Chiron DZ 18W
Image: chiron-group.com, Chiron
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
How much does the Chiron DZ 18W cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a 5-axis machining center in this class — not a quote from Chiron. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Chiron DZ 18W is a twin-spindle 5-axis machining center with an integrated pallet changer, so parts are loaded outside the work area while the spindles cut. Travels are 630 mm (24.8 in) in X, 530 mm (20.9 in) in Y and 450 mm (17.7 in) in Z, and the two HSK-A63 spindles are 400 mm (15.7 in) apart.
Each pallet position carries up to 400 kg (882 lb). That figure has to cover the fixture and both workpieces, so weigh the clamping before assuming heavy castings will go on. Chiron also lists a maximum workpiece diameter of 800 mm (31.5 in). That is twice the spindle distance, so it cannot describe two parts machined side by side. Ask which setup the figure refers to.
Two spindle versions are listed: 12,000 or 15,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 140 or 180 Nm. The table does not say which torque belongs to which speed. Either way it is a moderate-speed, high-torque pairing, better matched to steel and cast iron than to small-tool finishing. Tools come from a chain magazine holding 2 x 35 tools, up to 78 mm (3.07 in) in diameter, 160 mm (6.3 in) with adjacent pockets empty, 380 mm (15 in) long and 8.0 kg (17.6 lb). Chip-to-chip time is 2.5 sec.
X, Y and Z run on linear direct drives at 75 m/min (2,953 ipm), with accelerations of 8 m/s² in X, 14 m/s² in Y and 16 m/s² in Z. The A tilt axis and the continuous 360° C axis are direct-driven as well. The bed is mineral cast, the drives on all axes and the spindle are water-cooled, and the control is a Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 530 mm (20.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 / 15,000 rpm |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Configuration | Twin-spindle (DZ) |
| A Axis Range | Direct drive tilt axis |
| C Axis Range | 360° continuous direct drive |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 400 kg (882 lb) per pallet position |
| Tool Capacity | 2 x 35 tools |
| Tool Changer | Chain magazine |
| Workpiece Changer | Integrated pallet changer |
| Machine Bed | Mineral cast |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Thermal Management | Water-cooled drives on all axes and spindle |
| Chip to Chip Time | 2.5 sec |
| Spindle Count | 2 |
| Spindle Distance | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Spindle Torque Max | 140 / 180 Nm |
| Max Tool Diameter (full magazine) | 78 mm (3.07 in) |
| Max Tool Diameter (adjacent pockets empty) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Max Tool Length | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 8.0 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | X 75 m/min, Y 75 m/min, Z 75 m/min (2,953, 2,953, 2,953 ipm) |
| Axis Acceleration | X 8 m/s², Y 14 m/s², Z 16 m/s² |
Specifications sourced from chiron-group.com — verified 2026-09-24
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Integrated pallet changer: loading happens while the spindles are cutting
- 400 kg (882 lb) per pallet position for fixture and parts
- Maximum spindle torque of 140 or 180 Nm on HSK-A63, at 12,000 or 15,000 rpm
- Linear direct drives on X, Y and Z with 75 m/min (2,953 ipm) rapids; direct drives on A and C
- Chain magazine with 2 x 35 tools, taking tools to 380 mm (15 in) and 8.0 kg (17.6 lb)
- Mineral cast bed and water-cooled drives on all axes and the spindle
Limitations
- Top speed is 15,000 rpm; the DZ 22W Five Axis is listed up to 20,000 rpm
- X acceleration is 8 m/s², roughly half the 16 m/s² of Z
- One magazine size, 2 x 35 tools, where the DZ 22W Five Axis offers 2 x 42, 2 x 64 or 2 x 98
- The 800 mm (31.5 in) workpiece diameter is twice the 400 mm (15.7 in) spindle distance, so the size limit in twin-spindle work needs confirming
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Yes. Chiron lists an integrated pallet changer, with a maximum workpiece weight of 400 kg (882 lb) per pallet position. One position can be unloaded and reloaded while the other is in the work area, which keeps the two spindles cutting.
02
Two HSK-A63 spindles, 400 mm (15.7 in) apart, in versions of 12,000 or 15,000 rpm. Maximum torque is listed as 140 or 180 Nm. The table does not link a torque to a speed, so get that confirmed for the version on offer.
03
The chain magazine holds 2 x 35 tools. Maximum tool diameter is 78 mm (3.07 in), or 160 mm (6.3 in) with the adjacent pockets empty. Maximum length is 380 mm (15 in) and maximum weight 8.0 kg (17.6 lb). Chip-to-chip time is 2.5 sec.
04
630 mm (24.8 in) in X, 530 mm (20.9 in) in Y and 450 mm (17.7 in) in Z, all at 75 m/min (2,953 ipm) rapid traverse. Acceleration is 8 m/s² in X, 14 m/s² in Y and 16 m/s² in Z, on linear direct drives.
05
The DZ 22W Five Axis, with 620 mm of X, 980 mm of Y and 600 mm of Z. Spindles on the DZ 22W Five Axis are listed at 12,500 to 20,000 rpm with 86 to 208 Nm, and its magazines at 2 x 42, 2 x 64 or 2 x 98 tools. X travel is about the same on both; the gain is in Y, Z and tool capacity.
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