Heckert HX 400D
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Heckert HX 400D is a compact horizontal machining center in the 400 mm pallet class, designed for high-precision machining of smaller prismatic components with fast cycle times and integrated dual-pallet automation. The HX series represents Heckert's response to the growing demand for smaller, faster horizontal machining centers in automotive electronics, hydraulics, and general precision engineering — a segment where part complexity rivals larger HMC work but workpiece dimensions and weights are smaller.
The 'D' in HX 400D designates the dual-pallet configuration: an integrated pallet shuttle allows concurrent machining and loading to maximize spindle utilization. This is particularly valuable in production environments with short cycle times — common in hydraulic valve bodies, automotive sensor housings, and precision industrial components — where idle time for manual loading would represent a significant fraction of total cycle time. The 400 mm pallet handles workpieces up to approximately 400 kg, covering the range from small aluminum housings to mid-size steel brackets.
Heckert engineers the HX 400D for dynamic performance as much as precision. The moving-column design uses lightweight aluminum-reinforced structural elements on moving components to reduce inertia, enabling higher acceleration rates and faster rapid traverses while maintaining the stiffness required for precision cutting. The 30 m/min or faster rapid traverse rates combined with short tool change times deliver the cycle time competitiveness needed in high-volume automotive component production.
The spindle in the HX 400D is available in 15,000 RPM and 20,000 RPM configurations — higher than typical for Heckert's larger HEC series — reflecting the machine's emphasis on aluminum and light alloy machining in addition to steel and cast iron. The HSK-A63 spindle interface supports the wide range of tooling used in automotive hydraulic and precision component production. Through-spindle coolant is standard for efficient chip evacuation in blind bore and deep pocket operations.
The HX 400D competes in the 400 mm pallet compact HMC segment with the Mazak HCN-4000, DMG Mori NHX 4000, Okuma MA-400HA, and Brother Speedio-class horizontal machining centers at the fast end. Heckert positions the HX 400D as the precision choice in this class, offering tighter tolerances and more robust construction than the Brother-class light-duty machines while delivering faster cycle times than the standard production-grade HMCs. This positioning targets shops that need both speed and precision on small complex parts.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallet Size | 400 x 400 mm (15.7 x 15.7 in) |
| Pallet Count | 2 (integrated dual-pallet changer) |
| X-Axis Travel | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM (20,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 30 kW (40.2 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 165 Nm |
| Table Load Capacity | 400 kg (882 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Tool Capacity | 40 (expandable to 160) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.005 mm (5 µm) |
| Repeatability | 0.003 mm (3 µm) |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl |
| Machine Weight | 13,000 kg (28,660 lb) |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Compact 400 mm pallet class with dual-pallet shuttle delivers the spindle utilization benefits of larger HMC automation in a smaller footprint suited to job shops and flexible cells with constrained floor space
- 15,000 RPM standard spindle (20,000 RPM optional) handles aluminum, light alloys, and steels across automotive sensor housings, hydraulic blocks, and precision components — more versatile than single-speed HMC designs
- 60 m/min rapid traverse and fast pallet change time deliver cycle time competitiveness for short-cycle production parts where machine dynamics are as important as depth of cut
- Heckert precision manufacturing standards bring sub-5-micron positioning accuracy to a 400 mm class machine that competitors at this size often compromise on accuracy to achieve speed
- Expandable tool magazine to 160 tools supports unattended production of multi-variant part families without tool replenishment between shifts
Limitations
- The 400 mm pallet and 400 kg load capacity limits the machine to smaller workpieces; buyers with part families spanning 400 mm and 500 mm pallet sizes need a separate machine or must accept capacity constraints
- 30 kW spindle power is adequate for most small-part production but will be limiting in heavy interrupted cuts on large steel or cast iron parts — the HX 400D is not the machine for maximum material removal in tough materials
- As with other Heckert machines, the North American service network is smaller than Japanese competitors; shops outside major manufacturing regions may face longer service response times
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The HX 400D is a 400 mm pallet compact HMC designed for smaller, faster work with higher spindle speeds (up to 20,000 RPM) and faster dynamics. The HEC 500D is a 500 mm pallet production HMC with more power (37 kW vs 30 kW) and higher load capacity (630 kg vs 400 kg), designed for heavier workpieces and deeper cuts. The HX 400D is the better choice for small-part precision production; the HEC 500D for heavier automotive and aerospace work.
02
The integrated dual-pallet changer on the HX 400D typically achieves pallet change times of 8–12 seconds (pallet-to-pallet), depending on configuration. This fast change time is critical for short-cycle production where pallet change represents a significant fraction of total cycle time if it is slow.
03
The HX 400D in its standard configuration provides four-axis machining (X, Y, Z linear axes plus B-axis rotary table indexed in 1° or 0.001° increments). Full five-axis simultaneous machining requires an optional tilting rotary table (trunnion) or a swiveling spindle head. Contact Heckert or your regional Starrag Group distributor to discuss five-axis configuration options for specific applications.
04
Standard coolant options include flood coolant and through-spindle coolant (TSC) at up to 70 bar. High-pressure through-spindle coolant is particularly important for the HX 400D's target applications in hydraulic valve body machining, where deep cross-bores and blind holes require high-pressure coolant for effective chip evacuation and tool life. Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is also available as an option for dry or near-dry aluminum machining.
05
Yes. The HX 400D's dual-pallet changer serves as the foundation for lights-out operation, and the machine is compatible with Heckert pallet pool systems for extended unattended production. Combined with the 160-tool magazine option, tool life management, and broken tool detection, the HX 400D can run extended unattended shifts on repeat part families. A robot interface for direct robot loading is also available for fully automated cell configurations.
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