Hermle C 400

$350,000 - $525,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

850 mm (33.5 in)

Y Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Max Spindle

15,000 RPM (18,000 or 20,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

38 tools (up to 126 with ZM modules)

Overview

The Hermle C 400 is a production-grade 5-axis machining center built on Hermle's signature modified gantry design with a mineral cast bed. It delivers 850 x 700 x 500 mm of X/Y/Z travel with a trunnion-style rotary tilting table that handles workpieces up to 2,000 kg. The mineral casting absorbs vibration far better than conventional cast iron, which translates directly into better surface finish and longer tool life on precision parts.

The GEN2 version ships with the Heidenhain TNC7 control, one of the most capable 5-axis CNC platforms on the market. Standard spindle options include 15,000 and 18,000 RPM HSK-A63 units with 20 kW continuous power and 173 Nm of torque. A 20,000 RPM option is available for high-speed aluminum work. The 38-pocket tool magazine can be expanded to 88 or 126 tools with add-on ZM modules, making the C 400 viable for high-mix production without constant manual tool loading.

Hermle machines carry a premium price tag, and the C 400 is no exception. New machines typically start around $350,000 and climb past $500,000 fully configured. What you're paying for is German build quality, thermal stability from the mineral cast construction, and the proven modified gantry architecture that Hermle has refined for decades. The C 400 sits below the C 42 and C 52 in Hermle's lineup, making it an entry point into Hermle 5-axis capability for shops that don't need the larger work envelopes. Direct competitors include the DMG Mori DMU 50, Mazak Variaxis i-600, and GF Machining Mikron MILL P 500. Specs sourced from Hermle published data and dealer documentation.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	850 mm (33.5 in)
Y-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	15,000 RPM (18,000 or 20,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	20 kW (27 hp) continuous
Spindle Torque	173 Nm (128 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	38 tools (up to 126 with ZM modules)
Tool Change Time	6 sec chip-to-chip
Table Size	Ø 650 mm clamping surface (rigid table: 1,070 x 700 mm)
Max Workpiece Size	Ø 650 x 500 mm (Ø 25.6 x 19.7 in)
Max Work Weight	2,000 kg (4,409 lb) rigid table; 800 kg (1,764 lb) trunnion
Rapid Traverse Rate	35 m/min (1,378 ipm) X/Y/Z
Swivel Range	A-axis: -115° to +100°, C-axis: 360° continuous
Collision Circle	Ø 885 mm
Vertical Clearance	625 mm max
Machine Weight	12,500 kg (27,558 lb)
Machine Footprint	3,520 x 4,820 x 3,080 mm (138.6 x 189.8 x 121.3 in) W x D x H
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC7 (GEN2); Heidenhain TNC 640 (earlier models)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in)
Repeatability	±0.003 mm (±0.0001 in)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Mineral cast machine bed provides superior vibration damping compared to cast iron, resulting in better surface finish and longer tool life on precision 5-axis work
Modified gantry architecture keeps the workpiece stationary during X/Y/Z motion, eliminating workpiece inertia effects and enabling consistent accuracy at full table loads up to 2,000 kg
Heidenhain TNC7 control on GEN2 models is one of the most powerful 5-axis CNC platforms available, with advanced kinematic calibration and Dynamic Precision features
Expandable tool magazine from 38 to 126 positions with ZM modules allows scaling from job shop to high-mix production without buying a bigger machine
Compact footprint for a 5-axis machine of this capability class — can be transported without disassembly and set up without a special foundation

Limitations

35 m/min rapids are slower than many competitors in this class (DMG Mori DMU 50 does 42 m/min), which adds non-cutting time on large parts with long traverses
6-second chip-to-chip tool change time is significantly slower than horizontal machining centers and some competing 5-axis machines, impacting cycle time on tool-heavy programs
Premium pricing puts the C 400 at or above competitors like the DMG Mori DMU 50 and Mazak Variaxis, which offer comparable work envelopes at lower entry prices
500 mm Z-axis travel is relatively short compared to competitors, limiting the height of workpieces that can be machined in a single setup

Best For

Mold and die shops producing complex 3D surfaces that benefit from Hermle's vibration damping and 5-axis simultaneous capability Aerospace component production requiring tight tolerances on aluminum and titanium parts with full 5-axis contouring Medical device manufacturers machining implants and surgical instruments from titanium and cobalt-chrome alloys Tool and fixture makers who need reliable 5-axis accuracy across a wide range of materials and part geometries High-mix, low-volume production shops that need expandable tool capacity and flexible 5-axis capability in a compact footprint Shops prioritizing surface finish quality and thermal stability over raw speed and cutting force

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Hermle C 400 cost?

Base price starts around $350,000 for a standard configuration. With expanded tool magazines, high-speed spindle options, probing, and automation, expect $425,000-$525,000+. Hermle machines hold their value well on the used market due to build quality and demand. Used C 400 units from 2016-2020 trade between $150,000 and $300,000 depending on hours and configuration.

02 What's the difference between the C 400 and C 400 GEN2?

The GEN2 is the current-production model featuring the Heidenhain TNC7 control (replacing the TNC 640), updated spindle options including the 20,000 RPM variant, and improved thermal management. The fundamental machine architecture and work envelope remain the same. If buying used, the original C 400 with TNC 640 is still an excellent machine.

03 How does the Hermle C 400 compare to the DMG Mori DMU 50?

The DMU 50 offers slightly larger Z-axis travel and faster rapids, plus the option of a Siemens or Heidenhain control. The C 400 counters with Hermle's mineral cast bed for better vibration damping and the modified gantry design that keeps workpiece mass out of the motion axes. The Hermle typically delivers better surface finish on precision parts. The DMU 50 usually costs 10-20% less at comparable configurations.

04 Can I automate the Hermle C 400?

Yes. Hermle offers several automation solutions including the HS Flex pallet handling system, the RS 05-2 robotic system for part handling, and integration with Hermle's HACS automation control software. The machine can also be integrated into multi-machine cells. The automation options add $100,000-$250,000+ depending on complexity.

05 Is the mineral cast bed really better than cast iron?

For precision 5-axis work, yes. Mineral casting absorbs vibration 6-8x better than cast iron and has superior thermal stability. The tradeoff is that mineral cast is heavier and more expensive. For heavy roughing where raw rigidity matters more than damping, cast iron machines can be more appropriate. Hermle's mineral cast construction is a key reason their machines consistently outperform on surface finish.

06 What spindle should I choose?

The 15,000 RPM spindle covers most applications in steel, stainless, and titanium. Go with 18,000 RPM if you regularly machine aluminum and non-ferrous materials. The 20,000 RPM option is for shops primarily cutting aluminum at high speeds. All three share the HSK-A63 interface and 20 kW power rating, so tooling is interchangeable.