Starrag Heckert X70
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Starrag Heckert X70 is a 5-axis horizontal machining center built around a 700 mm pallet, providing full simultaneous 5-axis capability for medium-sized aerospace, energy, and precision engineering components. The X70 integrates the fifth axis directly into the table, following the Heckert X-series philosophy of combining horizontal machining productivity with 5-axis flexibility.
Axis travels of 950 x 900 x 1,000 mm (37.4 x 35.4 x 39.4 in) provide a generous work envelope for medium-to-large contoured parts. The spindle delivers 12,000 RPM with 42 kW (56 hp) continuous power through an HSK-A63 taper, with optional high-speed and high-torque variants available. The integrated A/B-axis trunnion provides +/-115 degrees of swivel with continuous C-axis rotation for full 5-axis simultaneous machining of complex aerospace and industrial components.
Two 700 x 700 mm pallets come standard, each supporting workpieces up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lb). Tool magazine capacity starts at 60 tools, expandable to 240. Rapid traverse reaches 60 m/min on all linear axes. Roller guideways on all linear axes ensure rigidity during 5-axis contouring under load, particularly important when machining titanium and Inconel.
The X70 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl with advanced 5-axis kinematic transformation. Positioning accuracy of +/-0.005 mm and repeatability of +/-0.003 mm meet the demands of aerospace structural components. Built in Chemnitz, Germany, the X70 competes with 5-axis HMCs from Grob, Hermle, and Makino. New machines typically price between $600,000 and $900,000.
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 | 370 Nm (273 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 | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| A B Axis Swivel | +/-115 deg |
| C Axis | 360 deg continuous |
| Number Of Axes | 5 (simultaneous) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (expandable to 240) |
| 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 | 18,500 kg (40,786 lb) |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Full 5-axis simultaneous capability on a 700 mm pallet platform provides complex contouring access for medium-sized aerospace and industrial components
- 12,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle with optional high-speed and high-torque variants covers aluminum through titanium applications
- 950 x 900 x 1,000 mm travel offers a generous work envelope for 5-axis parts that exceed smaller X50 capacity
- Roller guideways deliver rigidity during 5-axis contouring in titanium and Inconel, outperforming linear guide alternatives in heavy cuts
- Pallet-changer productivity with IPS pallet pool expandability enables production-oriented 5-axis machining at scale
- +/-0.005 mm positioning accuracy meets aerospace structural component requirements without compromise
Limitations
- Starting at $600K, the X70 is priced above many vertical trunnion 5-axis machines with wider dealer support
- 1,200 kg pallet load capacity, while good for the class, limits heavy fixture and workpiece combinations
- Siemens-only control platform may not suit shops running Heidenhain or Fanuc on existing 5-axis machines
- North American service network is smaller than Grob, Hermle, or DMG Mori for 5-axis platforms
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The X70 sits between the X50 (500 mm pallet) and X80 (800 mm pallet) in the Heckert X-series. It offers 700 mm pallets with 1,200 kg capacity and 950 mm X-travel, providing a balance of work envelope and precision. The X50 is more compact for smaller parts, while the X80 handles heavier and larger components with HSK-A100 tooling. The X70 is ideal when the X50 is too small but the X80 is excessive.
02
Yes, the X70 can lock the A-axis and operate as a conventional 4-axis HMC with B-axis indexing, providing maximum versatility. This allows shops to run complex 5-axis contoured parts and simpler 4-axis prismatic work on the same machine, maximizing spindle utilization across diverse part mixes.
03
Horizontal 5-axis machining provides superior chip evacuation since gravity pulls chips away from the cut, improving surface finish and tool life. The horizontal spindle orientation also provides better thermal stability and enables pallet-changer automation for higher throughput. These advantages are most pronounced in production environments cutting titanium, cast iron, and other chip-heavy materials.
04
The horizontal spindle orientation means chips fall away from the workpiece by gravity, preventing chip re-cutting and improving surface finish. A hinged belt chip conveyor collects chips from the machine base. Through-spindle coolant delivery up to 70 bar further improves chip evacuation from deep pockets and bores. This chip management advantage is a key reason aerospace shops prefer horizontal 5-axis platforms.
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