Chiron DZ 18W

$600,000 - $850,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in) per spindle

Y Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Max Spindle

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

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63 standard (HSK-A100 optional)

Tool Capacity

Up to 2 x 60 tools

Overview

The Chiron DZ 18W is the twin-spindle, pallet-changer variant of the 18 Series — Chiron's highest-output mid-size 5-axis platform. Combining dual spindles with an automated workpiece changer, the DZ 18W targets high-volume batch manufacturing where two identical parts are machined simultaneously while the next pair loads outside the machining zone. It is the production flagship of the 18 Series.

Each spindle operates with X/Y/Z travels of 730 x 560 x 500 mm (28.7 x 22.0 x 19.7 in), providing a work envelope substantially larger than the 15 and 16 Series dual-spindle machines. Both spindles follow the same program, machining identical parts with synchronized toolpaths. The integrated workpiece changer eliminates load/unload time from the cycle, pushing spindle utilization above 90%. Tool magazines support up to 2 x 60 tools with fast basket-type changers. HSK-A63 spindles run at 20,000 RPM standard, with HSK-A100 high-torque options delivering 400 Nm for steel and titanium.

Linear direct drives on all linear axes and direct-drive A and C rotary axes deliver the acceleration and positioning dynamics that are Chiron's competitive differentiator. The mineral-cast machine bed provides vibration damping superior to cast iron, and water-cooled drives on all axes maintain thermal stability. Workpiece capacity reaches 800 mm diameter and 400 kg per pallet position.

New DZ 18W machines price between $600,000 and $850,000, reflecting the twin-spindle and pallet-changer combination on the larger 18 Series platform. This is a serious production investment that pays back through twin-spindle output doubling and near-zero load/unload downtime. The machine competes with the Heller H 2000, Grob G350 with automation, and Chiron's own DZ 22W. Used DZ 18W units from 2017-2023 trade between $300,000 and $575,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in) per spindle
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in)
Z-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 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	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	400 kg (882 lb) per pallet position
Tool Capacity	Up to 2 x 60 tools
Tool Changer	Basket-type tool changer
Workpiece Changer	Integrated pallet changer
Axis Drives	Linear direct drives on X, Y, Z; direct drives on A, C
Machine Bed	Mineral cast
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Thermal Management	Water-cooled drives on all axes and spindle

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Twin-spindle with workpiece changer delivers approximately 3.5-4x the output of a single-spindle machine without automation
Larger 18 Series envelope (730 mm X-travel) handles medium-size parts that the DZ 15W and DZ 16W cannot accommodate
HSK-A100 high-torque option with 400 Nm enables twin-spindle production machining of steel and titanium
Linear direct drives provide zero-backlash dynamics that exceed ball-screw machines in positioning speed and accuracy
Mineral-cast bed and water-cooled drives deliver thermal stability and vibration damping for tight-tolerance production
Integrated pallet changer pushes spindle utilization above 90% by eliminating load/unload downtime

Limitations

Both spindles must machine identical parts — no flexibility for mixed-part production runs
Starting price around $600,000 demands high-volume, long-run production programs to achieve ROI
Up to 60 tools per spindle is modest compared to the DZ 16W's 162-tool capacity for complex parts
Machine weight and footprint require careful factory planning including foundation reinforcement
Chiron's North American service coverage is less extensive than competitors like DMG Mori and Mazak

Best For

Automotive production lines machining medium-size castings, housings, and structural components at high volume Aerospace manufacturers needing twin-spindle 5-axis throughput on medium-size aluminum and titanium parts Tier-1 suppliers running production programs of 10,000+ identical parts per year on medium-size workpieces Manufacturers seeking the output of 3-4 standalone machines consolidated into a single twin-spindle cell Production environments prioritizing maximum spindle utilization across multi-shift operations Shops machining medium-size parts (up to 800 mm diameter) that exceed the capacity of smaller Chiron twin-spindle platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Chiron DZ 18W cost?

New DZ 18W machines start around $600,000 and can reach $850,000 with HSK-A100 torque spindles, full tool magazines, high-pressure coolant, and automation upgrades. Used units from 2017-2023 trade between $300,000 and $575,000 depending on configuration and hours.

02 How does the DZ 18W compare to the DZ 22W?

The DZ 22W has larger travels (620 x 650 x 600 mm vs 730 x 560 x 500 mm — the 22W is taller and deeper while the 18W is wider), faster rapids (120 m/min), and more tool capacity (77 per spindle). The DZ 18W offers the wider X-travel. Choice depends on part geometry: taller parts suit the 22W; wider parts suit the 18W.

03 Can I use the DZ 18W for automotive wheel production?

While the single-spindle FZ 18W is specifically positioned for wheel machining (16-24 inch), the DZ 18W could machine two identical wheels simultaneously. However, wheel machining often requires single-spindle flexibility for different wheel designs. Consult Chiron for specific wheel production configurations.

04 What is the DZ 18W's advantage over two FZ 18S machines?

One DZ 18W replaces two FZ 18S machines while using less total floor space, requiring fewer operators, and adding pallet automation. The output is roughly equivalent to 3.5-4 FZ 18S machines when accounting for the twin-spindle doubling plus workpiece changer elimination of load/unload time.

05 Does the DZ 18W support external automation?

Yes. Chiron offers robot loading systems, gantry loaders, and pallet pool configurations that interface with the integrated workpiece changer for extended unmanned production. These are typically specified at order for optimal integration.