Starrag Heckert HEC 1250
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Starrag Heckert HEC 1250 is a large-format 4-axis horizontal machining center built around a 1,250 mm pallet, representing the entry point into Heckert's HEC series of heavy-duty production platforms. Designed for machining very large prismatic components in power generation, oil and gas, heavy equipment, and large-scale industrial manufacturing, the HEC 1250 delivers a massive work envelope with the thermal stability and precision engineering that define the Heckert brand.
Axis travels of 1,800 x 1,600 x 1,600 mm (70.9 x 63.0 x 63.0 in) accommodate extremely large castings, weldments, and multi-face structural components. The spindle delivers 8,000 RPM with 65 kW (87 hp) continuous power and 1,000 Nm of torque through an HSK-A100 taper, with high-torque options available for sustained heavy roughing in cast iron, large steel forgings, and demanding structural alloys. A geared spindle option provides even higher torque for extreme roughing applications.
Two 1,250 x 1,250 mm pallets come standard, each supporting workpieces up to 5,000 kg (11,023 lb). The B-axis rotary table provides 0.001-degree indexing resolution, driven by a high-precision worm gear for smooth positioning under heavy loads. Tool magazine capacity starts at 80 tools with expansion to 400 for complex multi-part production cells. Rapid traverse reaches 35 m/min across all linear axes.
The HEC 1250 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl with full IPS pallet pool integration. Positioning accuracy of +/-0.010 mm and repeatability of +/-0.005 mm are strong for this extreme work-envelope class. Built in Chemnitz, Germany, the HEC 1250 competes with large-format HMCs from Toyoda, SNK, and Toshiba. New machines typically price between $1,200,000 and $1,800,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A100 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 65 kW (87 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 1,000 Nm (738 ft-lb) |
| Pallet Size | 1,250 x 1,250 mm (49.2 x 49.2 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 (expandable via pallet pool) |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 5,000 kg (11,023 lb) |
| B Axis | 0.001 deg indexing, worm-gear driven |
| Tool Capacity | 80 (expandable to 400) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 35 m/min (1,378 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/-0.010 mm |
| Repeatability | +/-0.005 mm |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Machine Weight | 45,000 kg (99,208 lb) |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,250 mm pallets with 5,000 kg load capacity handle the largest castings and structural weldments encountered in power generation and heavy industry
- 1,800 x 1,600 x 1,600 mm travel provides an enormous work envelope for single-setup machining of oversized multi-face components
- 65 kW continuous spindle with 1,000 Nm torque delivers the sustained cutting authority needed for aggressive roughing in large cast iron and steel workpieces
- Heckert's thermally symmetric design philosophy extends to this large platform, maintaining accuracy across extended multi-shift production runs
- Full IPS pallet pool compatibility enables integration into heavy-duty flexible manufacturing systems for large-part production
- Built in Chemnitz, Germany, with over a century of horizontal machining center heritage ensuring premium build quality and long service life
Limitations
- At $1.2M-$1.8M, the HEC 1250 requires major capital investment with limited global dealer networks compared to Japanese large-format HMC builders
- 45,000 kg machine weight requires extensive foundation engineering including reinforced concrete, pit work, and specialized heavy rigging
- Siemens-only control platform may not integrate easily into shops standardized on Fanuc or Heidenhain systems
- Large footprint and installation requirements restrict this to facilities with adequate floor space, ceiling height, and crane capacity
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The HEC 1250 uses 1,250 mm pallets with 5,000 kg capacity and travels of 1,800 x 1,600 x 1,600 mm. The HEC 1600 steps up to 1,600 mm pallets with higher load capacity and larger travels for truly oversized workpieces. The HEC 1250 is the right choice when 1,000 mm pallets are too small but the HEC 1600's cost, footprint, and installation demands exceed requirements.
02
At 45,000 kg, the HEC 1250 requires a purpose-engineered reinforced concrete foundation with specific depth, reinforcement, and isolation requirements provided by Starrag. Vibration isolation from adjacent equipment is essential. A pit is typically required for chip conveyors and coolant systems. Ceiling height must accommodate the machine structure plus overhead crane access for maintenance.
03
The standard spindle delivers 8,000 RPM with 1,000 Nm torque through HSK-A100. A high-torque geared spindle option provides over 2,000 Nm for extreme roughing in large cast iron and steel forgings. A high-speed option at 12,000 RPM is available for aluminum-intensive applications. All configurations include extensive thermal compensation.
04
Yes, the HEC 1250 is designed for extended unattended operation. With expanded tool magazines up to 400 tools, 2-pallet standard configuration expandable via pallet pool, through-spindle coolant, automatic tool measurement, and Starrag IPS cell management software, the machine supports multi-shift lights-out production. Chip management and coolant systems are sized for continuous operation.
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