Chiron FZ 12 S Five Axis
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Chiron FZ 12 S Five Axis is a compact, high-speed 5-axis machining center occupying the mid-tier of Chiron's Series 12 platform. The "FZ" designation confirms single-spindle configuration, and the "S" denotes the swivel-head design enabling full simultaneous 5-axis capability. With a 40,000 RPM high-speed spindle and HSK-E50 tooling interface, the FZ 12 S Five Axis targets precision manufacturers producing complex components in medical, dental, aerospace, and precision electronics where small-diameter tooling and surface finish quality are critical.
X/Y/Z travels of approximately 380 x 320 x 355 mm position the FZ 12 S Five Axis comfortably between the smallest Series 08 and the mid-range Series 15 and 16 machines. The work envelope accommodates workpieces up to approximately 400 mm diameter, covering a wide range of precision implants, housings, brackets, and fittings that define Series 12 production volumes. Direct drives on both the A and C rotary axes eliminate backlash and provide the dynamic response needed for simultaneous 5-axis contouring at high spindle speeds.
Chiron's mineral-cast machine bed provides vibration damping and thermal stability that cast-iron frames cannot match, contributing directly to the surface finish quality that medical and precision customers require. Linear direct drives on the X, Y, and Z axes deliver acceleration and rapid traverse rates of up to 75 m/min, minimizing non-cutting time between features on complex parts. Water-cooled drives on all axes maintain dimensional consistency across extended production shifts.
The pick-up tool changer handles up to 78 tools, providing capacity for complex multi-operation parts without manual tool loading. The machine runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl, which delivers the interpolation performance and cycle time optimization needed for high-dynamic 5-axis toolpaths. Competitors include the Hermle C 12, DMG Mori CMX 600 U, and Röders RXP 501 DS. New FZ 12 S Five Axis machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 380 mm (15.0 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 355 mm (14.0 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 40,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-E50 |
| Tool Capacity | Up to 78 tools |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 75 m/min (2,953 ipm) |
| A Axis Range | Direct drive swivel axis |
| C Axis Range | 360° continuous direct drive |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Approx. 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| 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 |
| English | Greek |
| Chiron | ΧείÏÏν (translit. CheÃrÅn) |
| Phonetic | IPA |
| Kahy Ron | /Ëkaɪ rÉn/ |
| Father | Mother |
| Cronus | Philyra |
| Brothers | Sisters |
| Hadeszeusposeidon | HeraDemeterHestia |
| Daughters | Son |
| Endeishippoocyrhoe | Carystus |
| Manufacturer | Chiron |
| Model | DZ15 |
| Power Requirement | 14.4 kW |
Specifications sourced from machinio.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 40,000 RPM HSK-E50 spindle delivers the cutting speed needed for fine finishing, micro-features, and high-speed aluminum machining with small-diameter endmills
- Mineral-cast machine bed provides vibration damping superior to cast iron, directly improving surface finish quality on medical and precision components
- Linear direct drives on X, Y, and Z eliminate backlash and provide 75 m/min rapid traverse for fast positioning between features on complex parts
- Up to 78-tool magazine handles complex multi-operation parts without interrupting production for manual tool changes
- Compact footprint relative to work envelope makes the FZ 12 S Five Axis suitable for dense production cell layouts
- Water-cooled drives on all axes and spindle maintain thermal stability for consistent tolerances across extended production shifts
Limitations
- 380 x 320 x 355 mm travel limits the FZ 12 S to small-to-medium precision parts; larger structural components require the Series 16 or Series 19 platforms
- HSK-E50 tooling is less universally available than HSK-A63, which can increase tooling procurement costs and lead times
- 40,000 RPM high-speed spindle is optimized for high-speed cutting — aggressive roughing in titanium or steel requires conservative parameters
- Chiron's North American sales and service network is smaller than established competitors such as DMG Mori, Mazak, and Haas
- Premium German engineering price point is significantly above comparably sized machines from Asian manufacturers
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New FZ 12 S Five Axis machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, and automation options. The 40,000 RPM high-speed spindle and linear direct drives position it at a premium over basic 5-axis machining centers with ball-screw drives.
02
The FZ 12 S offers larger travels (380 x 320 x 355 mm vs 270 x 260 x 310 mm) and a higher tool capacity of up to 78 tools, allowing it to handle a broader range of medium-small parts. Both machines share the 40,000 RPM high-speed spindle philosophy and mineral-cast construction. The FZ 08 S is the choice for the smallest precision components; the FZ 12 S provides more flexibility in part size.
03
Yes. The rigid gantry construction and mineral-cast bed provide the stiffness for titanium cutting. However, the 40,000 RPM spindle is primarily optimized for high-speed work with small-diameter tools. For sustained high-torque titanium roughing, the HSK-A63 or HSK-A100 spindles in the Series 15 and 16 platforms offer more torque.
04
The FZ 12 S uses Chiron's pick-up tool change system, where the spindle travels to the magazine to collect tools directly rather than using a separate arm-type mechanism. This reduces mechanical complexity, improves reliability, and allows the magazine to be replenished during machining. Chip-to-chip times are competitive with arm-type changers.
05
The FZ 12 S Five Axis is designed for production machining. Linear direct drives, a large tool magazine, and water-cooled drives for thermal stability are production-focused features. It can handle prototyping, but the machine's strengths — fast positioning, high spindle speed, and extended-shift stability — are best utilized in recurring production programs.
Videos
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MachinesUsed
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Community Discussions
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