Hermle C 42

$450,000 - $650,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Y Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Z Travel

550 mm (21.7 in)

Max Spindle

18,000 RPM (up to 25,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

42 standard (up to 192 optional)

Overview

The Hermle C 42 is a high-performance 5-axis machining center in Hermle's upper mid-range, offering 800 x 800 x 550 mm (31.5 x 31.5 x 21.7 in) of travel with a swiveling rotary table that handles workpieces up to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). Built in Gosheim, Germany with Hermle's signature mineral-cast bed technology, the C 42 delivers exceptional vibration damping, thermal stability, and surface finish quality that has made it a standard in aerospace, medical, die/mold, and precision component manufacturing.

The standard spindle runs at 18,000 RPM with an HSK-A63 taper, delivering 42 kW (56 hp) and 148 Nm (109 ft-lb) of torque. Higher-speed options up to 25,000 RPM are available for aluminum-intensive applications. The modified gantry construction with three axes in the tool and two axes in the workpiece provides excellent dynamic stiffness, and rapid traverse rates of 45/45/40 m/min (X/Y/Z) keep non-cutting time competitive. The 42-tool standard magazine expands up to 192 tools for complex multi-operation parts.

The C 42 MT (Mill-Turn) variant adds a fully integrated rotary table capable of turning operations, enabling combined milling and turning in a single clamping. Hermle offers comprehensive automation through the HS flex, HS flex heavy, and robot system RS 2 pallet handling systems. The machine runs on either Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl controls. Competitors include the DMG Mori DMU 80, Grob G550, and Mazak Variaxis i-800. New C 42 machines price between $450,000 and $650,000 depending on configuration. Used units from 2015-2021 trade between $200,000 and $400,000.

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)
Max Spindle Speed	18,000 RPM (up to 25,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	42 kW (56 hp)
Spindle Torque	148 Nm (109 ft-lb)
Rapid Traverse X	45 m/min (1,772 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	45 m/min (1,772 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	40 m/min (1,575 ipm)
Table Size	800 x 630 mm (31.5 x 24.8 in)
Table Swivel Range	+/- 130°
C Axis	360° continuous
Max Table Load	1,400 kg (3,086 lb)
Tool Capacity	42 standard (up to 192 optional)
Machine Weight	13,500 kg (29,762 lb)
Machine Dimensions	5,000 x 2,450 x 3,200 mm (196.9 x 96.5 x 126.0 in) L x W x H
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Vertical Table Clearance	max. 700 mm
Traverse Path	800 x 800 x 550 mm
Body	Ø 800 / H 560 mm
Collision Circle	Ø 990 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

Mineral-cast machine bed provides 6-8x better vibration damping than cast iron, delivering superior surface finish quality and extended tool life on precision and die/mold work
1,400 kg table load capacity is among the highest in this travel class, handling heavy steel and titanium workpieces that would overload competing 5-axis machines
Modified gantry construction with three axes in the tool keeps the workpiece table compact and rigid, maintaining accuracy even with heavy workpieces at full tilt
Up to 192-tool magazine capacity supports complex multi-operation parts and unattended production without operator intervention for tool changes between jobs
Hermle's automation ecosystem (HS flex, RS 2) provides modular pallet handling that scales from single-pallet to multi-pallet cells without replacing the base machine
German manufacturing quality with exceptional long-term accuracy retention — Hermle machines routinely hold spec for 15-20 years with proper maintenance

Limitations

Premium pricing at $450,000-$650,000 puts the C 42 above many competitors in the same travel class, though long-term accuracy retention and resale value partially offset the investment
550 mm Z-axis travel is shorter than some competitors like the DMG Mori DMU 80 (550 vs 650 mm), which can limit deep-cavity work on tall parts
13,500 kg machine weight requires proper foundation preparation and ground-floor placement, limiting installation flexibility in multi-story facilities
Heidenhain TNC control, while excellent for 5-axis work, has a distinct programming style that requires dedicated training for operators coming from FANUC environments

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers machining complex aluminum structural components, titanium brackets, and engine parts requiring tight tolerances and excellent surface finish Medical device companies producing implants, surgical instruments, and prosthetics from titanium, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel with 5-axis simultaneous machining Die and mold shops that need the surface finish quality and accuracy of a mineral-cast machine for EDM electrode cutting and direct-machined mold cavities Precision component manufacturers in optics, semiconductor equipment, and scientific instruments where vibration damping and thermal stability directly impact part quality Production shops planning pallet automation that want a machine capable of running unattended with large tool magazines and Hermle's modular automation systems

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Hermle C 42 cost?

New C 42 machines start around $450,000 for a base configuration with 18,000 RPM spindle and 42-tool magazine. Adding the MT mill-turn package, expanded tool magazine (up to 192), high-speed spindle, probing, automation, and through-spindle coolant can push the price to $550,000-$650,000+. Used C 42 units from 2015-2021 trade between $200,000 and $400,000. Hermle machines hold exceptional resale value.

02 What is the difference between the C 42 and C 42 MT?

The C 42 MT adds mill-turn capability with a fully integrated high-torque rotary table that enables turning operations up to 800 RPM. This allows combining milling and turning in a single clamping, eliminating the need for a separate lathe for rotational features. The MT option adds approximately $50,000-$80,000 to the base price and is popular in aerospace and medical manufacturing.

03 Why does Hermle use mineral cast instead of cast iron?

Mineral cast (polymer concrete) provides 6-8x better vibration damping than gray cast iron, which directly translates to better surface finish, longer tool life, and quieter operation. It also has lower thermal conductivity, reducing thermal distortion. The trade-off is weight — mineral cast is heavier than cast iron for the same volume — but for precision machining, the damping advantage is significant. Hermle has over 30 years of experience with mineral-cast beds.

04 What automation options does Hermle offer for the C 42?

Hermle offers the HS flex (up to 20 pallets), HS flex heavy (for heavier pallets), and RS 2 robot system (multi-pallet with robotic loading). All integrate directly with the machine control and can be added post-installation. The large tool magazine (up to 192 tools) supports multi-job unattended runs. Third-party automation from Erowa and System 3R is also compatible.

05 How does the C 42 compare to the DMG Mori DMU 80?

Both are capable 5-axis machines in a similar size class. The Hermle C 42 offers superior vibration damping from its mineral-cast bed, higher table load (1,400 vs 1,000 kg), and better long-term accuracy retention. The DMG Mori DMU 80 counters with more Z-axis travel (up to 650 mm vs 550 mm), CELOS integration, and typically lower initial pricing. Hermle generally wins on surface finish quality; DMG Mori offers broader automation and control options.

06 Can the C 42 machine titanium effectively?

Yes. The combination of 42 kW spindle power, 148 Nm torque, HSK-A63 taper, mineral-cast damping, and rigid gantry construction makes the C 42 well-suited for titanium machining. The 1,400 kg table load accommodates heavy titanium billets. Through-spindle coolant at high pressure is recommended for titanium. Many aerospace shops use C 42 machines specifically for titanium structural components.