GF Machining Solutions 5-Axis Machining Centers

GF Mikron MILL E 1400 U

$550,000 - $800,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,380 mm (54.3 in)

Y Travel

1,150 mm (45.3 in)

Z Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Rapid Traverse

15 / 32 m/min (X / Y,Z) S6

table options

T-slot parallel diameter 1,100 mm or pallet 1,000 x 840 mm

max table load

1,600 kg (3,527 lb) T-slot / 1,000-1,500 kg per pallet

Overview

The GF Mikron MILL E 1400 U is the mid-range model in GF Machining Solutions' large-format 5-axis universal milling lineup, bridging the gap between the compact 1000 U and the heavy-duty 1900 U. With 1,380 x 1,150 x 900 mm (54.3 x 45.3 x 35.4 in) of X/Y/Z travel and table load capacity up to 1,600 kg (3,527 lb), it handles the kind of workpieces that push smaller 5-axis machines past their limits -- large mold halves, aerospace structural parts, and turbine components.

What sets the 1400 U apart from its smaller sibling is the table flexibility. You can configure it with a 1,100 mm diameter T-slot parallel table for single-part work, or step up to a pallet system with 1,000 x 840 mm pallets and a 3-pallet magazine. That pallet option transforms the machine from a standalone 5-axis mill into a production cell capable of running different jobs back-to-back with minimal operator intervention. Table load varies by configuration: 1,600 kg on the T-slot table, and 1,000-1,500 kg per pallet depending on setup.

Spindle options mirror the 1000 U platform: 10,000 rpm HSK-A100 for heavy roughing in tough materials, or 15,000/24,000 rpm HSK-A63 for high-speed finishing and aluminum work. The direct-drive B-axis swivels from +16 to -120 degrees (HSK-63) or +16 to -110 degrees (HSK-100), providing deep undercut access that mold makers need for complex cavity geometry. The C-axis runs continuously at 40 rpm with zero backlash.

The 1400 U also comes in an ST (Simultaneous Turning) variant with an HSK-T100 spindle rated at 12,000 rpm and a turning-capable C-axis that reaches 400 rpm. This mill-turn capability lets shops complete complex parts in a single setup -- machining milled features and turned diameters without moving to a lathe. It's a niche but increasingly valuable capability for shops producing parts like turbine discs and large valve bodies.

Tool magazine options extend from standard chain magazines up to 336-pocket tower configurations for HSK-63, giving you the capacity for extended unattended runs on complex parts with many different tools. Rapid traverse rates of 15/32 m/min (X/Y,Z) keep cycle times competitive across the expanded travel envelope.

New Mikron MILL E 1400 U machines typically price between $550,000 and $800,000 depending on spindle, pallet automation, and tool magazine configuration. The ST mill-turn variant with pallet magazine pushes above $900,000. Used units from 2018-2022 trade between $350,000 and $550,000 when available. Specs sourced from GF Machining Solutions published technical data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,150 mm (45.3 in)
Z-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Table Options	T-slot parallel diameter 1,100 mm or pallet 1,000 x 840 mm
Max Table Load	1,600 kg (3,527 lb) T-slot / 1,000-1,500 kg per pallet
Pallet Magazine	Optional 3-pallet magazine (1,000 x 840 mm pallets)
Spindle Options	10,000 rpm HSK-A100 / 15,000 or 24,000 rpm HSK-A63
Swivel Range	+16° / -120° (HSK-63) or +16° / -110° (HSK-100)
Rotary Speed	40 rpm (C-axis)
Rapid Traverse Rate	15 / 32 m/min (X / Y,Z) S6
Tool Magazine Hsk63	30, 46, 92, Tower 116, 212, or 336 pockets
Tool Magazine Hsk100	32, 64, Tower 90, 130, or 175 pockets
St Variant Spindle	HSK-T100 at 12,000 rpm (ST variant)
St Turning Speed	Up to 400 rpm (ST variant)
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640
Drive Type	Direct drives on B and C axes (wear-free)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Optional 3-pallet magazine transforms the machine from standalone 5-axis mill into a production cell capable of unattended multi-job operation
ST mill-turn variant with HSK-T100 spindle and 400 rpm turning capability eliminates secondary lathe operations for complex parts
1,380 mm X-travel with up to 1,600 kg table load handles large mold halves and aerospace structural components that won't fit on compact 5-axis machines
Direct-drive B and C axes deliver backlash-free positioning with zero maintenance intervals for consistent surface finish quality
Same spindle flexibility as the full MILL E platform -- choose between heavy roughing HSK-A100 and high-speed HSK-A63 configurations
Tool magazine options up to 336 pockets support lights-out machining of complex parts requiring dozens of different tools

Limitations

Base price above $550K before pallet automation or ST variant options add significant additional cost -- total investment can exceed $900K fully loaded
Pallet system adds complexity and footprint -- shops that primarily run one-off parts may not recoup the automation investment
15 m/min X-axis rapid traverse across 1,380 mm of travel means noticeable non-cutting time on long traverses compared to machines with faster rapids
ST variant requires dedicated programming knowledge for mill-turn operations -- not a simple add-on for shops without turning experience
Limited availability of used units makes it difficult to enter at a lower price point compared to more common competitors

Best For

Mold and die shops producing large mold halves, die inserts, and progressive tooling that require 5-axis access with pallet automation for production throughput Aerospace tier-one suppliers machining structural aluminum and titanium components that demand large-travel 5-axis capability with high material removal rates Shops producing turbine components, valve bodies, and energy sector parts that benefit from the ST mill-turn variant's ability to complete parts in a single setup Contract manufacturers seeking a flexible 5-axis platform with pallet automation for mixed-part production runs requiring minimal operator intervention Operations upgrading from separate milling and turning machines to a combined mill-turn platform for complex rotational parts with milled features Automotive tooling shops machining large progressive dies and bumper molds requiring extended unattended operation with deep tool magazine capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new GF Mikron MILL E 1400 U cost?

New Mikron MILL E 1400 U machines typically run $550,000 to $800,000 depending on configuration. A standard milling configuration with T-slot table and 46-pocket magazine falls at the lower end. Adding the 3-pallet magazine, large tower magazine, and full probing package pushes toward $800,000. The ST mill-turn variant with pallet automation can exceed $900,000. Used units from 2018-2022 occasionally appear between $350,000 and $550,000.

02 What's the difference between the standard MILL E 1400 U and the ST variant?

The ST (Simultaneous Turning) variant adds an HSK-T100 spindle rated at 12,000 rpm with a C-axis capable of 400 rpm turning speed. This enables true mill-turn operations -- you can machine milled features, drilled holes, and turned diameters all in one setup without moving the part to a lathe. The standard version uses milling-only spindles (HSK-A63 or HSK-A100). The ST variant costs more and requires mill-turn programming expertise, but eliminates secondary operations on complex parts.

03 How does the pallet automation work on the MILL E 1400 U?

The optional 3-pallet magazine uses 1,000 x 840 mm pallets that can be loaded outside the machine while it's cutting. The pallet changer swaps pallets automatically, enabling back-to-back jobs without operator intervention. Each pallet supports 1,000 to 1,500 kg depending on configuration. This setup is ideal for running different parts in sequence or for extended unattended operation on repeat jobs.

04 How does the MILL E 1400 U compare to the Hermle C 400?

Both are premium 5-axis universal mills, but they target different niches. The Mikron MILL E 1400 U offers significantly more X-travel (1,380 mm vs 850 mm) and higher table load capacity (1,600 kg vs 1,400 kg), making it better suited for large workpieces. The Hermle C 400 counters with a more compact footprint, mineral-cast base for superior vibration damping, and Hermle's exceptional thermal stability reputation. The MILL E 1400 U's optional mill-turn capability has no equivalent on the Hermle.

05 What control system does the MILL E 1400 U use?

The machine runs Heidenhain TNC 640, the industry standard for simultaneous 5-axis milling. It features Dynamic Collision Monitoring, Advanced Dynamic Prediction for smoother toolpaths, direct STEP file import, and comprehensive simulation capabilities. The TNC 640 also handles the mill-turn programming on ST variants with dedicated turning cycles.

06 Can the MILL E 1400 U handle titanium and Inconel?

Yes, especially with the HSK-A100 spindle option at 10,000 rpm, which delivers the torque and rigidity needed for aggressive roughing in titanium alloys and nickel superalloys. The 1,600 kg table load capacity and rigid machine construction support the high cutting forces these materials demand. Many aerospace shops spec the HSK-A100 configuration specifically for titanium structural components.