Starrag Heckert H70
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Starrag Heckert H70 is a 700 mm pallet 4-axis horizontal machining center built for high-volume production of medium-to-large prismatic parts across automotive, energy, and general engineering sectors. Positioned between the H65 and H75 in Heckert's compact HMC lineup, the H70 provides a step up in work envelope and pallet load capacity without jumping to the larger H75 platform.
Axis travels of 950 x 900 x 1,000 mm (37.4 x 35.4 x 39.4 in) give the H70 a generous work envelope for parts like gearbox housings, pump bodies, valve manifolds, and medium-sized structural castings. The spindle delivers 12,000 RPM with 42 kW (56 hp) continuous power through an HSK-A63 taper, with an optional high-torque configuration producing up to 560 Nm for aggressive roughing in cast iron and steel. The B-axis rotary table indexes at 0.001-degree resolution for precise multi-face machining.
Two 700 x 700 mm pallets come standard, each supporting workpieces up to 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). Pallet change times remain under 12 seconds, and the tool magazine holds 60 tools as standard with expansion to 180 or more for complex multi-part production. Rapid traverse rates of 60 m/min across all linear axes keep non-cutting time low. Roller guideways on all axes provide the rigidity needed for heavy interrupted cuts in cast iron and steel.
The H70 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl and is fully compatible with Starrag's IPS (Integrated Production System) for pallet pool cell management. Positioning accuracy of +/-0.005 mm and repeatability of +/-0.003 mm reflect the thermally symmetric Heckert column and bed design. The machine is manufactured at Starrag's Chemnitz facility in Germany. New H70 machines typically price between $450,000 and $650,000 depending on spindle, tooling, and automation configuration.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 950 mm (37.4 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 900 mm (35.4 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 42 kW (56 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 420 Nm (310 ft-lb) |
| Pallet Size | 700 x 700 mm (27.6 x 27.6 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 (expandable via pallet pool) |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) |
| B Axis | 0.001 deg indexing, worm-gear driven |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (expandable to 180+) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/-0.005 mm |
| Repeatability | +/-0.003 mm |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Machine Weight | 18,000 kg (39,683 lb) |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 700 mm pallets with 1,400 kg load capacity bridge the gap between 630 mm and 750 mm pallet classes, handling larger castings than the H65 without the footprint of the H75
- 42 kW continuous spindle with optional 560 Nm high-torque configuration enables aggressive roughing in cast iron and steel while maintaining finish quality
- Roller guideways on all axes deliver superior rigidity for heavy interrupted cuts, extending tool life and improving surface finish consistency
- Thermally symmetric Heckert column and bed design maintains positioning accuracy across multi-shift production without lengthy warm-up cycles
- Full IPS pallet pool compatibility enables seamless scaling from standalone 2-pallet operation to multi-machine flexible manufacturing cells
- German-built quality from the Chemnitz facility ensures tight tolerances and long service life backed by Starrag's century-plus manufacturing heritage
Limitations
- Entry price above $450K and limited North American dealer network make this a harder buy than comparable Mazak or Okuma HMCs for shops without Starrag experience
- Siemens-only control platform requires training investment for shops accustomed to Fanuc-based systems, adding transition costs
- 18,000 kg machine weight requires substantial foundation preparation and overhead crane capability for installation
- Parts and service availability outside Europe can involve longer lead times compared to Japanese or Korean competitors with larger global networks
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The H70 sits between the H65 (630 mm pallet) and H75 (750 mm pallet) in Heckert's lineup. It offers 700 mm pallets with 1,400 kg load capacity, 950 mm X-travel, and 42 kW spindle power. The H65 is more compact with lower load capacity (1,200 kg), while the H75 steps up to HSK-A100 tooling and 1,500 kg capacity. The H70 is the right choice when the H65's work envelope is too tight but the H75's cost and footprint are excessive.
02
The standard spindle delivers 12,000 RPM with 420 Nm of torque through HSK-A63 tooling. A high-torque option increases torque to approximately 560 Nm for heavy roughing in cast iron and steel. A high-speed spindle variant at 15,000 RPM is available for aluminum-intensive applications. All spindle options include thermal compensation for dimensional stability during extended production runs.
03
Yes, the H70 is fully compatible with Starrag's IPS (Integrated Production System) software for pallet pool cell management. The system handles job scheduling, tool management, and pallet routing across multiple connected Heckert HMCs. Automotive plants commonly run cells of 4-8 Heckert machines fed by a linear pallet pool for lights-out production.
04
Lead times for new Heckert H70 machines typically range from 6 to 12 months depending on configuration and current order backlog at the Chemnitz factory. Complex configurations with pallet pool integration, expanded tool magazines, or special spindle options may extend lead times further. Used Heckert HMCs occasionally appear on the secondary market but are less common than Japanese or Korean competitors.
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