Hermle C 12

$300,000 - $425,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Y Travel

440 mm (17.3 in)

Z Travel

330 mm (13.0 in)

Max Spindle

18,000 RPM standard (12,000 to 42,000 RPM options)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

36 tools (HSK-A63)

Overview

The Hermle C 12 is the most compact machining center in Hermle's High-Performance-Line, designed for precision 5-axis machining of small cubic parts up to 100 kg (220 lb). With X/Y/Z travels of 350 x 440 x 330 mm (13.8 x 17.3 x 13.0 in), the C 12 delivers the same mineral-cast bed technology, surface finish quality, and long-term accuracy that defines Hermle's larger machines — in a footprint compact enough for tight production cells and university research labs.

The swiveling rotary table features a 320 mm (12.6 in) diameter with +/- 115 degrees of tilt and 360-degree continuous rotation, providing full 5-axis simultaneous capability. Spindle options range from 12,000 to 42,000 RPM with HSK-A63 tooling, covering everything from conventional steel cutting to high-speed micro-milling of hardened materials. Rapid traverse reaches 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard with a 50 m/min option available. The 36-tool magazine with HSK-A63 holders keeps tool change times around 4.5 seconds chip-to-chip.

Despite its compact size, the C 12 inherits Hermle's modified gantry kinematic concept with three linear axes in the tool side and two rotary axes in the workpiece. The mineral-cast bed provides the same vibration damping advantages as Hermle's larger machines, making the C 12 particularly effective for applications requiring exceptional surface finish on small parts. The machine runs on Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl controls. Competitors include the Kern Micro HD, Datron MLCube, and Roeders RXP 501. New C 12 machines price between $300,000 and $425,000. Used units from 2018-2022 trade between $175,000 and $300,000.

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)
Max Spindle Speed	18,000 RPM standard (12,000 to 42,000 RPM options)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard; 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) optional
Table Diameter	320 mm (12.6 in)
Table Swivel Range	+/- 115°
C Axis	360° continuous
Max Table Load	100 kg (220 lb)
Max Workpiece Diameter	320 mm (12.6 in)
Vertical Table Clearance	430 mm (16.9 in)
Tool Capacity	36 tools (HSK-A63)
Max Tool Diameter	80 mm (3.1 in)
Max Tool Length	200 mm (7.9 in)
Max Tool Weight	6 kg (13.2 lb)
Tool Change Time	4.5 sec chip-to-chip
Machine Weight	6.8 (TONS)
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Modelc 12brandhermletypeuniversal Machining Centerscontrolcontact Sales Rep	Contact Sales Rep.
Modelc 12brandhermletypeuniversal Machining Centerscontrol	Contact Sales Rep.
Model	C 12
Brand	HERMLE
Type	Universal Machining Centers
X1378y17323z12992 Axis5	# ATC36ControlCNC (Heidenhain TNC 640 / TNC7)Weight6.8 (TONS)
X	13.78"
Y	17.323"
Z	12.992"
Axis	5
Atc	36
Cnc Control	CNC (Heidenhain TNC 640 / TNC7)
Looking To Purchase A New Hermle C 12	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

Mineral-cast bed delivers Hermle-grade vibration damping and surface finish quality in the most compact package Hermle offers, ideal for small precision parts
Spindle options up to 42,000 RPM enable high-speed micro-milling of hardened steels, graphite EDM electrodes, and fine-detail work that lower-speed machines cannot achieve
Full 5-axis simultaneous capability with +/- 115 degree tilt gives excellent access to complex geometry on small parts without fixture interference
7,200 kg machine weight is substantial for a compact 5-axis, providing rigidity and thermal mass that lighter-weight compact machines lack
HSK-A63 taper provides more rigidity than HSK-E40 or HSK-E50 tapers common on other compact 5-axis machines, supporting more aggressive cutting parameters

Limitations

100 kg table load and 320 mm workpiece diameter limit the C 12 strictly to small parts — shops needing to occasionally run larger workpieces will need a second machine
Premium pricing at $300,000-$425,000 is significantly higher than other compact 5-axis options, though the mineral-cast quality and Hermle reputation justify it for precision applications
36-tool magazine may feel limiting for complex parts requiring many different tools, especially compared to larger Hermle models offering 42+ standard tools
4.5-second chip-to-chip tool change time is slower than competing compact machines that achieve 1-2 seconds, adding up on jobs with frequent tool changes

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing small implants, bone screws, and surgical instrument components from titanium and cobalt-chrome requiring exceptional surface finish Die and mold shops machining small EDM graphite electrodes and precision mold inserts where vibration damping directly impacts electrode accuracy and surface quality Watch and luxury goods manufacturers needing micro-precision machining with 5-axis simultaneous capability on parts under 320 mm Aerospace component shops producing small turbine blades, nozzle guide vanes, and precision fittings where Hermle-grade accuracy is required in a compact footprint University research labs and prototyping centers that need a production-grade 5-axis machine in a compact footprint for advanced material research and development parts

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Hermle C 12 cost?

New C 12 machines start around $300,000 for a base configuration with 18,000 RPM spindle. Adding the 42,000 RPM high-speed spindle, expanded options, probing, automation interface, and through-spindle coolant can push the price to $375,000-$425,000. Used C 12 units from 2018-2022 trade between $175,000 and $300,000. Like all Hermle machines, the C 12 holds strong resale value.

02 How does the C 12 compare to the Hermle C 22?

The C 22 is the next size up with 450 x 600 x 330 mm of travel, a 320 mm table (same diameter), and 300 kg table load capacity. The C 22 accepts larger and heavier workpieces and has a bigger tool magazine. Choose the C 12 if your parts fit within 320 mm and 100 kg and you need the most compact Hermle footprint. Choose the C 22 if you need more X/Y travel or heavier workpiece capacity.

03 What is the 42,000 RPM spindle option for?

The 42,000 RPM spindle is designed for high-speed micro-milling of small features, thin walls, and fine surface finishes on hardened steels, graphite, copper, and other precision materials. It enables very small tool diameters (down to 0.1 mm) at productive speeds. This option is popular in EDM electrode shops, watchmaking, and micro-medical device manufacturing.

04 Can the C 12 be automated?

Yes. Hermle offers the HS flex pallet handling system compatible with the C 12, enabling multi-pallet unattended production. The machine also supports integration with third-party robot loading systems from Erowa and System 3R for flexible workpiece handling. The 36-tool magazine supports multi-job runs when combined with pallet automation.

05 Is the C 12 suitable for steel cutting?

Yes, the HSK-A63 taper and rigid mineral-cast construction support productive steel cutting despite the compact size. The 18,000 RPM standard spindle handles conventional steel machining well. For heavy steel roughing, the C 12's compact travel limits the part size, but for small steel components the rigidity and damping are excellent. The machine is not designed for large heavy roughing — it excels on precision finishing and small-part production.

06 What makes the mineral-cast bed important on a small machine?

On small parts, vibration and thermal effects are proportionally larger relative to part tolerances. The mineral-cast bed damps vibrations 6-8x better than cast iron, which directly improves surface finish and dimensional accuracy on small precision parts. The lower thermal conductivity also reduces heat transfer from the spindle and drives to the machine structure. For a compact 5-axis machine cutting small parts to tight tolerances, these advantages matter more than on a large roughing machine.