Grob G550

$500,000 - $800,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Y Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Max Spindle

17,500 RPM (24,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 (expandable to 240+)

Overview

The Grob G550 scales the proven G-series horizontal-spindle concept to a 630 mm diameter work table with 600 kg load capacity, serving larger aerospace structural components, powertrain housings, and fixture blocks that exceed the G350 capacity. The kinematic principle remains: the spindle stays horizontal, the workpiece tilts on the B-axis and rotates on the A-axis, and the X, Y, Z axes move only the spindle carrier. This gives the G550 the same chip-evacuation, spindle-power, and dynamic-accuracy advantages as the G350 but at a scale suited for larger prismatic parts.

With 630 mm of X travel and 500 mm of Y and Z, the G550 enters the territory occupied by 4-pallet horizontal machining centers but with the added capability of full simultaneous 5-axis contouring. Aerospace structural brackets, large medical implants, turbine casings, and automotive transfer case housings all fit comfortably within the work envelope. The horizontal spindle ensures aluminum chips and coolant always drain away from the work zone, critical in aerospace production where swarf management impacts part quality.

Spindle options span from 13,000 RPM for titanium and Inconel roughing through 17,500 RPM for general machining to 24,000 RPM for aluminum high-speed finishing. All use HSK-A63 taper. Spindle power at up to 52 kW gives the G550 enough torque to rough titanium aggressively in production, not just prototype cuts.

Grob offers the G550 with two, four, or six pallet automation as standard product options, reflecting the automotive and aerospace production line background that defines the company. The machine accepts FANUC or KUKA robot integration and can be networked into multi-machine production cell monitoring systems.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	17,500 RPM (24,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	52 kW (69.7 hp)
Spindle Torque	210 Nm
Table Diameter	630 mm (24.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	600 kg (1,323 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Tool Capacity	60 (expandable to 240+)
Positioning Accuracy	< 0.005 mm (< 5 µm)
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik One / Fanuc 31i / Heidenhain TNC
Machine Weight	18,000 kg (39,683 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

630 mm table and 600 kg load capacity handle large aerospace structural and powertrain components that exceed smaller 5-axis machine limits
52 kW spindle provides the torque for production titanium roughing at rates competitive with many dedicated HMC platforms
Gravity-assisted chip evacuation at 630 mm scale is critical for aluminum aerospace production with strict swarf management requirements
Pallet changer options (2, 4, or 6 pallets) available as standard product configurations, not custom engineering projects

Limitations

Price range of $500K-$800K positions the G550 firmly in capital-intensive territory requiring high spindle utilization to justify the investment
Horizontal spindle kinematics require operator and programmer retraining compared to vertical-spindle trunnion 5-axis machines
630 mm diameter work envelope is still limiting for very large aerospace structural parts; the G750 or dedicated HMCs are needed for those

Best For

Aerospace structural component manufacturers machining large brackets, bulkheads, and fittings in aluminum and titanium alloys Automotive powertrain manufacturers running high-volume 5-axis production on transfer cases, transmission housings, and large engine blocks Energy sector shops machining large pump housings, valve bodies, and hydraulic manifolds requiring five-sided access Defense manufacturers machining complex aluminum and titanium structures where single-setup machining eliminates re-fixturing errors

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the main difference between the Grob G350 and G550?

The G550 scales the G350 to a 630 mm work table with 600 kg load capacity (versus 500 mm and 300 kg on the G350). The G550 also has a more powerful 52 kW spindle versus 35 kW. The kinematics are identical: horizontal spindle, tilting/rotating workpiece table. Choose the G550 for larger parts that exceed the G350 work envelope.

02 Can the G550 replace a horizontal machining center for pallet production?

The G550 with pallet changer options can replace a 4-pallet HMC for many applications, with the added benefit of full simultaneous 5-axis capability. Dedicated HMCs typically offer higher tool capacity, faster pallet change, and lower cost per part on pure prismatic work. The G550 is the better choice when parts require 5-axis contouring in addition to prismatic features.

03 What is the G550 spindle power and why does it matter for titanium?

The G550 offers up to 52 kW with 210 Nm of torque, enabling aggressive titanium roughing at production material removal rates. For aluminum, the extra power supports very large-diameter face mills for high-productivity surfacing. The 210 Nm torque at low RPM is the key specification for titanium production machining.

04 How does the G550 handle coolant and chip management?

The horizontal spindle orientation means coolant and chips always fall away from the workpiece into the chip conveyor. Grob offers high-pressure through-spindle coolant for deep-hole drilling and titanium machining. The chip conveyor system is designed for high chip volumes from aluminum aerospace production.

05 What is a typical G550 lead time?

G550 lead times typically run 9-14 months from order to delivery depending on configuration and pallet options. Installation requires a reinforced foundation capable of supporting 18,000 kg. Grob provides foundation drawings and application engineering support during the order process.