Hardinge Kellenberger K100
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Workpiece ⌀
center distance
center height
max workpiece weight
Overview
The Hardinge Kellenberger K100 is a high-end CNC universal cylindrical grinder that represents a significant capability step up from the K10, offering multiple center distance configurations (600, 1,000, or 1,700 mm), higher center heights (200 or 250 mm), and a full CNC B-axis with 280-degree swivel range. This configurability makes the K100 one of the most versatile cylindrical grinding platforms in the Kellenberger lineup, suitable for everything from short precision components to long shaft grinding.
The external grinding spindle delivers 11.5 kW through a water-cooled motor, driving grinding wheels of 400 x 63 mm or 500 x 100 mm at peripheral speeds up to 63 m/s. The high-frequency internal grinding spindle reaches speeds up to 90,000 RPM with up to 15 kW power, enabling aggressive bore grinding in hardened materials. The workpiece headstock provides infinitely variable speeds from 1 to 1,000 RPM. The fully interpolating CNC B-axis with 0.00001-degree encoder resolution enables complex profile and form grinding that the K10's indexed B-axis cannot achieve.
Axis travels include up to 1,180 mm on Z and 370 mm on X, with feed rates of 20,000 mm/min and 10,000 mm/min respectively. Scale resolution of 0.00001 mm on both axes delivers the sub-micron positioning required for precision work. Roundness accuracy reaches 0.4 microns standard and 0.2 microns with fly grinding techniques. The machine supports workpieces up to 200 kg between centers in the 1,700 mm configuration.
The K100 runs on a Fanuc 31i-B CNC control with a 19-inch touchscreen and Kellenberger's BLUE Solution grinding software. Machine weight ranges from 3,600 to 5,100 kg depending on center distance configuration. New K100 machines price between $350,000 and $550,000. The machine competes with the Studer S41, Junker Jumat 6000, and Toyoda GL6Ai in the high-end universal cylindrical grinder segment. Specs sourced from Kellenberger published data.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Center Distance | 600 / 1,000 / 1,700 mm |
| Center Height | 200 / 250 mm |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 400 / 500 mm |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 100 / 150 / 200 kg |
| Z-Axis Travel | 760 / 1,150 / 1,180 mm at 20,000 mm/min |
| X-Axis Travel | 370 mm at 10,000 mm/min |
| B Axis Swivel | 280 degrees (full CNC interpolation) |
| B Axis Resolution | 0.00001 degrees |
| Axis Resolution | 0.00001 mm |
| Roundness Accuracy | 0.4 / 0.2 um (fly grinding) |
| External Grinding Wheel | 400 x 63 mm or 500 x 100 mm |
| Peripheral Speed | 50 / 63 m/s |
| External Motor Power | 11.5 kW (water-cooled) |
| Workpiece Speed Range | 1 - 1,000 RPM |
| Internal Grinding Speed | Up to 90,000 RPM |
| Internal Grinding Power | 15 kW max |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-B |
| Machine Weight | 3,600 / 4,100 / 5,100 kg |
| Floor Space Required | 2.7 x 2.2 m / 3.4 x 2.2 m |
Specifications sourced from kellenberger.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Three center distance options (600/1,000/1,700 mm) allow configuration to match specific workpiece requirements without over-investing
- Full CNC B-axis with 0.00001-degree resolution enables complex profile and form grinding beyond indexed B-axis capabilities
- 90,000 RPM internal grinding spindle with 15 kW power handles aggressive bore grinding in hardened materials
- 0.2 micron roundness accuracy in fly grinding meets the most demanding cylindrical grinding specifications
- 63 m/s peripheral speed option enables CBN and superabrasive grinding for higher material removal rates
- 11.5 kW water-cooled external grinding motor delivers more power than the K10 for faster stock removal
Limitations
- Price premium of $130,000-$200,000 over the K10 requires justification through higher-value work or complex grinding requirements
- Multiple configuration options mean longer lead times as machines are typically built to order rather than stocked
- Fanuc 31i-B control adds capability but also complexity compared to the simpler 0i-F Plus on the K10
- Machine weight up to 5,100 kg in the largest configuration requires adequate floor loading and foundation preparation
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Kellenberger K100 machines price between $350,000 and $550,000 depending on center distance, center height, internal grinding options, B-axis configuration, gauging, and automation. The 600 mm configuration with basic external grinding starts near $350,000. Fully configured 1,700 mm machines with 90,000 RPM ID spindle, in-process gauging, and automation approach $550,000.
02
Both are premium universal cylindrical grinders from Swiss heritage brands. The Studer S41 uses a Granitan mineral cast base and StuderGRIND software; the K100 uses BLUE Solution on Fanuc. The S41 offers WireDress technology for in-machine dressing of metal-bonded wheels. The K100 counters with 90,000 RPM internal grinding and flexible center distance options. Both achieve sub-micron precision. The choice often comes down to dealer support and software preference.
03
The 63 m/s option enables the use of CBN (cubic boron nitride) superabrasive wheels that require higher surface speeds to cut efficiently. At 63 m/s, CBN wheels remove material 3-5x faster than conventional wheels at 50 m/s while maintaining tighter tolerances and producing less thermal damage. The 63 m/s option is essential for production grinding in hardened steels above 58 HRC.
04
A roundness of 0.2 microns means the ground surface deviates from a perfect circle by no more than 0.0002 mm (0.000008 inches). This level of precision is required for high-speed spindle bearings, precision hydraulic valve spools, and aerospace fuel system components. Achieving this consistently requires a combination of machine rigidity, thermal stability, precision dressing, and controlled grinding parameters.
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