Machine Comparison
Makino a120nx vs Starrag Heckert H55
Makino vs Starrag · Horizontal Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino a120nx and the Starrag Heckert H55 are horizontal machining centers from different size classes, and they serve different jobs. The a120nx is a 50-taper machine for large parts, with 1,900 x 1,600 x 1,700 mm of travel, a 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm pallet and a 3,000 kg load rating. The H55 is a 500 x 500 mm pallet machine with 750 x 700 x 750 mm of travel and a 700 kg (1,543 lb) load.
The H55 is the faster machine: a 12,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle (18,000 RPM optional) against the a120nx's 8,000 rpm CAT50, and 60 m/min (2,362 IPM) rapids against 54,000 mm/min. The a120nx offers a 20,000 rpm spindle as an option. Tool capacity depends on configuration: 204 on the a120nx, 60 standard with 120 or 240 optional on the H55.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino a120nx | Starrag Heckert H55 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,900 mm (74.8 in) ▲ | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) ▲ | 700 mm (27.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,700 mm ▲ | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Pallet Size | 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm (Optional 1,250 x 1,000 mm) (39.4 in x 39.4 in (Optional 49.2 in x 39.4 in)) | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 3,000 kg (Optional 5,000 kg) (6,600 lb (Optional 11,000 lb)) ▲ | 700 kg (1,543 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 rpm (Optional 20,000) | 12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional) ▲ |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | CAT50 (HSK-A100 optional) | HSK-A63 |
| Tool Capacity | 204 | 60 standard (120/240 optional) |
| Rapid Traverse | 54,000 mm/min | 60 m/min (2,362 IPM) ▲ |
Advantages
Makino a120nx
- 1,900 x 1,600 x 1,700 mm of travel against 750 x 700 x 750 mm
- 3,000 kg load rating (5,000 kg optional) against 700 kg (1,543 lb)
- 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm pallet against 500 x 500 mm
- CAT50 spindle taper for heavy roughing in steel and iron
Starrag Heckert H55
- 12,000 RPM standard spindle (18,000 RPM optional) against 8,000 rpm
- 60 m/min (2,362 IPM) rapid traverse against 54,000 mm/min
- 500 x 500 mm pallet class suited to FMS cells and multi-pallet automation
Verdict
These machines are not alternatives for the same part. The Starrag Heckert H55 fits high-volume production of aluminum and cast iron components on 500 x 500 mm pallets, where its 12,000 RPM spindle and 60 m/min rapids shorten cycles. The Makino a120nx fits large castings and fabrications that need 1,900 mm of X travel and a 3,000 kg load, with the CAT50 spindle for heavy roughing.