Chiron Mill 1000
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Chiron Mill 1000 is a long-bed horizontal machining center designed for productive machining of large, complex workpieces where the 1,000 mm X-axis travel and horizontal spindle orientation provide advantages in chip evacuation, rigidity, and multi-face accessibility. As part of Chiron's Mill series expansion beyond its traditional compact vertical-spindle gantry platforms, the Mill 1000 targets aerospace, defense, energy, and heavy equipment manufacturers that need Chiron's German engineering quality on larger components.
The Mill 1000 features a horizontal spindle configuration with X/Y/Z travels of approximately 1,000 x 800 x 700 mm. The horizontal spindle orientation delivers gravity-assisted chip evacuation — a critical advantage on deep-pocket aluminum and cast-iron components where chip packing degrades tool life and surface quality. The integrated rotary pallet table provides 4-axis indexing for multi-face machining in a single setup, reducing fixturing complexity and part handling compared to multi-setup vertical machining.
Spindle options include HSK-A63 at 20,000 RPM for high-speed aluminum and general machining, with HSK-A100 torque variants available for heavy steel and cast-iron work. The tool magazine accommodates up to 80 tools, handling complex multi-operation parts across the 1,000 mm X-axis without manual intervention. The moving column design maintains table-area accessibility for crane loading of large, heavy workpieces. Rapid traverse speeds of up to 60 m/min on the primary axes keep positioning time low across the full travel range.
The Mill 1000 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl and accepts pallet automation systems for extended production runs. Competing platforms include the Mazak HCN-8800, Okuma MA-600HII, DMG Mori NHX 6300, and Toyoda FA-630. New Mill 1000 machines typically price between $450,000 and $650,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 700 mm (27.6 in) |
| Spindle Orientation | Horizontal |
| Max Spindle Speed | Up to 20,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 standard (HSK-A100 optional) |
| Tool Capacity | Up to 80 tools |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | Up to 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Pallet Size | Integrated rotary pallet table (B-axis) |
| Machine Design | Horizontal moving column |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Thermal Management | Thermally stable construction with cooled drives |
| English | Greek |
| Chiron | ΧείÏÏν (translit. CheÃrÅn) |
| Phonetic | IPA |
| Kahy Ron | /Ëkaɪ rÉn/ |
| Father | Mother |
| Cronus | Philyra |
| Brothers | Sisters |
| Hadeszeusposeidon | HeraDemeterHestia |
| Daughters | Son |
| Endeishippoocyrhoe | Carystus |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Horizontal spindle orientation provides gravity-assisted chip evacuation from deep pockets and bores, extending tool life and improving surface finish on cast iron and aluminum
- 1,000 mm X-axis travel handles long workpieces and wide multi-face components that exceed the capacity of Chiron's vertical Series 22 platform
- Integrated rotary pallet table (B-axis) enables 4-axis indexing for multi-face machining in a single setup, reducing part handling and fixturing costs
- 80-tool magazine provides extensive tooling capacity for complex prismatic components requiring many operations across multiple faces
- Moving column design maintains full table accessibility for crane loading of large or heavy workpieces without workarounds
- German engineering quality and Siemens 840D sl control deliver precision and thermal stability for consistent accuracy across production shifts
Limitations
- Horizontal machining centers require more floor space and higher ceiling clearance than equivalent-envelope vertical machines
- Chiron's horizontal machining center lineup is smaller and less established than its dominant FZ/DZ vertical series, with fewer application references
- Starting price around $450,000 positions the Mill 1000 above Mazak, Okuma, and Fanuc-controlled horizontal machining centers of similar travel
- North American Chiron service coverage for horizontal machining centers is less extensive than for domestic competitors like Mazak and Okuma
- Moving column design can result in slightly lower rapid traverse speeds compared to fixed-column horizontal machining centers of the same size
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Mill 1000 machines typically price between $450,000 and $650,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, pallet automation, and options. The horizontal spindle platform with B-axis rotary table commands a premium over Chiron's vertical MILL series machines of similar travel.
02
A horizontal spindle allows gravity to carry chips away from the cutting zone and workpiece, preventing chip re-cutting and packing in pockets. This is especially important for deep-pocket aluminum, cast-iron, and steel components. Horizontal machines also naturally access multiple faces of a prismatic workpiece through B-axis rotation, reducing setups.
03
The Mazak HCN-8800 is a well-established horizontal machining center with a similar work envelope and a larger installed base and service network in North America. The Chiron Mill 1000 offers comparable capabilities with German engineering quality and Siemens 840D sl control. Mazak wins on brand support depth; Chiron competes on build precision and control preference.
04
Yes. The Chiron Mill 1000 Five Axis is a separate configuration that adds simultaneous 5-axis capability to the long-bed horizontal platform. The standard Mill 1000 provides 4-axis indexing through the integrated B-axis pallet table; the Five Axis variant enables full simultaneous contouring on complex aerospace and turbine components.
05
The Mill 1000 accepts pallet changer systems that allow one pallet to be set up outside the machine while the other is being machined. Multi-pallet pool systems for extended production runs are available. The B-axis rotary table design is well-suited to automation since both pallet positions can be accessed from the machine front.
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