- 18,000 RPM standard spindle against 14,000 rpm
- Spindle options up to 42,000 RPM for very small tools
- Compact 350 x 440 x 330 mm envelope for small precision parts
Makino a500iR
- 900 x 750 x 800 mm travel against 350 x 440 x 330 mm
- 400 kg (880 lb.) table load against 100 kg (220 lb)
- 90 tools standard, up to 311 optional, against 36
- 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) rapids against 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard
Verdict
These machines serve different jobs. The Hermle C 12 suits medical implants, small mold inserts, electrodes and watch parts, where an 18,000 RPM spindle and a compact envelope fit work that weighs well under 100 kg (220 lb). The Makino a500iR suits high-mix aerospace and defense brackets and fittings that need 900 mm of X travel, 400 kg (880 lb.) on the table and a 90-tool magazine for fast changeovers.