GF Machining Solutions Vertical Machining Centers

GF Mikron MILL S 600

$320,000 - $450,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Y Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Max Spindle

42,000 RPM (36,000 RPM option)

Spindle Taper

HSK-E50

Tool Capacity

68 tools (168 optional)

Overview

The GF Mikron MILL S 600 stretches the high-speed milling envelope wider than its S 500 sibling, delivering 800 x 600 x 500 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 19.7 in) of X/Y/Z travel while maintaining the same Swiss precision DNA. This is the machine for mold shops that outgrew the S 500's envelope but aren't ready to step up to the S 800. The extra travel opens the door to larger mold plates, multi-cavity inserts, and bigger electrode sets — all machined with the speed-class finish quality that defines the Mikron S line.

The spindle options include 36,000 and 42,000 RPM Step-Tec units in HSK-E50, stepping up from the HSK-E40 of the S 500. The larger taper provides better rigidity and allows slightly more aggressive cutting parameters while still maintaining the high-speed finishing capability the S line is known for. Spindle power is 13.5 kW with 8.8 Nm of torque on the high-speed option, or 33 kW with 21 Nm on the 36,000 RPM variant — a significant jump that opens up more material removal capability.

Rapid traverse hits 61 m/min (2,402 ipm), matching the S 500's urgency in getting from feature to feature. The polymer granite base scales up with the machine, and the thermal management system covers the larger structure to maintain accuracy over extended cycles. The Heidenhain TNC 7 or Siemens SINUMERIK ONE control handles the processing demands of complex 3D surface programs across the bigger work envelope.

The 68-pocket standard tool magazine (expandable to 168) reflects the reality that larger parts often need more tools. System 3R automation is available, and the machine supports various pallet configurations for lights-out production. The table handles workpieces up to 120 kg (264 lb) on pallets.

New MILL S 600 machines price between $320,000 and $450,000 depending on spindle choice, control, tool magazine, and automation. The S 600 competes with machines like the Makino F8, Röders RXP 800, and DMG Mori HSC 75 linear in the mid-size high-speed milling segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Y-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	42,000 RPM (36,000 RPM option)
Spindle Taper	HSK-E50
Spindle Motor Power	13.5 kW (18 hp) / 33 kW (44 hp) at 36K RPM
Spindle Torque	8.8 Nm (6.5 ft-lb) / 21 Nm (15.5 ft-lb) at 36K RPM
Tool Capacity	68 tools (168 optional)
Table Size	800 x 600 mm (31.5 x 23.6 in)
Max Work Weight	120 kg (264 lb) on pallet
Rapid Traverse Rate	61 m/min (2,402 ipm)
Feed Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 7 / Siemens SINUMERIK ONE
Machine Weight	9,900 kg (21,825 lb)
Machine Base	Polymer granite

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

800 x 600 x 500 mm travel provides significantly more work envelope than the S 500 while retaining full high-speed milling capability
Dual spindle options — 42,000 RPM for pure finishing or 36,000 RPM with 21 Nm torque for combined semi-finishing and finishing
HSK-E50 taper offers better rigidity than HSK-E40, enabling slightly more aggressive cutting on larger tools
68-pocket standard tool magazine (168 optional) handles complex multi-tool programs without manual intervention
Choice of Heidenhain TNC 7 or Siemens SINUMERIK ONE control matches major programming ecosystems
Polymer granite base and active thermal management deliver consistent accuracy on larger workpieces through extended cycles

Limitations

120 kg max pallet load is restrictive for heavier steel mold plates — shops working with heavy workpieces need the E series
Premium pricing starting at $320K puts this out of reach for shops that can't justify high-speed milling ROI
9,900 kg machine weight requires solid floor preparation and professional rigging for installation
HSK-E50 tooling ecosystem is smaller than HSK-A63, potentially limiting tooling options from some manufacturers
GF's service network in less industrialized regions can mean longer downtime for critical repairs

Best For

Medium-sized mold and die finishing requiring Ra 0.1 µm surface quality on larger mold plates and multi-cavity inserts Production electrode machining shops running multiple graphite or copper electrodes per setup Aerospace component finishing where 5-axis is not required but high-speed surface quality is critical Tool and die shops that outgrew a 500mm-class HSM but need to stay in the speed-class milling world Automated production cells using System 3R palletization for unattended mold component manufacturing Mixed finishing operations benefiting from the 36,000 RPM high-torque spindle option

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new GF Mikron MILL S 600 cost?

New MILL S 600 machines typically price between $320,000 and $450,000 depending on spindle selection, control (Heidenhain vs Siemens), tool magazine size, and automation packages. The 36,000 RPM high-torque spindle is usually a $10,000-$15,000 upcharge. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade between $140,000 and $280,000.

02 Should I choose the 42,000 or 36,000 RPM spindle?

The 42,000 RPM spindle is optimal for fine finishing with micro-diameter cutters (0.1-2mm) on hardened steel and graphite. The 36,000 RPM spindle with 21 Nm of torque is more versatile — it handles semi-finishing and light roughing in addition to finishing, reducing the need for a second machine. Most job shops benefit more from the 36,000 RPM option; dedicated finishing cells lean toward 42,000 RPM.

03 How does the MILL S 600 compare to the Röders RXP 800?

Both are excellent mid-size HSM platforms. The Röders uses linear drives for superior acceleration and jerk, giving it an edge on complex 3D surfaces with tight radii. The Mikron counters with the Step-Tec spindle ecosystem and polymer granite damping. The Röders typically offers better standard accuracy specs. Pricing is comparable. The choice often comes down to service availability — Röders has a smaller North American footprint than GF.

04 Can the MILL S 600 do roughing?

With the 36,000 RPM / 21 Nm spindle, yes — moderate roughing is feasible. The HSK-E50 taper handles larger tools than the E40 machines. For aggressive roughing in hardened steel or tool steel, you'll still want a dedicated roughing machine with HSK-A63 or BT40 and significantly more torque. The S 600 is best utilized for semi-finishing and finishing.

05 What automation options are available?

The MILL S 600 supports System 3R pallet automation including the WorkPartner system for multi-pallet handling, GPS 240 pallets, and Transformer robotic cells. These systems enable lights-out production of mold components. Automation adds $80,000-$200,000+ depending on complexity and number of pallet positions.