Heckert HEC 1000

The Heckert HEC series is tiered by pallet size: HEC 500 (500 mm pallet), HEC 630 (630 mm), HEC 800 (800 mm), and HEC 1000 (1,000 mm). Each step up in pallet size brings proportionally larger spindle power, tool capacity, and maximum workpiece load. The HEC 1000 at 50 kW and 3,000 kg pallet load is the heavy production flagship for very large parts. Shops should select the smallest pallet size that accommodates their largest workpiece — oversizing the machine wastes cost and floor space.

The standard HEC 1000 is a 4-axis machine (X, Y, Z, B-axis pallet rotation). A 5-axis configuration is available with an optional tilting rotary table (A/C axis) that mounts on the standard pallet. This provides 5-axis simultaneous machining capability for complex aerospace structures and turbine components. The 5-axis option is separate from the standard machine and should be specified at order time for factory integration. Siemens 840D sl with ShopMill supports 5-axis simultaneous machining on the optional tilting table.

A 1,000 x 1,000 mm pallet accommodates workpieces up to approximately 1,000 x 1,000 x 900 mm (L x W x H) within the axis travel envelope, subject to tooling clearance. Workpiece plus fixture height determines the effective Z-clearance from the pallet surface to the spindle nose. For very tall workpieces (>700 mm), consult Heckert application engineers to verify clearance with the spindle housing and ATC magazine at all axis positions.

Starrag Group is a Swiss-based precision machine tool holding company that includes multiple European machine tool brands: Heckert (Germany, horizontal machining centers), Starrag (Switzerland, 5-axis machining centers), Dörries (Germany, vertical turning machines), and others. The group provides shared engineering resources, group-level service infrastructure, and access to aerospace-specific process expertise across brands. Heckert machines benefit from Starrag Group's aerospace process knowledge and European service network while maintaining their brand identity as German-engineered HMC specialists.

The HEC 1000 requires a high-volume coolant system with a minimum 1,500 L tank, fine chip conveyor for the primary pallet area, and through-spindle coolant capability (TSC) at 40–70 bar for productive cutting in steel and titanium. For titanium machining, high-pressure TSC at 70 bar with precision filtration to 5 µm is recommended. The machine includes an integrated chip conveyor system — for large-volume steel chip production, a dedicated chip briquetter or auger conveyor is recommended for efficient chip handling and recycling.