Comau NHP 4000

$320,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

560 mm (22 in)

Y Travel

560 mm (22 in)

Z Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 (expandable to 180)

Overview

The Comau NHP 4000 is a 400 mm pallet horizontal machining center developed by Comau, the Italian automation and machine tool specialist headquartered in Turin. Part of the Stellantis group's industrial technology portfolio, Comau brings a distinctive combination of automotive production engineering and Italian mechanical design to the NHP 4000. The machine targets high-volume prismatic part machining in automotive powertrain applications — the segment that has defined Comau's machine tool business for decades across Fiat, Chrysler, and broader automotive supply chain programs.

The NHP 4000's horizontal spindle architecture provides the chip evacuation and multi-face access advantages that make HMCs the preferred platform for high-volume automotive component machining. Comau's engineering philosophy emphasizes reliability and ease of maintenance in demanding multi-shift production environments, reflected in the machine's accessible service zones, standardized component selection, and robust casting construction. These priorities align with the automotive plant environments where the NHP 4000 typically operates.

With a 400 mm pallet handling up to 500 kg, the NHP 4000 covers the core automotive powertrain component envelope: cylinder heads, hydraulic manifolds, pump housings, bracket assemblies, and small transmission cases. Standard spindle speeds reach 12,000 RPM with options to 18,000 RPM for aluminum high-speed applications. The machine is configured as a standalone twin-pallet production cell or as an FMS node in multi-machine pallet pool systems.

Comau has deployed the NHP series across multiple automotive programs in Europe, North America, and South America, leveraging its position as a Stellantis-affiliated supplier to gain access to high-volume automotive machining contracts. The NHP 4000 is built at Comau's manufacturing facilities in Italy and supported through Comau's global automation services network.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Pallet Size	400 x 400 mm
Table Load Capacity	500 kg (1,102 lb)
X-Axis Travel	560 mm (22 in)
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22 in)
Z-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	35 kW (46.9 hp)
Spindle Torque	240 Nm
Rapid Traverse Rate	50 m/min (1,969 ipm)
Tool Capacity	60 (expandable to 180)
Pallet Change Time	< 8 seconds
Positioning Accuracy	0.005 mm
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl / Fanuc 31i

Specifications sourced from comau.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Comau's automotive production engineering heritage ensures the NHP 4000 is designed for multi-shift reliability and ease of maintenance in demanding plant environments
400 mm pallet at a competitive price point relative to European HMC peers — Comau's Stellantis-group purchasing scale contributes to favorable component costs
Integrates with Comau's broader automation portfolio including material handling robots, vision systems, and production monitoring — relevant for shops building turnkey Comau cells
Strong deployment history in Fiat/Stellantis and related supply chain programs provides a proven reference base for automotive production qualification

Limitations

Comau's machine tool brand recognition is lower than Heller, Makino, or Mazak in the independent job shop market; resale value and used market liquidity are limited
Comau's HMC portfolio is smaller and less differentiated than dedicated machine tool builders; fewer model variants and configuration options than competitors like Heller or Okuma
Service network outside Stellantis-affiliated facilities may be thinner in some regions compared to global machine tool specialists with larger installed bases

Best For

Stellantis supplier plants and Fiat/Chrysler group Tier 1 manufacturers where Comau familiarity, common supplier qualification, and integrated automation create procurement advantages Automotive powertrain manufacturers seeking a cost-competitive Italian-engineered HMC with production-proven reliability for cylinder head and hydraulic manifold production Shops building integrated Comau automation cells where machine tools, robots, and material handling from a single source simplifies integration and vendor management South American and European automotive component manufacturers where Comau's regional support infrastructure and automotive customer base are strongest

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Who makes Comau machine tools?

Comau is an Italian company headquartered in Turin, part of the Stellantis group (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Comau is best known for automotive automation, welding systems, and robotic assembly lines, but also produces horizontal machining centers like the NHP series for automotive powertrain machining. Comau builds its machines at Italian manufacturing facilities.

02 What industries use the Comau NHP 4000?

The NHP 4000 is primarily deployed in automotive powertrain manufacturing — cylinder head and block machining, transmission housing production, and hydraulic component machining. It also appears in general mechanical engineering and industrial component production where the 400 mm pallet size and HMC configuration are appropriate.

03 How does the Comau NHP 4000 compare to the Heller H2000?

Both machines target the 400 mm pallet HMC segment for automotive powertrain. The Heller H2000 has a larger installed base, broader FMS ecosystem, and stronger independent market presence. The NHP 4000 may offer pricing advantages in automotive programs where Comau is an approved supplier, and integrates more naturally with Comau automation systems. Heller is typically the stronger choice for shops outside the Comau-Stellantis ecosystem.

04 What control options are available for the NHP 4000?

The NHP 4000 is available with Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl and Fanuc 31i — the two standard control platforms for production HMCs. Control selection is typically driven by plant-wide DNC and FMS software standards.

05 Can the Comau NHP 4000 be used in a flexible manufacturing system?

Yes. The NHP 4000 uses standard 400 mm pallet interfaces and supports FMS rail and AGV systems. Comau also offers complete FMS engineering as part of its automation business, including pallet transport, load stations, and production scheduling software.