Hermle C 42 U
Key Specifications
Spindle Taper
Rapid Traverse
Accuracy
Repeatability
x axis travel
y axis travel
Overview
The Hermle C 42 U is a mid-size 5-axis machining center stepping up from the C 32 U with larger travels and table capacity. It uses the same modified gantry design with mineral-cast base for exceptional 5-axis accuracy.
X/Y/Z travels are 800 x 800 x 550 mm with A-axis swivel of +/- 115 degrees and C-axis 360-degree continuous rotation. Table accommodates 800 mm diameter and 700 kg.
Standard spindle is 15,000 rpm at 29 kW on HSK-A63, with options up to 42,000 rpm. Tool magazine holds 42 positions, expandable to 160. Chip-to-chip is approximately 4.0 seconds.
Rapids are 45 m/min on all linear axes. Positioning accuracy +/- 0.005 mm, repeatability +/- 0.003 mm. Weight is approximately 14,000 kg.
The C 42 U handles larger workpieces than the C 32 U while maintaining the same build quality. Competes with DMG Mori DMU 80 and Makino a81.
New $550,000-$800,000. Used 2015-2020 trade $350,000-$550,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 550 mm (21.7 in) |
| A Axis Swivel | +/- 115 degrees |
| C Axis | 360 degrees continuous |
| Table Diameter | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 700 kg (1,543 lb) |
| Spindle Speed | 15,000 rpm (standard); up to 42,000 rpm optional |
| Spindle Motor | 29 kW (39 hp) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Tool Magazine | 42 positions (expandable to 160) |
| Chip To Chip Time | 4.0 seconds |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 45 m/min (1,772 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.005 mm |
| Repeatability | +/- 0.003 mm |
| Machine Base | Mineral cast |
| CNC Control | Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl |
| Machine Weight | 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) |
| Power Supply | 400V, 3-phase |
| Traverse Path | 800 x 800 x 550 mm |
| Body | Ø 800 / H 560 mm |
| Collision Circle | Ø 990 mm |
| Vertical Table Clearance | max. 700 mm |
| Rotational Speed | 15000/16000/20000/25000/42000 1/min |
| Rapid Traverse Linear X Y Z | 45 (60)–45 (60)–40 (60) m/min. |
| Swivelling Rotary Table | Ø 800 x 630 mm |
| Max Table Loading | 1400 kg |
Specifications sourced from hermle.de — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Larger 800x800mm travels and 700 kg table vs C 32 U
- Modified gantry and mineral-cast base for exceptional accuracy
- 29 kW spindle handles titanium and hardened steel
- Tool magazine expandable to 160 positions
- 45 m/min rapids faster than C 32 U
- Full automation with HS-flex pallet system
Limitations
- Premium pricing beyond many shops
- 14,000 kg requires substantial foundation
- Hermle North American service less widespread
- 4.0s tool change slower than some competitors
- High spindle options add significant cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New $550,000-$800,000. Used $350,000-$550,000.
02
150mm more X, 200mm more Y, 50mm more Z, 200 kg more table capacity.
03
Standard 15,000 rpm / 29 kW HSK-A63. Options to 42,000 rpm.
04
42 standard, expandable to 160.
05
HS-flex and HS-flex heavy pallet systems plus robotic loading.
Videos
Hermle Berthold AG
Kingsbury UK
Hermle Berthold AG
Surplex
G+S Werkzeugmaschinen
Community Discussions
Pricing and buying discussion — Mikron P800U vs Hermle C42 (both with pallet changer)
Comparison and buying advice — Mikron P800U vs Hermle C42 (both with pallet changer)
Comparison and buying advice — Hermle C32U vs C40U stability test ...
Comparison and buying advice — Mikron P800U vs Hermle C42 (both with pallet changer)
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Problem Hermle Profibus Hardware Error - cnczone.com
Community discussion — Hermle / Heidenhain 5-axis accuracy - cnczone.com
Community discussion — edit tool database on a PC - CNCzone
Community discussion — Need help with hermle machine program - cnczone.com
Owner experience and review — Opinions on this brand of mills? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Options and configuration advice — Biggest n baddest endmill I’ve ever ripped. 42mm ... - Reddit
Options and configuration advice — benchtop lathe/mill recommendations? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Pricing and buying discussion — Endmill brand opinions : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
Comparisons
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