Starrag Heckert H55
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Starrag Heckert H55 is a high-performance 4-axis horizontal machining center from the Heckert brand within the Starrag Group, designed for demanding production environments in automotive, aerospace, and general precision engineering. The H55 sits in the 550 mm pallet class, offering a well-balanced combination of work envelope, spindle performance, and thermal stability that has made the Heckert HEC series a benchmark for European-built horizontal machining centers.
The H55 features axis travels of 750 mm (29.5 in) in X, 700 mm (27.6 in) in Y, and 750 mm (29.5 in) in Z. The machine accepts 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) pallets with a maximum workpiece weight of 700 kg (1,543 lb). The spindle is available in several configurations, with the standard version delivering 12,000 RPM and 35 kW (47 HP) continuous power through an HSK-A63 interface. Higher-speed spindle options up to 18,000 RPM are available for aluminum-intensive applications. Rapid traverse rates reach 60 m/min (2,362 IPM) on all linear axes.
What sets the H55 apart from competitors like the DMG Mori NHX 5000 and Mazak HCN-5000 is its thermally symmetric design philosophy. The machine's cast iron bed and column are engineered with symmetrical ribbing patterns and integrated cooling channels that maintain geometric accuracy across long production runs. The B-axis rotary table provides 0.001-degree indexing resolution, and the machine achieves positioning accuracy of ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) and repeatability of ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in).
The H55 comes standard with a 60-tool magazine, expandable to 120 or 240 tools. It runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl or Fanuc 31i-B control options depending on region and customer preference. The integrated 2-pallet changer is standard, with flexible manufacturing system (FMS) connectivity available for multi-machine cells. New H55 machines typically price in the $450,000-$650,000 range depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, and automation options. Used units from 2015-2022 appear in the $180,000-$350,000 range.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 700 mm (27.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Pallet Size | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 35 kW (47 HP) continuous |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 700 kg (1,543 lb) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 standard (120/240 optional) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min (2,362 IPM) |
| B Axis Indexing | 0.001° resolution |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl / Fanuc 31i-B |
| Pallet Changer | 2-pallet standard, FMS-ready |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Thermally symmetric cast iron construction with integrated cooling channels maintains geometric accuracy during extended production runs far better than many competitors
- B-axis with 0.001-degree indexing resolution enables precise multi-face machining of complex prismatic parts without repositioning
- 60 m/min rapid traverse on all axes minimizes non-cutting time and keeps chip-to-chip times competitive with Japanese HMCs
- FMS-ready design with standardized automation interfaces makes integrating into flexible manufacturing cells straightforward
- HSK-A63 spindle interface provides excellent rigidity-to-speed balance for mixed-material production environments
- European build quality with Heckert's 125+ year machining heritage delivers documented longevity of 20+ years in demanding production
Limitations
- Price premium of 15-25% over comparable Japanese HMCs like the Mazak HCN-5000 or Okuma MB-5000H can be hard to justify for general job shop work
- Siemens control standard in most markets has a steeper learning curve for shops accustomed to Fanuc, though Fanuc options are available
- Service network is thinner than DMG Mori, Mazak, or Okuma in North America, potentially leading to longer response times
- 700 kg maximum workpiece weight is adequate but not exceptional; shops machining heavy castings may need to step up to the H65 or H80
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Starrag Heckert H55 machines typically price between $450,000 and $650,000 depending on spindle selection (12K vs 18K RPM), tool magazine capacity (60/120/240), control choice (Siemens vs Fanuc), and automation options. Adding FMS connectivity or multi-pallet systems can push the total investment north of $800,000. Used H55 units from 2015-2022 sell in the $180,000-$350,000 range.
02
Both are premium 500mm-class HMCs, but they come from different engineering philosophies. The H55 emphasizes thermal stability through its symmetrical cast iron design and integrated cooling, while the NHX 5000 uses a speedMASTER spindle with higher max RPM (20,000). The NHX 5000 has a broader service network through DMG Mori's global presence. For long-run production accuracy, the H55 has an edge; for versatility and aftermarket support, the NHX 5000 is easier to live with.
03
The H55 offers multiple spindle configurations: a 12,000 RPM / 35 kW standard spindle for general-purpose machining, a high-speed 18,000 RPM option for aluminum and light alloy work, and a high-torque variant optimized for heavy cutting in steel and titanium. All use the HSK-A63 interface. Spindle selection significantly impacts both the machine price and its optimal application range.
04
Yes, the H55 was designed from the ground up for FMS integration. Starrag offers standardized automation interfaces that connect with their own FMS controllers as well as third-party systems from Fastems, Liebherr, and others. The 2-pallet changer is standard, and the machine can be configured for linear pallet pool systems with 6 to 60+ pallets for true lights-out manufacturing.
05
The HEC 500 Athletic was the predecessor to the H55 in Starrag's lineup. The H55 features updated axis drive technology, improved thermal management, a more modern control interface, and better automation connectivity. The fundamental design philosophy and work envelope are similar, but the H55 represents a generational improvement in achievable accuracy and production throughput. Shops with older HEC 500s often upgrade to the H55 as a direct replacement.
06
The H55 follows a standard HMC maintenance schedule: daily chip conveyor and coolant checks, weekly way lube and hydraulic fluid inspections, quarterly spindle taper cleaning and ballscrew lubrication, and annual geometric accuracy verification. Starrag recommends a preventive maintenance contract for the first 3-5 years. The machine's centralized lubrication system and accessible service panels make routine maintenance straightforward for in-house technicians.
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