Hermle C 42 U MT
Key Specifications
Spindle Taper
Rapid Traverse
Accuracy
Repeatability
x axis travel
y axis travel
Overview
The Hermle C 42 U MT is the mill-turn version of Hermle's popular mid-range C 42 U 5-axis machining center. It adds high-speed turning capability to the C-axis trunnion table, allowing shops to complete parts with both complex milling contours and turned features in a single clamping. This is Hermle's most popular mill-turn model, sitting in a sweet spot between the compact lower end and the massive C 52 and C 62 platforms.
X/Y/Z travels are 800 x 800 x 550 mm with an 800 mm diameter trunnion table rated for 1,400 kg. The C-axis table uses a direct-drive torque motor capable of turning at up to 800 rpm, with smooth surface finish results that rival dedicated turning centers on many operations. The standard milling spindle runs at 18,000 rpm HSK-A63 at 29 kW, with high-speed options to 42,000 rpm. The 42-position tool magazine expands to 252 tools.
Rapid traverse is 60 m/min on X and Y, 55 m/min on Z. Positioning accuracy is +/- 0.005 mm with repeatability of +/- 0.003 mm. The mineral-cast base weighs in at about 14,000 kg total. Control options include Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sl. New pricing runs $700,000-$1,100,000. If the C 52 U MT is more machine than you need and the C 32 U MT is too small, the C 42 U MT is the Goldilocks choice in Hermle's mill-turn range.
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 | +/- 120 degrees (240 degrees total) |
| C Axis | 360 degrees continuous (up to 800 rpm for turning) |
| Table Diameter | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) |
| Spindle Speed | 18,000 rpm (standard); up to 42,000 rpm optional |
| Spindle Motor | 29 kW (39 hp) standard |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Tool Magazine | 42 positions (expandable to 252) |
| Turning Speed | Up to 800 rpm on C-axis |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min X/Y, 55 m/min Z |
| 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 | 14,000 kg (30,864 lb) |
| Power Supply | 400V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz |
| Modelc42u Mtbrandhermletypeuniversal Machining Centerscontrolcontact Sales Rep | Contact Sales Rep. |
| Modelc42u Mtbrandhermletypeuniversal Machining Centerscontrol | Contact Sales Rep. |
| Model | C42U MT |
| Brand | HERMLE |
| Type | Universal Machining Centers |
| X31496y31496z21654 | # Axis5# ATC42ControlCNC (Heidenhain TNC 640 / TNC7 / Siemens 840 D sl) |
| X | 31.496" |
| Y | 31.496" |
| Z | 21.654" |
| Axis | 5 |
| Atc | 42 |
| Cnc Control | CNC (Heidenhain TNC 640 / TNC7 / Siemens 840 D sl) |
| Looking To Purchase A New Hermle C42u Mt | Contact Sales Rep. |
| Colter Precision28265 Beck Rdste C22wixom Michigan 48393united States | IQL Independent Quality Labs, Inc.15 Gray LaneSuite 401Ashaway, Rhode Island 02804United States |
Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Sweet-spot size in the Hermle mill-turn range — handles most medium-sized parts
- 800 rpm C-axis turning via direct-drive torque motor for integrated mill-turn operations
- 1,400 kg table capacity handles substantial workpieces in steel and titanium
- 252-tool magazine option supports complex multi-operation parts without setup changes
- Same proven mineral-cast architecture as the standard C 42 U
- Heidenhain or Siemens control options with full mill-turn programming support
Limitations
- Starting price near $700,000 is a significant step up from the standard C 42 U
- 800 rpm turning is adequate but not competitive with dedicated turning centers for heavy turning
- 14,000 kg machine weight requires proper foundation planning
- Hermle service network in North America is smaller than Japanese and American competitors
- Mill-turn programming requires operators skilled in both milling and turning cycles
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New machines run $700,000-$1,100,000 depending on spindle, tool magazine, and automation options. Used machines from 2018-2023 trade in the $450,000-$700,000 range.
02
The MT version adds 800 rpm turning capability to the C-axis table via a direct-drive torque motor. Machine travels and milling specs are identical. The MT version costs about $150,000-$250,000 more.
03
OD/ID turning, facing, boring, grooving, and threading. The 800 rpm maximum speed and direct-drive motor handle most turning operations on medium-sized parts. For heavy-duty turning, a dedicated lathe is still preferred.
04
Yes, the HS-flex pallet handling system works with the C 42 U MT. The automation system manages pallet changes while the machine alternates between milling and turning operations.
Videos
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Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




