Industrial CNC Machine Directory

GF Mikron MILL S 600 U

$420,000 - $580,000 Updated 2025-03-15
01

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 / 220 optional)

02

Overview

The GF Mikron MILL S 600 U is the largest machine in GF Machining Solutions' speed-class 5-axis lineup, combining the S series' signature high-speed finishing capability with an 800 x 600 x 500 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 19.7 in) work envelope that handles significantly larger parts than the S 200 U and S 400 U siblings. This is the machine for mold shops finishing larger 5-axis mold components, complex aerospace surfaces, and multi-feature parts that need both generous travel and exceptional surface quality.

Spindle options include 36,000 and 42,000 RPM Step-Tec units in HSK-E50. The 42,000 RPM variant at 13.5 kW and 8.8 Nm is pure finishing, while the 36,000 RPM with 33 kW and 21 Nm opens the door to semi-finishing and light roughing. The HSK-E50 taper provides better rigidity than the HSK-E40 of the S 400 U, supporting slightly larger tools and heavier cuts.

Rapid traverse hits 61 m/min (2,402 ipm), consistent across the S series. The trunnion table handles workpieces up to 120 kg (264 lb) with full 5-axis simultaneous capability. The 68-pocket standard tool magazine expands to 168 or even 220 pockets with HSK-A63 tooling options, providing extensive tool capacity for complex multi-operation 5-axis programs.

The Heidenhain TNC 7 or Siemens SINUMERIK ONE control delivers the 5-axis processing power needed for complex surface programs across the large work envelope. The polymer granite base and active thermal management maintain accuracy through extended 5-axis machining cycles, and System 3R automation integration supports pallet-based production.

New MILL S 600 U machines price between $420,000 and $580,000. The S 600 U competes with the Hermle C 400, DMG Mori DMU 80P, and Makino D500 in the larger precision 5-axis milling segment.

03

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 / 220 optional)
Table Size Ø 500 mm (19.7 in) trunnion
Max Work Weight 120 kg (264 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate 61 m/min (2,402 ipm)
Swivel Range A-axis: -30° to +115°, C-axis: 360° continuous
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

04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • Largest work envelope in the S U series (800 x 600 x 500mm) handles substantially bigger 5-axis parts than the S 400 U
  • Dual spindle options — 42K RPM for pure finishing or 36K RPM with 21 Nm torque for combined operations
  • 61 m/min rapids maintain S series productivity across the larger travel distances
  • 220-pocket expanded tool magazine supports the most complex multi-tool 5-axis programs
  • HSK-E50 taper provides better rigidity than HSK-E40 for larger tool diameters and heavier cuts
  • Polymer granite and active thermal management deliver consistent 5-axis accuracy over extended cycles

Limitations

  • 120 kg max workpiece weight is restrictive — heavier 5-axis work requires the E 500 U or HPM 400U
  • Premium pricing starting at $420K reflects the flagship positioning of the S U series
  • HSK-E50 tooling ecosystem is smaller than HSK-A63, limiting vendor options for some applications
  • 9,900 kg machine weight requires substantial rigging and floor preparation
  • GF's service footprint is smaller than Hermle, DMG Mori, or Makino in the 5-axis segment
05

Best For

Large mold finishing in 5-axis requiring speed-class surface quality on complex cavity and core surfaces Aerospace surface finishing on structural and aerodynamic components requiring 5-axis simultaneous contouring Multi-feature mold components that need both extensive X/Y travel and full 5-axis access Production electrode sets where 5-axis geometry access on larger electrodes requires the extended envelope Medical device molds with complex 5-axis surfaces requiring Ra 0.1 µm finish quality Automated 5-axis finishing cells for high-value mold and aerospace components
06

Frequently Asked Questions

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

New MILL S 600 U machines price between $420,000 and $580,000 depending on spindle, control, tool magazine, and automation. The 36K RPM high-torque spindle is typically $10,000-$15,000 more than the 42K RPM option. The 220-pocket tool magazine adds $30,000-$50,000. Used machines from 2017-2021 trade between $180,000 and $380,000.

02 How does the S 600 U compare to the Hermle C 400?

Both are mid-large 5-axis platforms with mineral-based machine beds. The Hermle C 400 uses a modified gantry architecture with 2,000 kg table load and the Heidenhain TNC7. The S 600 U offers faster spindle speeds (42K vs 20K RPM) and faster rapids (61 vs 35 m/min) but lower table capacity (120 vs 800 kg). The Hermle is more versatile; the S 600 U achieves better surface finishes. Pricing is comparable.

03 Should I choose the S 600 U or the P 800 U?

The S 600 U prioritizes speed — 42K RPM, 61 m/min rapids, and quick tool changes for maximum productivity. The P 800 U prioritizes precision with enhanced thermal management and slightly larger travel. For production mold finishing where cycle time matters, choose the S 600 U. For the tightest possible accuracy on high-value components, choose the P 800 U.

04 What's the X 600 U variant?

The MILL X 600 U replaces ballscrews with linear motor drives, achieving up to 100 m/min rapids and dramatically higher acceleration. This reduces non-cutting time by 30-40% on complex 5-axis programs. The X variant adds approximately $80,000-$120,000 to the price. For high-volume 5-axis production, the ROI is often justified within 12-18 months.

05 Can the S 600 U handle roughing?

With the 36K RPM / 21 Nm spindle, moderate semi-finishing and light roughing are feasible. For aggressive 5-axis roughing in steel, titanium, or Inconel, the HPM 400U or E 500 U with HSK-A63 spindles are more appropriate. The S 600 U's strength is speed-class finishing, not material removal rate.

07

Videos

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08

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