Hermle C 32 U

$450,000 - $650,000 (new); $250,000 - $400,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

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

650 mm (25.6 in)

y axis travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Overview

The Hermle C 32 U is a premium 5-axis machining center from the German manufacturer Hermle, known for exceptional build quality and accuracy. The C 32 U uses a modified gantry design with the workpiece moving only in the rotary axes while the spindle moves in X/Y/Z, providing outstanding dynamic accuracy during 5-axis contouring.

X/Y/Z travels are 650 x 600 x 500 mm (25.6 x 23.6 x 19.7 in) with a trunnion-mounted rotary tilting table providing A-axis tilt of +/- 115 degrees (swivel range 230 degrees) and C-axis with 360-degree continuous rotation. The table accommodates workpieces up to 650 mm diameter and 500 kg.

Spindle options range from 15,000 rpm to 42,000 rpm depending on configuration, with HSK-A63 tooling as standard. The standard 15,000 rpm spindle delivers 20 kW (27 hp). The tool magazine holds 36 tools as standard, expandable to 87 positions. Chip-to-chip time is approximately 3.5 seconds.

Rapid traverse is 35 m/min on X, 35 m/min on Y, and 35 m/min on Z. Positioning accuracy is +/- 0.005 mm with repeatability of +/- 0.003 mm. The mineral-cast machine base provides exceptional vibration damping.

The C 32 U runs on Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl controls. Machine weight is approximately 9,500 kg. Hermle offers full automation with the HS-flex pallet handling system or robotic loading.

New C 32 U machines price $450,000-$650,000 depending on spindle and options. Used machines 2015-2020 trade $250,000-$400,000. Competes with DMG Mori DMU 65, Makino D500, and Matsuura MAM72-35V.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	650 mm (25.6 in)
Y Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Z Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
A Axis Swivel	+/- 115 degrees (230 degrees total)
C Axis	360 degrees continuous
Table Diameter	650 mm (25.6 in)
Table Load Capacity	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Spindle Speed	15,000 rpm (standard); up to 42,000 rpm optional
Spindle Motor	20 kW (27 hp) standard
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Tool Magazine	36 positions (expandable to 87)
Chip To Chip Time	3.5 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	9,500 kg (20,944 lb)
Power Supply	400V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Modified gantry design delivers exceptional dynamic accuracy during 5-axis contouring
Mineral-cast base provides superior vibration damping vs cast iron
HSK-A63 spindle with options up to 42,000 rpm covers everything from titanium to aluminum
500 kg table load capacity handles substantial workpieces
Choice of Heidenhain or Siemens controls
HS-flex automation system available for unattended production

Limitations

Premium pricing significantly higher than competitors like Haas UMC-750 or DMG Mori DMU 65
35 m/min rapids are slower than some Japanese competitors
3.5-second tool changes are slower than BT30/CAT40 machines
Hermle service and parts availability in North America is more limited than Japanese or American brands
Mineral-cast base is excellent for damping but limits future machine modifications

Best For

Aerospace 5-axis production requiring tight tolerances on complex contoured surfaces Mold and die manufacturing needing excellent surface finish from 5-axis contouring Medical implant production in titanium and cobalt chrome Precision job shops positioning themselves at the premium end of the market Shops running Heidenhain controls who want best-in-class 5-axis accuracy Automated 5-axis production cells with the HS-flex pallet system

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Cost?

New $450,000-$650,000 depending on spindle and options. Used $250,000-$400,000.

02 What spindle options?

Standard is 15,000 rpm / 20 kW on HSK-A63. Options include 18,000 rpm and high-speed versions up to 42,000 rpm.

03 Heidenhain or Siemens?

Both Heidenhain TNC 640 and Siemens 840D sl are available. Choice depends on shop preference and operator training.

04 What makes Hermle different?

Modified gantry design where only rotary axes move the workpiece, mineral-cast base for vibration damping, and German build quality with exceptional long-term accuracy.

05 Automation options?

HS-flex pallet handling system, HS-flex heavy for larger parts, and full robotic loading integration.