Chiron DZ 12S

$400,000 - $525,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

380 mm (15.0 in) per spindle

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in) per spindle

Z Travel

330 mm (13.0 in) per spindle

Max Spindle

Up to 40,000 RPM (2 spindles)

Spindle Taper

HSK-E40 or HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

Up to 2 x 37 tools

Overview

The Chiron DZ 12S is a twin-spindle high-speed vertical machining center from the Series 12 platform, built to double the throughput of the single-spindle FZ 12S by machining two identical parts simultaneously. The "DZ" designation means Doppelspindel (dual spindle), and the "S" indicates the swivel-head configuration providing 3+2 positioning capability on both spindle positions.

The DZ 12S features two motorspindles, each with X/Y/Z travels of approximately 380 x 400 x 330 mm. Both spindles reach up to 40,000 RPM with HSK-E40 or HSK-A63 interfaces, and execute the same CNC program in parallel. Rapid traverse speeds up to 100 m/min and chip-to-chip times under 2.5 seconds keep non-cutting time to an absolute minimum across both cutting zones.

The mineral-cast machine bed provides the rigidity and vibration isolation needed to maintain precision across two spindles cutting simultaneously. Each spindle has its own tool magazine with up to 37 tools. The compact dual-spindle design occupies less floor space than two separate FZ 12S machines while requiring only one operator, delivering superior output per square meter and per labor hour.

The DZ 12S runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl and is designed for integration with automation systems for pallet loading. This machine is purpose-built for high-volume production runs of identical small parts — automotive sensor housings, medical components, electronic housings, and precision connectors. Competitors include dual-spindle configurations from SW (Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen) and dedicated transfer line solutions. New DZ 12S machines typically price between $400,000 and $525,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	380 mm (15.0 in) per spindle
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in) per spindle
Z-Axis Travel	330 mm (13.0 in) per spindle
Max Spindle Speed	Up to 40,000 RPM (2 spindles)
Spindle Taper	HSK-E40 or HSK-A63
Spindle Configuration	Twin-spindle (DZ)
Tool Capacity	Up to 2 x 37 tools
Chip To Chip	< 2.5 sec
Rapid Traverse Rate	Up to 100 m/min (3,937 ipm)
Machine Bed	Mineral cast
Machine Design	Compact dual-spindle gantry
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Thermal Management	Water-cooled drives

Specifications sourced from chiron-group.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Twin-spindle design produces two identical parts per cycle, effectively doubling output versus the single-spindle FZ 12S
Up to 40,000 RPM on both spindles delivers exceptional high-speed cutting capability for aluminum and finishing operations
100 m/min rapid traverse on both spindles minimizes positioning time, compounding cycle time savings across two parts
Compact dual-spindle footprint is significantly smaller than running two separate FZ 12S machines for the same output
Mineral-cast bed isolates vibration between spindle positions for consistent precision across both cutting zones
Sub-2.5-second chip-to-chip time on both magazines keeps total cycle times competitive on multi-tool parts

Limitations

Both spindles must run the same program — no flexibility to machine different parts simultaneously
Starting price around $400,000 requires high production volumes to justify over the less expensive single-spindle FZ 12S
380 x 400 x 330 mm travel per spindle restricts the DZ 12S to small parts only
37 tools per spindle may limit complex-part capability, especially when both magazines must carry identical tool sets
Twin-spindle fixturing requires careful design to ensure consistent clamping and positioning across both positions

Best For

Automotive tier-1 suppliers producing small precision components at volumes where twin-spindle output provides clear ROI Medical device companies running high volumes of identical small implants, bone screws, or instrument components Electronics manufacturers producing matching housings, heat sinks, and structural components at production scale Contract manufacturers specializing in high-volume small parts where cost per piece is the primary competitive metric Shops replacing aging transfer line setups with modern CNC twin-spindle capability for flexible high-volume production Any production environment running 20,000+ identical small parts per year where floor space and operator time must be optimized

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Chiron DZ 12S cost?

New DZ 12S machines typically price between $400,000 and $525,000. The twin-spindle configuration costs roughly $125,000-$150,000 more than the single-spindle FZ 12S. ROI is driven by doubled output without doubling floor space or operator requirements.

02 Can the DZ 12S run different parts on each spindle?

No. Both spindles execute the same program simultaneously. The DZ 12S is designed exclusively for high-volume production of identical parts. For different parts, use two separate FZ 12S machines.

03 How does the DZ 12S compare to an SW (Schwäbische) machine?

Both manufacturers specialize in multi-spindle production machining centers. SW machines can offer 4-spindle configurations for even higher output. The Chiron DZ 12S provides a broader range of spindle speeds (up to 40,000 RPM) and Chiron's mineral-cast bed technology. SW tends to dominate in pure automotive mass production; Chiron offers more versatility.

04 What volume justifies the DZ 12S over the FZ 12S?

The DZ 12S makes financial sense at volumes above approximately 15,000-20,000 identical parts per year. Below that, the FZ 12S provides more flexibility. Above that threshold, the twin-spindle's doubled output per cycle drives significant cost-per-part advantages.

05 What automation is available?

Chiron offers pallet automation and robotic loading systems for the DZ 12S. The dual-spindle design is naturally suited to automation since both fixtures load simultaneously. Automated loading can push spindle utilization above 90% by eliminating manual load/unload time.