Chiron FZ 15S

$300,000 - $450,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

430 mm (16.9 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Max Spindle

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

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

36 standard (up to 55 optional)

Overview

The Chiron FZ 15S is a compact, high-speed 5-axis machining center designed for shops that need maximum dynamics in the smallest possible footprint. As Chiron's entry point in the 15 Series, the FZ 15S features a single-spindle configuration with a swivel-head design that delivers full 5-axis simultaneous machining. The "FZ" stands for single spindle (Fertigungszentrum) and the "S" denotes swivel-head — meaning the workpiece sits on a 2-axis tilt-rotary table with direct drives for A and C axis motion.

With X/Y/Z travels of 430 x 400 x 400 mm (16.9 x 15.7 x 15.7 in), the FZ 15S is built for small-to-medium parts where cycle time is everything. The machine uses Chiron's signature mineral-cast machine bed for vibration damping and thermal stability, paired with linear direct drives on all linear axes to eliminate backlash and maximize acceleration. Spindle options include HSK-A63 configurations up to 20,000 RPM standard, with high-speed options reaching 40,000 RPM for aluminum and non-ferrous work. The basket-type tool changer holds up to 55 tools with rapid chip-to-chip times.

The compact footprint of approximately 2.5 m2 makes the FZ 15S one of the most space-efficient 5-axis machines on the market. This is a key selling point for shops looking to maximize spindle density per square meter of floor space. The machine handles workpieces up to 350 mm diameter and 150 kg. Water-cooled drives on all axes and the spindle maintain thermal stability during long production runs. The control is Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl.

The FZ 15S competes directly with the Fanuc Robodrill, Brother Speedio, and other compact high-speed machining centers, but adds true 5-axis simultaneous capability and Chiron's linear direct drive advantage. New machines price between $300,000 and $450,000 depending on spindle and tool magazine configuration. Used FZ 15S units from 2018-2023 trade between $150,000 and $280,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	430 mm (16.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM standard (up to 40,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Torque	Up to 200 Nm (148 ft-lb)
A Axis Range	Direct drive tilt axis
C Axis Range	360° continuous direct drive
Max Workpiece Diameter	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	150 kg (330 lb)
Table Diameter	280 mm (11.0 in) rotary table
Tool Capacity	36 standard (up to 55 optional)
Chip To Chip	2.5 sec
Axis Drives	Linear direct drives on X, Y, Z; direct drives on A, C
Machine Bed	Mineral cast
Machine Footprint	Approx. 2.5 m² floor area
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

Extremely compact footprint of approximately 2.5 m2 maximizes spindle density per square meter — ideal for shops with limited floor space
Linear direct drives on all linear axes eliminate backlash, reduce mechanical wear, and provide acceleration rates that outperform ball-screw machines
Mineral-cast machine bed provides superior vibration damping and thermal stability compared to cast iron, improving surface finish and tool life
Chip-to-chip time of 2.5 seconds keeps spindle productive during complex multi-tool operations
High-speed spindle options up to 40,000 RPM make it exceptionally capable for aluminum aerospace and medical components

Limitations

430 mm X-travel limits the FZ 15S to small parts, ruling out medium-to-large structural components
150 kg workpiece capacity is restrictive for heavier steel or titanium blanks that may require larger platforms
Linear direct drive technology requires specialized Chiron service expertise that is not widely available outside major manufacturing regions
Chiron's North American dealer and service network is smaller than Haas, Mazak, or DMG Mori, affecting support availability
Starting price around $300,000 is significantly higher than competitors like the Fanuc Robodrill for shops that don't need 5-axis simultaneous

Best For

Medical device manufacturers machining small titanium implants and cobalt-chrome instruments requiring 5-axis simultaneous capability Aerospace shops producing small structural fittings, brackets, and connectors from aluminum and titanium Watch and precision instrument companies needing micron-level accuracy on complex small parts High-volume production cells where compact footprint and maximum spindle density per square meter are critical Shops transitioning from 3+2 to full 5-axis simultaneous machining on small parts with demanding cycle time targets Mold and die shops producing small, complex electrode and insert geometries

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Chiron FZ 15S cost?

New FZ 15S machines start around $300,000 for a base configuration with the standard 20,000 RPM spindle. Adding high-speed spindle options, expanded tool magazine, high-pressure through-spindle coolant, and probing can push the price to $400,000-$450,000. Used units from 2018-2023 trade between $150,000 and $280,000.

02 How does the FZ 15S compare to the Fanuc Robodrill?

The Robodrill is faster on simple 3-axis drilling and tapping work and costs significantly less. The FZ 15S adds true 5-axis simultaneous capability, linear direct drives for higher dynamics, and a mineral-cast bed for better vibration damping. If you need 5-axis simultaneous machining with production-grade precision, the FZ 15S justifies its premium. For high-speed drilling and tapping, the Robodrill wins on price-performance.

03 What is the difference between the FZ 15S and the FZ 16S?

The FZ 16S is the next size up in Chiron's lineup with larger travels (550 x 400 x 425 mm vs 430 x 400 x 400 mm), higher workpiece capacity (700 mm diameter, 360 kg), and more tool capacity (up to 162 tools). The FZ 15S is more compact and less expensive, making it ideal for shops focused on smaller parts. Choose the 15S for maximum space efficiency and smaller work; the 16S when you need the larger envelope.

04 Can the FZ 15S handle steel and titanium?

Yes, but it is optimized for high-speed work on aluminum and lighter alloys. For steel and titanium, the available torque (up to 200 Nm) is adequate for light-to-moderate cutting, but the compact work envelope limits blank size. For heavy titanium roughing, consider the FZ 16S with the HSK-A100 spindle option.

05 What does 'linear direct drive' mean on the FZ 15S?

Linear direct drives replace the traditional ball screw with a linear motor that moves the axis directly. This eliminates backlash, reduces wear, and allows higher acceleration and velocity. The result is faster positioning, more precise contouring, and reduced maintenance over the machine's life. The trade-off is higher initial cost and the need for Chiron-trained service technicians.

06 Is the FZ 15S available as a dual-spindle machine?

Yes, the DZ 15S is the dual-spindle variant of the 15 Series swivel-head platform. It machines two identical parts simultaneously, doubling throughput for production runs. The FZ 15S single-spindle is better for mixed-part production and job shop flexibility.