GROB G600
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The GROB G600 is the largest universal machining center in GROB's standard 5-axis lineup, built for machining structural aerospace components, large mold cavities, and heavy industrial parts that exceed the work envelope of the G550. With axis travels of 1,000 x 1,100 x 1,020 mm (39.4 x 43.3 x 40.2 in) and a maximum workpiece weight of 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), the G600 handles the kind of large, complex parts that typically require gantry-style machines — but with the precision and 5-axis simultaneous capability of GROB's proven horizontal spindle architecture.
The horizontal spindle runs at up to 12,000 rpm standard (18,000 rpm optional) through an HSK-A100 interface, delivering 52 kW (70 hp) continuous power and over 500 Nm of torque. That torque figure is critical for aerospace applications involving titanium roughing with large-diameter cutters, and the HSK-A100 taper provides the rigidity needed to push those tools hard without chatter. The A-axis swivels +45/-195 degrees while the B-axis provides full 360-degree continuous rotation on a robust trunnion table, giving access to virtually every surface of a complex structural part in a single setup.
GROB's signature horizontal spindle orientation pays dividends at this scale — chips weighing several grams each fall clear of the work zone under gravity, keeping the cutting zone clean during aggressive roughing passes that generate enormous chip volumes. The machine base is a thermally symmetric cast iron construction with roller-type linear guides on all axes, and GROB's thermal management system actively compensates for heat generated during extended heavy-cutting cycles. The Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl control handles the 5-axis kinematics and includes GROB's proprietary GROB4Pilot operator interface for simplified setup and programming.
The G600's automation readiness matches the rest of the GROB line. The 800 x 800 mm pallet interface integrates with GROB's PSS-G pallet storage systems, and the 80-position HSK-A100 tool magazine (expandable to 120) carries the tooling inventory needed for unmanned production runs. New G600 machines are priced between $800,000 and $1,200,000 depending on configuration, positioning them against the DMG MORI DMU 100 eVo, Hermle C 52, and Makino a81nx in the large 5-axis segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,020 mm (40.2 in) |
| A Axis Range | +45° / -195° |
| B Axis Range | 360° continuous |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm (18,000 rpm optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A100 (HSK-A63 optional) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 52 kW (70 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 500 Nm (369 ft-lb) |
| Table Size | 800 x 800 mm (31.5 x 31.5 in) pallet |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Ø 900 mm (35.4 in) |
| Tool Capacity | 80 (expandable to 120) |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl |
| Machine Weight | 28,000 kg (61,729 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 4,500 x 5,200 mm (177 x 205 in) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.005 mm |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Largest standard 5-axis work envelope in GROB's universal line — 1,000 x 1,100 x 1,020 mm travel handles structural aerospace parts and large mold components in a single setup
- HSK-A100 spindle with 500 Nm torque and 52 kW power provides the muscle for aggressive titanium and Inconel roughing with large-diameter cutters
- Horizontal spindle orientation with gravity chip evacuation is critical at this scale — chip volumes during heavy roughing would overwhelm vertical-spindle machines
- 1,200 kg table capacity supports heavy steel and titanium workpieces without sacrificing 5-axis dynamic performance
- Automation-ready 800 mm pallet interface with PSS-G compatibility enables unmanned production even on large, expensive workpieces
- GROB4Pilot operator interface simplifies setup and programming of complex 5-axis parts, reducing the skill barrier for less experienced operators
Limitations
- At $800K-$1.2M, the G600 is a significant capital investment that requires high utilization rates to justify — idle spindle time is expensive
- 28,000 kg machine weight requires substantial floor preparation and may need foundation reinforcement in older facilities
- The large footprint of 4,500 x 5,200 mm consumes significant floor space that smaller shops may not have available
- GROB's service network in North America is still developing compared to established Japanese and German competitors with decades-old U.S. operations
- 12,000 rpm standard spindle speed is adequate for titanium and steel but may limit aluminum high-speed machining — the 18,000 rpm option adds cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both are large-envelope 5-axis machines from German builders. The Hermle C 52 offers 1,000 x 1,100 x 750 mm travel with a vertical spindle and modified gantry design. The GROB G600 provides more Z-axis travel (1,020 mm vs 750 mm) and uses a horizontal spindle for better chip evacuation. The Hermle excels in surface finish quality and is the benchmark for mold work. The GROB G600 is stronger in heavy roughing applications with its higher torque spindle. Pricing is comparable in the $800K-$1.2M range.
02
Yes, titanium machining is a primary application for the G600. The HSK-A100 spindle with 500 Nm torque provides the cutting force needed for aggressive titanium roughing, and the horizontal spindle orientation ensures effective chip evacuation — critical when machining deep pockets in Ti-6Al-4V. The machine's thermal stability and rigid construction maintain accuracy over the long cycle times typical of large titanium structural parts. Many G600 installations serve aerospace Tier 1 suppliers running titanium structural components.
03
The G600 supports GROB's PSS-G pallet storage system with 800 mm pallets, enabling multi-pallet automated production. For larger automation cells, GROB integrates with third-party linear pallet systems and robotic loading. The 80-to-120 position tool magazine supports extended unmanned runs. Given the high value of large aerospace and mold workpieces, most G600 users invest in pallet automation to maximize spindle utilization and reduce labor costs.
04
The G600 specifies positioning accuracy of +/- 0.005 mm on all linear axes. For 5-axis volumetric accuracy, proper calibration of rotary axes is critical. GROB's thermal compensation system and thermally symmetric machine construction help maintain accuracy over long machining cycles. In production, shops typically achieve part tolerances of +/- 0.015 mm in 5-axis simultaneous mode on the G600.
Videos
GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG
KNIGHT FLIGHT VIDEO
TITANS of CNC MACHINING
Andy Johnson
Aero-News Network
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