Starrag Heckert HEC 1600
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Starrag Heckert HEC 1600 is a large-format 4-axis horizontal machining center built around a 1,600 mm pallet, serving as the mid-range platform in Heckert's HEC series of heavy-duty production machines. Engineered for machining oversized castings, weldments, and structural components in power generation, oil and gas, mining, shipbuilding, and heavy industrial applications, the HEC 1600 represents serious production capability for the largest prismatic workpieces.
Axis travels of 2,200 x 1,800 x 1,800 mm (86.6 x 70.9 x 70.9 in) provide a massive work envelope that accommodates workpieces that simply cannot fit on standard HMC platforms. The spindle delivers 6,000 RPM with 75 kW (101 hp) continuous power and 1,500 Nm of torque through an HSK-A100 or ISO 50 taper. A geared high-torque spindle option delivers over 3,000 Nm for extreme roughing in large castings and forgings.
Two 1,600 x 1,600 mm pallets come standard, each supporting workpieces up to 8,000 kg (17,637 lb). The B-axis rotary table provides 0.001-degree indexing resolution with a heavy-duty worm-gear drive capable of positioning massive fixtures with precision. Tool magazine capacity starts at 100 tools with expansion to 500. Rapid traverse reaches 30 m/min across all linear axes.
The HEC 1600 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl with full IPS pallet pool integration for multi-machine cell management. Positioning accuracy of +/-0.012 mm and repeatability of +/-0.006 mm are excellent for this extreme work-envelope class. Built in Chemnitz, Germany, the HEC 1600 competes with the largest HMCs from Toshiba, SNK, and Toyoda. New machines typically price between $1,800,000 and $2,800,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 2,200 mm (86.6 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A100 / ISO 50 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 75 kW (101 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 1,500 Nm (1,106 ft-lb) |
| Pallet Size | 1,600 x 1,600 mm (63.0 x 63.0 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 (expandable via pallet pool) |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) |
| B Axis | 0.001 deg indexing, heavy-duty worm-gear driven |
| Tool Capacity | 100 (expandable to 500) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/-0.012 mm |
| Repeatability | +/-0.006 mm |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Machine Weight | 65,000 kg (143,300 lb) |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,600 mm pallets with 8,000 kg load capacity handle the most demanding large-part applications in power generation, mining, and heavy industry
- 2,200 x 1,800 x 1,800 mm travel provides a massive work envelope that eliminates multi-setup requirements for oversized components
- 75 kW continuous spindle with 1,500 Nm torque and optional geared spindle over 3,000 Nm handles the heaviest roughing in cast iron and steel forgings
- Heckert's thermally symmetric design and extensive thermal compensation maintain precision despite the massive machine structure
- Full IPS pallet pool integration enables multi-machine flexible manufacturing for continuous heavy-part production
- German engineering and Chemnitz manufacturing ensure build quality and longevity for decades of production service
Limitations
- At $1.8M-$2.8M, the HEC 1600 is a major capital investment requiring careful ROI justification for all but the highest-volume heavy-part producers
- 65,000 kg machine weight demands purpose-built foundations with significant engineering, excavation, and reinforcement
- Limited global dealer and service network means longer response times and higher support costs outside Europe
- 30 m/min rapid traverse is inherently slower than compact HMCs, adding to non-cutting time on smaller workpieces
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The HEC 1600 accommodates workpieces up to approximately 2,000 mm in diameter and 2,000 mm tall on its 1,600 x 1,600 mm pallets, with a maximum weight of 8,000 kg. The 2,200 mm X-travel and 1,800 mm Z-travel provide generous clearance for large parts plus fixturing. For even larger workpieces, the HEC 1800 offers expanded capability.
02
Both target large-format horizontal machining with 1,600 mm class pallets. The HEC 1600 emphasizes Heckert's thermally symmetric design and IPS cell management integration, while Toshiba offers its TOSNUC control platform and strong Asian service networks. The Heckert typically holds an edge in European markets, while Toshiba dominates Asian heavy industry applications. Both deliver excellent rigidity and precision at this scale.
03
At 65,000 kg, the HEC 1600 requires a purpose-engineered reinforced concrete foundation with substantial depth and reinforcement. A pit for chip management is standard. Ceiling height must accommodate the machine plus overhead crane access. Floor loading must support the machine weight plus maximum workpiece weight. Starrag provides detailed foundation plans and installation supervision as part of the machine purchase.
04
Beyond the standard 6,000 RPM direct-drive spindle with 1,500 Nm torque, the HEC 1600 offers a geared spindle delivering over 3,000 Nm for extreme roughing in large castings and forgings. The geared spindle trades maximum speed for significantly higher torque at lower RPM, enabling aggressive metal removal rates in heavy ferrous applications. Both options use HSK-A100 or ISO 50 tooling interfaces.
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