Chiron DZ 16W

$550,000 - $800,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

550 mm (21.7 in) per spindle

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

425 mm (16.7 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM standard (up to 40,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63 standard (HSK-A100 optional)

Tool Capacity

162

Overview

The Chiron DZ 16W is a twin-spindle, 5-axis machining center with an integrated workpiece changer, positioned as the high-volume production workhorse of Chiron's 16 Series. It combines the larger work envelope of the Series 16 platform with dual-spindle simultaneous machining and automated pallet exchange, making it one of the most productive mid-size 5-axis machines available for series production.

The DZ 16W provides X/Y/Z travels of 550 x 400 x 425 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 16.7 in) per spindle — significantly larger than the 15 Series — with workpiece capacity up to 700 mm diameter and 360 kg. Both spindles machine identical parts simultaneously using the same program while the integrated workpiece changer swings fresh blanks into position during the cut. Tool magazines accommodate up to 2 x 162 tools with pick-up style changers that load during machining time. HSK-A63 spindles run at 20,000 RPM standard with high-speed options up to 40,000 RPM, and an HSK-A100 high-torque variant delivers 400 Nm for steel and titanium.

Linear direct drives on X, Y, and Z axes paired with direct-drive A and C rotary axes deliver the dynamics that define Chiron machines. Rapid traverse speeds exceed 75 m/min, and the mineral-cast bed provides vibration damping superior to cast iron. Water-cooled drives on all axes maintain thermal stability across multi-shift production. The machine runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control.

The DZ 16W is heavily adopted in automotive production for cylinder head machining, turbocharger housings, and structural castings where two parts per cycle at 5-axis precision drives clear ROI. New machines price between $550,000 and $800,000 depending on spindle and tool magazine configuration. The higher price versus the DZ 15W is justified by the larger work envelope and heavier workpiece capacity. Competitors include the Heller H 2000, Grob G350 with automation, and the Chiron DZ 22W. Used DZ 16W units from 2017-2022 trade between $275,000 and $525,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	550 mm (21.7 in) per spindle
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	425 mm (16.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM standard (up to 40,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63 standard (HSK-A100 optional)
Spindle Torque	Up to 400 Nm (295 ft-lb) with HSK-A100 option
Spindle Configuration	Twin-spindle (DZ)
A Axis Range	Direct drive tilt axis
C Axis Range	360° continuous direct drive
Max Workpiece Diameter	700 mm (27.6 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	360 kg (794 lb)
Table Diameter	280 mm (11.0 in) rotary table per spindle
Tool Capacity	162
Workpiece Changer	Integrated pallet changer
Axis Drives	Linear direct drives on X, Y, Z; direct drives on A, C
Machine Bed	Mineral cast
Machine Weight	Approx. 12,000 kg (26,455 lb)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Thermal Management	Water-cooled drives on all axes and spindle
Table Load Max	360 kg
Max Turning Diameter	700 mm

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Twin-spindle with workpiece changer delivers the highest throughput in the Series 16 platform — approximately 3.5-4x a single-spindle machine
Larger work envelope than the 15 Series (550 vs 430 mm X-travel) handles medium-size parts that the DZ 15W cannot
Up to 2 x 162 tools with pick-up changers provide deep tool capacity for complex multi-feature parts
HSK-A100 high-torque option with 400 Nm enables aggressive steel and titanium cutting alongside aluminum high-speed work
Linear direct drives on all linear axes provide zero-backlash dynamics that exceed ball-screw machines
Water-cooled drives and mineral-cast bed maintain thermal stability and vibration damping across multi-shift production

Limitations

Both spindles must run the same program — no flexibility for mixed-part production
Starting price around $550,000 requires substantial volume to justify over single-spindle alternatives
Machine weight around 12,000 kg requires careful foundation planning and potentially reinforced flooring
Chiron's North American service network is smaller than major competitors, potentially affecting response times
Twin-spindle with pallet changer adds programming and setup complexity that demands experienced personnel

Best For

Automotive production lines machining cylinder heads, turbocharger housings, and structural castings at high volume Aerospace manufacturers producing medium-size aluminum structural components at production rates requiring twin-spindle output Tier-1 suppliers needing maximum 5-axis throughput on identical parts with cycle times between 3 and 30 minutes Production cells where the combination of dual spindle and pallet changer eliminates the need for multiple standalone machines Shops machining both aluminum (high-speed spindle) and steel/titanium (HSK-A100 torque option) at production volumes Manufacturers prioritizing spindle utilization above 90% across multi-shift operations

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Chiron DZ 16W cost?

New DZ 16W machines start around $550,000 for a base twin-spindle configuration. Adding the HSK-A100 high-torque spindle, full 162-tool magazines, high-pressure coolant, probing, and automation interfaces can push the price to $750,000-$800,000. Used units from 2017-2022 trade between $275,000 and $525,000.

02 How does the DZ 16W compare to the DZ 15W?

The DZ 16W has 28% more X-travel (550 vs 430 mm), double the workpiece weight capacity (360 vs 150 kg), and nearly 3x the tool capacity (162 vs 55 tools per spindle). The DZ 15W is more compact and less expensive. Choose the 16W when parts are larger or more complex; the 15W for smaller parts where footprint efficiency is the priority.

03 How does the DZ 16W compare to the DZ 22W?

The DZ 22W has larger travels (620 x 650 x 600 mm vs 550 x 400 x 425 mm) and higher rapid traverse speeds (120 m/min). The DZ 16W offers deeper tool capacity (up to 162 tools vs 77 per spindle) and the HSK-A100 torque option. The DZ 22W suits larger parts and higher-speed aluminum work; the DZ 16W handles more complex parts requiring extensive tooling.

04 What industries use the DZ 16W most?

Automotive is the primary market — cylinder heads, turbocharger housings, brake calipers, and structural castings. Aerospace is the second-largest market for aluminum structural components. Medical device manufacturers use it for high-volume implant production. Any industry running thousands of identical 5-axis parts benefits from the DZ 16W's twin-spindle throughput.

05 Can the DZ 16W be automated further?

Yes. While the integrated workpiece changer provides base automation, Chiron offers additional automation packages including robot loading, gantry loaders, and pallet pool systems that connect to the workpiece changer for extended unmanned operation. These are typically configured at time of order.