GF Machining Solutions 5-Axis Machining Centers

GF Mikron MILL E 500 U

$220,000 - $320,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

450 mm (17.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM (12,000 RPM option)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63 (ISO 40 / BT40 optional)

Tool Capacity

30 / 60 / Tool Tower 120 / 170 / 215 pockets

Overview

The GF Mikron MILL E 500 U is GF Machining Solutions' efficiency-class 5-axis machining center, offering a practical entry into full 5-axis simultaneous machining at a price point that actual job shops and production operations can justify. With 500 x 450 x 400 mm (19.7 x 17.7 x 15.7 in) of linear travel and a trunnion table providing -65° to +120° A-axis swivel with continuous C-axis rotation, this machine covers the geometry access needed for most 5-axis applications.

The spindle options show the E series' versatile character: a 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 with 120 Nm of torque for general-purpose work, or a 12,000 RPM ISO/BT40 unit for shops standardized on that tooling ecosystem. The HSK-A63 option is the clear winner for most shops — it provides the rigidity, speed, and torque needed for both roughing and finishing in a single setup.

The Ø 500 mm T-slot trunnion table handles workpieces up to 300 kg (661 lb) in standard configuration and 500 kg (1,102 lb) with the 5-axis simultaneous option. Feed rate is 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) across all axes. The tool magazine scales from 30 pockets up to 215 with the tool tower configuration — that's enough tooling capacity for complex multi-operation programs that would require multiple setups on a 3-axis machine.

The control is a Heidenhain TNC 640 or Fanuc 0i-MD, both proven 5-axis platforms. The machine's construction is typical GF quality — cast iron base with good rigidity and reasonable thermal behavior. While it lacks the polymer granite and active thermal management of the S and P series, it delivers accuracy that exceeds most competing 5-axis machines in this price range.

New MILL E 500 U machines price between $220,000 and $320,000. The machine competes with the DMG Mori DMU 50, Mazak Variaxis C-600, and Okuma MU-4000V in the mid-range 5-axis market.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM (12,000 RPM option)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63 (ISO 40 / BT40 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque	120 Nm (88.5 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	30 / 60 / Tool Tower 120 / 170 / 215 pockets
Table Size	Ø 500 mm (19.7 in) T-slot trunnion
Max Work Weight	300 kg (661 lb); 500 kg (1,102 lb) with 5-axis option
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Swivel Range	A-axis: -65° to +120°, C-axis: 360° continuous
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640 / Fanuc 0i-MD
Machine Weight	8,500 kg (18,739 lb)
Machine Base	Cast iron
Travel X Y Z	700 x 600 x 500 mm
Feed Rate X Y Z	30 m/min
Swivelling Range	-65°+120°
Rotary Range	n x 360°
Feed Rate Swivel	17 (3+2)32 (5X simultaneous with DD) rpm
Feed Rate Rotary	28 (3+2)112 (5X simultaneous with DD) rpm
Working Table	T-slot table Ø630 mmSystem 3R Dynafix 350x350 / Erowa UPC 320x320 mmSystem 3R Delphin 400x400 / Erowa MTS 400x400 mm
Table Load Capacity	300 / 500 (5X simultaneous with DD) kg
Working Spindle	20'000 rpm - HSK-A6312'000 rpm - ISO & BT40
Automation	Pallet magazine 7 Dynafix / UPCPallet magazine 5 Delphin / MTSSystem 3R Workpartner 1+, Transformer WorkMaster & Transformer 6-axis
Controll Unit	TNC 640 (Heidenhain)Fanuc 0i-MD

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Practical 5-axis capability at an accessible price point for job shops transitioning from 3-axis machining
HSK-A63 spindle with 120 Nm torque handles both roughing and finishing in 5-axis — no need for separate machines
Tool tower option expands capacity to 215 tools, enabling complex multi-operation programs in a single setup
Generous -65° to +120° A-axis swivel provides excellent geometry access for most 5-axis applications
500 kg workpiece capacity with 5-axis option supports substantial production parts and mold components
Choice of Heidenhain or Fanuc control matches shop programming ecosystems

Limitations

Cast iron base limits surface finish and accuracy compared to polymer granite-equipped S and P series machines
30 m/min rapid traverse is slower than the 61 m/min on the S series, adding non-cutting time
No active thermal compensation — accuracy over long cycles depends on shop temperature stability
Ø 500 mm trunnion table constrains workpiece diameter for 5-axis simultaneous work
GF's service network for the E series may receive lower priority than the premium S and P lines

Best For

Job shops adding 5-axis capability to reduce setups and lead times on complex parts Production shops needing a versatile 5-axis platform for mixed materials and part geometries Mold and die shops requiring 5-axis access for undercuts and complex cavity surfaces Medical device production of implants and instruments requiring 5-axis geometry access Aerospace subcontractors machining smaller aluminum and titanium structural components Shops standardizing on GF equipment that need an affordable 5-axis complement to S or P series machines

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new GF Mikron MILL E 500 U cost?

New MILL E 500 U machines price between $220,000 and $320,000 depending on spindle, control, and tool magazine configuration. The 215-pocket tool tower adds significant cost but dramatically expands capability. Used machines from 2016-2020 trade between $100,000 and $200,000.

02 How does the E 500 U compare to the DMG Mori DMU 50?

Both target the mid-range 5-axis market with similar work envelopes. The DMU 50 offers faster rapids (42 m/min), the option of Siemens or Heidenhain control, and a larger dealer/service network. The E 500 U counters with the scalable tool tower system (up to 215 tools) and GF's spindle technology. Pricing is comparable. Service availability in North America favors DMG Mori.

03 What's the difference between the E 500 U and S 400 U?

The E 500 U uses an HSK-A63 spindle at 20,000 RPM with 120 Nm torque — a versatile roughing-through-finishing platform. The S 400 U uses an HSK-E40 spindle at up to 42,000 RPM with 8.8 Nm torque — a speed-class finishing machine. The E 500 U is more versatile; the S 400 U delivers superior surface finishes. The E 500 U is typically $50K-$100K less expensive.

04 Can the E 500 U handle titanium?

Yes. The 120 Nm HSK-A63 spindle provides adequate torque for titanium machining at moderate feed rates. It won't match a dedicated titanium machine like the HPM 400U or a Hermle C 400 for aggressive MRR, but it handles titanium production work capably. The key is using appropriate tooling and cutting parameters.

05 Is the tool tower worth the investment?

For high-mix production, absolutely. The tool tower (120/170/215 pockets) eliminates manual tool changeovers between jobs and enables true lights-out production with multiple part programs. For shops running fewer than 30 different tools per shift, the standard 30/60 pocket magazine is sufficient. The tool tower typically adds $30,000-$60,000 depending on size.