Hermle C 12 U RS

$400,000 - $550,000 (new) Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Rapid Traverse

35 m/min (1,378 ipm)

Accuracy

+/- 0.005 mm (0.0002 in)

Repeatability

+/- 0.003 mm (0.00012 in)

x axis travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

y axis travel

440 mm (17.3 in)

Overview

The Hermle C 12 U RS is the robot-system variant of Hermle's smallest 5-axis machining center, integrating an automated part handling robot directly into the machine enclosure. This is Hermle's answer for shops that need lights-out production on small precision parts but do not have the floor space for a separate robot cell. The RS (Robot System) is built into the machine footprint, loading and unloading workpieces from an integrated storage system.

The base machine is the C 12 U — Hermle's most compact 5-axis platform with X/Y/Z travels of 350 x 440 x 330 mm and a 320 mm diameter trunnion table rated for 100 kg. The modified gantry design keeps the spindle moving in all linear axes for maximum dynamic accuracy. Standard spindle is 15,000 rpm HSK-A63 at 10 kW, with high-speed options up to 42,000 rpm. The 30-tool magazine is expandable to 55 tools.

The integrated robot system handles pallets or direct part loading, depending on configuration. Storage capacity varies by part size but typically accommodates 10-20 pallets. The entire cell fits within about 5 square meters of floor space — a fraction of what a standalone machine plus external robot requires. Control is Heidenhain TNC 640 with Hermle's automation management software. New pricing runs $400,000-$550,000 including the robot system. This is the machine for medical, dental, and watch component shops that need unmanned production from a compact cell.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y Axis Travel	440 mm (17.3 in)
Z Axis Travel	330 mm (13.0 in)
A Axis Swivel	+/- 115 degrees (230 degrees total)
C Axis	360 degrees continuous
Table Diameter	320 mm (12.6 in)
Table Load Capacity	100 kg (220 lb)
Spindle Speed	15,000 rpm (standard); up to 42,000 rpm optional
Spindle Motor	10 kW (13.4 hp) standard
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Tool Magazine	30 positions (expandable to 55)
Chip To Chip Time	2.8 seconds
Rapid Traverse Rate	35 m/min (1,378 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.005 mm (0.0002 in)
Repeatability	+/- 0.003 mm (0.00012 in)
Automation	Integrated robot system with pallet storage (10-20 pallets)
Machine Base	Mineral cast
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640
Machine Weight	5,500 kg (12,125 lb)
Floor Space	Approximately 5 m² (54 ft²) including robot system
Power Supply	400V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz

Specifications sourced from hermleusa.net — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated robot system eliminates the need for separate automation cell and floor space
Entire automated cell fits in approximately 5 square meters — ideal for tight shop floors
Full Hermle 5-axis kinematics with modified gantry design in the smallest package
2.8-second chip-to-chip time keeps production moving on small parts
42,000 rpm spindle option is perfect for dental, medical, and watch component finishing
10-20 pallet storage enables true lights-out production on weekends and overnight shifts

Limitations

350 x 440 x 330 mm travels and 100 kg table capacity limit this to small parts only
Robot system adds significant cost over the base C 12 U
Integrated design means the robot cannot be repurposed for other machines
10 kW standard spindle lacks power for aggressive roughing in hard metals
Heidenhain control only — no Siemens option on this model

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing implants, instruments, and surgical guides Dental milling — crowns, bridges, abutments, and custom implant components Watch and luxury goods component manufacturing Small aerospace fittings and brackets produced in medium to high volumes Any shop needing automated 5-axis production but lacking floor space for a separate robot cell

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does the RS robot system add to the base C 12 U?

The RS integrates a part-handling robot and pallet storage system directly into the machine enclosure. It enables automated loading/unloading without an external robot cell, keeping the total footprint to about 5 square meters.

02 How many parts can it run unattended?

Depending on part size and pallet configuration, the storage system holds 10-20 pallets. Combined with the 30-55 tool magazine, this can enable full weekend or overnight unmanned production.

03 What does a C 12 U RS cost?

New machines with the integrated robot system run $400,000-$550,000. The base C 12 U without automation is less, but the RS version includes the robot, storage, and automation management software.

04 Is this suitable for titanium medical implants?

Yes, for small titanium parts. The HSK-A63 tooling and mineral-cast base provide the rigidity needed for titanium. Consider the higher-power spindle options if you do significant titanium roughing.