GF Machining MIKRON HSM 500 Graphite
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The GF Machining MIKRON HSM 500 Graphite is a purpose-built high-speed machining center dedicated to graphite electrode production for the EDM industry. Factory-engineered for dry graphite milling with integrated dust extraction, sealed linear guides, protected spindle bearings, and work zone containment.
The machine provides X/Y/Z travels of 500 x 450 x 350 mm (19.7 x 17.7 x 13.8 in) on a T-slot table measuring 550 x 450 mm (21.7 x 17.7 in) with a 200 kg (441 lb) load capacity.
Two spindle options: 42,000 RPM Step-Tec for ultra-fine electrode finishing, and 30,000 RPM for balanced roughing and finishing. Both use HSK-E40 taper. The 18-pocket tool magazine (expandable to 36) and 42 m/min rapid traverse support efficient electrode production. Integrates with System 3R pallet systems. Pricing runs from $200,000 to $350,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Table Size | 550 x 450 mm (21.7 x 17.7 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 200 kg |
| Max Spindle Speed | 42,000 RPM (30,000 RPM option) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-E40 |
| Spindle Technology | Step-Tec precision spindle, sealed for graphite |
| Tool Capacity | 18 / 36 pockets |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 42 m/min (1,654 ipm) |
| Dust Extraction | Integrated graphite dust extraction system |
| Guide Protection | Fully sealed linear guides |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31iB |
| Travel X Y Z | 500 x 450 x 350 mm |
| Feed Rate X Y Z | 42 m/min |
| Working Table | T-slot table 550 x 450 mm |
| Working Spindle | 42'000 rpm - HSK-E4030'000 rpm - HSK-E40 |
| Automation | On request |
Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Factory-integrated graphite dust extraction and sealed linear guides protect from conductive graphite contamination
- 42,000 RPM Step-Tec spindle produces electrode finishes that directly improve EDM cavity quality
- HSK-E40 taper provides maximum rigidity for micro-diameter ball-end mills (0.2-3 mm)
- 42 m/min rapid traverse provides fast positioning on multi-feature electrode blanks
- System 3R pallet integration enables automated electrode production cells feeding sinker EDMs
- Dual spindle speed options (42K and 30K RPM) for ultra-fine finishing or balanced production
Limitations
- 200 kg table load and 550 x 450 mm table limit the machine to small-to-medium electrodes
- 18-pocket standard magazine is modest for diverse electrode geometries
- Dedicated graphite machine is not practical for general-purpose metal cutting
- At $200K-$350K for a dedicated electrode machine, requires sufficient volume for ROI
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
$200,000-$350,000 new depending on spindle, magazine, and automation.
02
Factory-engineered for dry graphite with integrated extraction, sealed guides, protected bearings. Smaller table (550x450 vs 700x500mm) and lower capacity (200 vs 500kg).
03
Optimized for dry graphite. Copper requires flood coolant which conflicts with the extraction system.
04
All common EDM grades from coarse through ultra-fine-grain. 42K RPM excels with ultra-fine-grain graphite.
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