Union PCE-130

$1,500,000 - $3,500,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X Travel

4,000 – 12,000 mm (table-dependent)

Y Travel

3,000 – 5,000 mm (crossrail span)

Z Travel

1,500 mm (crossrail vertical)

Max Spindle

3,000 rpm (head-dependent)

Table Size

Configured to order (typical 2,500 x 4,000 mm to 3,000 x 10,000 mm)

Spindle Power

52 kW

Overview

The Union PCE-130 is a CNC portal milling machine designed for large-format machining of heavy structural components, castings, and weldments. Built by Union Chemnitz in Germany, the PCE-130 belongs to the company's gantry-style machine line and is configured for applications where a table-type horizontal boring mill cannot cover the workpiece envelope. The gantry architecture provides a wide, unobstructed work area suitable for aerospace wing spars, large die sets, marine components, and energy infrastructure hardware.

The PCE designation refers to the crossrail (Portal Cross-rail Execution) design used in this series, where the crossrail moves vertically along the portal uprights to set the working height. The 130 in the name references the 130 mm ram or spindle quill diameter at the core of the milling head. This large spindle diameter provides the rigidity and torque required for face milling and deep pocket machining on tough alloy steels, titanium, and high-nickel alloys commonly found in energy and aerospace components.

Union fits the PCE-130 with a Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control that enables full 5-axis simultaneous interpolation when equipped with a swiveling milling head. Various head configurations are available, including orthogonal heads for standard 3-axis milling, universal swiveling heads for 5-axis work, and right-angle heads for accessing features on the sides and bottom of complex workpieces. The automatic head change system on more fully specified machines reduces operator intervention and enables unattended machining of multi-sided components.

The portal structure of the PCE-130 allows very long X-axis table travel while maintaining excellent geometric accuracy across the full travel range. The table surface is precision-ground and fitted with T-slots at standard spacing to accept a wide variety of workholding systems including modular fixturing kits, tombstones, and custom-fabricated jig plates. Integrated chip conveying and flood coolant systems keep the work zone clean and remove heat efficiently during heavy milling operations.

The PCE-130 competes with portal milling machines from Soraluce, Parpas, and Rafael in the heavy-duty portal segment. Its principal differentiator is the Union brand's reputation for geometric precision and long-term dimensional stability, attributes that are especially important when machining large precision surfaces that must mate with other components in final assembly. Buyers typically include large job shops, energy OEMs, die and mold shops working at scale, and aerospace prime contractors with large structural machining requirements.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Diameter	130 mm ram/quill
X-Axis Travel	4,000 – 12,000 mm (table-dependent)
Y-Axis Travel	3,000 – 5,000 mm (crossrail span)
Z-Axis Travel	1,500 mm (crossrail vertical)
Max Spindle Speed	3,000 rpm (head-dependent)
Spindle Motor Power	52 kW
Table Size	Configured to order (typical 2,500 x 4,000 mm to 3,000 x 10,000 mm)
Max Workpiece Weight	50,000 kg (floor plate or moving table)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Machine Weight	approx. 80,000 – 150,000 kg (configuration-dependent)
Model	PC 130Discontinued Model
Brand	UNION
Type	Horizontal Floor Type Boring Mills
Spindle Size51181x Horiz Tvl Of Col15748y Vert Tvl Of Head11811rpm2500 Rpm	Table-W70.866"Table-L78.74"Z-Spdl Tvl78.74"ControlCNC (TNC 430)
Spindle Size	5.1181"
X Horiz Tvl Of Col	157.48"
Y Vert Tvl Of Head	118.11"
Rpm	2,500 RPM
Table W	70.866"
Table L	78.74"
Z Spdl Tvl	78.74"
Cnc Control	CNC (TNC 430)

Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Large gantry envelope handles very long or wide workpieces impossible on table-type machines
130 mm ram spindle delivers high torque and rigidity for aggressive portal milling
Multiple milling head options including universal 5-axis swiveling heads
Siemens 840D sl provides full 5-axis capability for complex contoured components
German precision engineering ensures geometric accuracy across the full travel range

Limitations

Very high capital cost and large facility space requirement
Long lead times due to bespoke configuration and heavy structural build
Requires specialist foundation design and multi-week installation process

Best For

Aerospace prime contractors machining large wing structures, spars, and fuselage frames Energy OEMs producing large turbine and generator frame components Heavy die and mold shops requiring high-precision portal milling at scale Marine and shipbuilding manufacturers machining large propulsion and structural components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the Union PCE-130 and the BF130.8?

The BF130.8 is a table-type horizontal boring mill where the spindle faces horizontally and the workpiece sits on a rotary table. The PCE-130 is a vertical portal (gantry) milling machine where the spindle faces downward (or at various angles with swivel heads), and the workpiece sits on a large fixed or moving table. The portal design accommodates much larger workpieces and longer table travels.

02 Can the PCE-130 perform horizontal boring operations?

With a right-angle or universal swiveling head, the PCE-130 can orient its spindle horizontally to bore holes in the sides of workpieces. Dedicated horizontal boring is better accomplished on a table-type boring mill like the BF series, but the PCE-130 provides this capability as part of a multi-sided machining strategy.

03 What milling head types are available for the Union PCE-130?

Available heads include a standard orthogonal ram head for 3-axis milling, a universal swiveling head (A/C or A/B axes) for 5-axis work, right-angle heads for side machining, and high-speed heads for aluminum machining. Automatic head changers enable switching between head types in the same program.

04 How is workholding configured on the PCE-130 table?

The table surface is precision-ground and provided with T-slots at 100 mm or 125 mm pitch as standard. Customers typically use modular fixturing systems, dedicated jig plates, or large tombstone fixtures. For very large single workpieces, the floor plate option allows direct mounting to a ground base.

05 What industries most commonly use portal milling machines like the PCE-130?

The primary industries are aerospace (large structural components), energy (generator frames, wind turbine hubs, turbine housings), heavy equipment and mining (frame structures, large castings), and die and mold manufacturing at large scale. Any application where the workpiece exceeds the envelope of a standard machining center is a candidate.