Hermle C 22 U

$350,000 - $500,000 (new); $200,000 - $325,000 (used) 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

450 mm (17.7 in)

y axis travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Overview

The Hermle C 22 U is the entry point into Hermle's 5-axis lineup, designed for shops that want German precision in a compact footprint. With X/Y/Z travels of 450 x 600 x 330 mm and a trunnion table handling parts up to 300 kg, this machine is purpose-built for smaller precision components — medical implants, watch components, optical parts, and small aerospace fittings.

The modified gantry design that defines every Hermle carries over here: the spindle moves in X, Y, and Z while the workpiece only rotates in A and C axes. This architecture delivers dynamic accuracy that punches well above what you would expect from a machine this compact. Standard spindle is 15,000 rpm HSK-A63 at 15 kW, with high-speed options up to 42,000 rpm for aluminum and graphite work. The 30-tool magazine keeps things moving, expandable to 55 positions.

Positioning accuracy is +/- 0.005 mm with repeatability of +/- 0.003 mm. The mineral-cast base provides Hermle's signature vibration damping in a package weighing about 6,000 kg. Control options are Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl. New pricing starts around $350,000, making it the most accessible machine in the Hermle range. If you are stepping up from a 3-axis VMC and want a proper 5-axis without compromise, the C 22 U is where many shops start with Hermle.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Y Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 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	300 kg (661 lb)
Spindle Speed	15,000 rpm (standard); up to 42,000 rpm optional
Spindle Motor	15 kW (20 hp) standard
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Tool Magazine	30 positions (expandable to 55)
Chip To Chip Time	3.0 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)
Machine Base	Mineral cast
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl
Machine Weight	6,000 kg (13,228 lb)
Power Supply	400V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz
Traverse Path	450 x 600 x 330 mm
Body	Ø 450 / H 370
Collision Circle	Ø 610 mm
Vertical Table Clearance	max. 470 mm
Rotational Speed	15000/16000/20000/25000/30000/42000 1/min
Rapid Traverse Linear X Y Z	30 (50) m/min.
Swivelling Rotary Table	ø 320 mm
Max Table Loading	300 kg

Specifications sourced from hermle.de — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Most accessible entry point to Hermle 5-axis quality at around $350,000
Compact footprint fits shops with limited floor space
Same modified gantry architecture as larger Hermle models — no compromises on kinematics
3.0-second chip-to-chip time is quick for an HSK-A63 machine
Mineral-cast base delivers exceptional vibration damping relative to machine size
High-speed spindle options up to 42,000 rpm for graphite and aluminum

Limitations

450 x 600 x 330 mm travels limit part size — not for medium or large work
300 kg table capacity is modest for heavier materials like steel or titanium billets
Still expensive compared to Haas UMC-500 or DMG Mori DMU 50 at this size class
30-tool standard magazine may require expansion for complex parts
Limited to HSK-A63 — no HSK-A100 option for heavy cutting

Best For

Medical implant manufacturing — knee, hip, spinal, and dental components Watch and precision instrument component production Small aerospace fittings and brackets requiring tight tolerances Optical component manufacturing in aluminum and specialty alloys Shops wanting to start with Hermle 5-axis before scaling to larger models

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hermle C 22 U cost?

New machines run $350,000-$500,000 depending on spindle option and accessories. Used machines from 2015-2020 trade in the $200,000-$325,000 range.

02 Is the C 22 U too small for job shop work?

It depends on your part mix. For parts fitting within 320 mm table diameter and 300 kg, it is outstanding. If you regularly machine parts larger than that, look at the C 32 U or C 42 U.

03 What spindle should I choose?

The 15,000 rpm standard spindle handles most materials well. If you primarily machine aluminum or graphite, the high-speed options (up to 42,000 rpm) dramatically improve cycle times. For titanium and steel, stick with the lower-speed, higher-torque options.

04 Is automation available?

Yes, Hermle offers the HS-flex pallet handling system for the C 22 U, enabling unmanned production with multiple pallets. Robotic loading is also available.