United Grinding (Walter) CNC Grinding Machines

Walter Helitronic Vision 400

$400,000 - $600,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Z Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Weight

7,000 kg (15,432 lb)

Rapid Traverse

50,000 mm/min (1,969 ipm) all axes

Spindle Power

33 kW

Overview

The Walter Helitronic Vision 400 L is the production workhorse in Walter's tool grinding lineup, designed for high-volume manufacturing and regrinding of rotationally symmetrical cutting tools in complex geometries. Under the United Grinding Group umbrella, Walter has built a reputation as the benchmark for 5-axis CNC tool grinders, and the Vision 400 L represents their best balance of precision, automation, and throughput.

The machine handles tools from 3 mm to 315 mm (0.12 to 12.4 in) in diameter, with tool lengths up to 420 mm (16.5 in) and workpiece weights up to 50 kg (110 lb). That range covers everything from small solid carbide end mills to large inserted face mills and reamers. Five CNC axes provide full 5-axis simultaneous grinding capability, with the C-axis using a torque drive for exceptional rotational accuracy and durability, and the A-axis running a torque motor at up to 750 RPM.

Linear axis travels are generous: X at 500 mm (19.7 in), Y at 350 mm (13.8 in), and Z at 700 mm (27.6 in), with rapid traverse speeds of 50,000 mm/min (1,969 ipm) on all three axes. The direct-driven motor spindle delivers 33 kW of power with liquid cooling, operating at up to 10,000 RPM. Maximum grinding wheel diameter is 254 mm (10 in).

The Vision 400 L runs on Walter's C.O.R.E. (Customer Oriented REvolution) technology platform, which provides a unified operating system across all United Grinding machines. HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO software handles everything from simple drill geometry to the most complex step tool profiles, with 3D simulation before grinding. Automation options include integrated robot loaders for unmanned production runs.

Machine dimensions are 4,242 x 2,428 x 2,639 mm (167 x 95.6 x 103.9 in), with a weight of 7,000 kg (15,432 lb). Power consumption is approximately 35 kVA at 400V/50Hz. New machines typically price in the $400,000-$600,000 range depending on automation and wheel pack configuration. Used units from 2015-2022 appear in the $150,000-$350,000 range. Specs sourced from Walter Maschinenbau published data, United Grinding brochures, Ellison Technologies, and verified dealer listings.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Axes	5 (X, Y, Z, A, C)
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
Rapid Traverse Rate	50,000 mm/min (1,969 ipm) all axes
C Axis	Torque drive (360-degree continuous)
A Axis	Torque motor, max 750 RPM
Max Tool Diameter	315 mm (12.4 in)
Min Tool Diameter	3 mm (0.12 in)
Max Tool Length	420 mm (16.5 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	50 kg (110 lb)
Max Grinding Wheel Diameter	254 mm (10 in)
Spindle Motor Power	33 kW
Spindle Speed	Up to 10,000 RPM
Machine Dimensions	4,242 x 2,428 x 2,639 mm (167 x 95.6 x 103.9 in)
Machine Weight	7,000 kg (15,432 lb)
Power Consumption	35 kVA (400V/50Hz)
CNC Control	Fanuc with C.O.R.E. platform
From	To
Newark New York	Las Vegas (LAS)
San Francisco	Newark/New York (EWR)
Los Angeles	Newark/New York (EWR)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

315 mm maximum tool diameter capacity handles everything from micro end mills to large face mills and reamers, covering virtually the entire cutting tool spectrum
33 kW direct-driven liquid-cooled spindle provides ample power for aggressive stock removal on carbide and HSS tools while maintaining thermal stability
700 mm Z-axis travel accommodates long step tools, gun drills, and multi-flute reamers that shorter-travel machines cannot handle
C.O.R.E. technology platform provides a unified, modern operating interface shared across all United Grinding machines, simplifying multi-machine shop management
HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO software with 3D simulation allows complete tool geometry verification before grinding, eliminating costly trial-and-error on expensive carbide blanks
Torque drives on both A and C axes deliver exceptional rotational accuracy and long-term durability with minimal maintenance compared to gear-driven systems

Limitations

Starting price around $400,000 makes it one of the more expensive tool grinders, significantly above entry-level 5-axis grinders from competitors
7,000 kg machine weight requires solid foundation preparation and limits placement flexibility in smaller shops
United Grinding service network, while excellent, can have longer response times in regions outside major manufacturing centers
254 mm maximum wheel diameter is smaller than some competitors that accept 300 mm+ wheels, potentially limiting some superabrasive wheel configurations
35 kVA power consumption and compressed air requirements mean higher utility costs compared to smaller tool grinders

Best For

Cutting tool manufacturers producing solid carbide and HSS tools in medium to high volumes who need consistent geometry across production runs Regrinding service shops handling a wide variety of tool types and sizes that benefit from the Vision 400's 3-315 mm diameter range Aerospace and medical tool shops manufacturing specialized step tools, reamers, and form tools with complex multi-diameter geometries Shops already in the United Grinding ecosystem (Studer, Blohm, Ewag) who benefit from the shared C.O.R.E. platform and unified service network Production environments requiring unmanned overnight and weekend grinding with integrated robot loading automation Facilities that need a single machine capable of both manufacturing new tools from blanks and resharpening existing tools

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Walter Helitronic Vision 400 cost new and used?

New Helitronic Vision 400 L machines typically run $400,000-$600,000 depending on automation packages, wheel pack configurations, and optional measurement systems. Used units from 2015-2022 sell in the $150,000-$350,000 range. Walter also offers the Helitronic Power 400 as a more economical alternative with slightly less capability, and the Helitronic Vision Diamond 400 L for PCD/CBN tool production at a higher price point.

02 What's the difference between the Vision 400 and the Power 400?

The Vision 400 L is Walter's production-focused machine with the full C.O.R.E. platform, 33 kW spindle, and 700 mm Z-travel. The Power 400 is a more economical option with a slightly smaller work envelope and lower spindle power, designed for shops that don't need the Vision's maximum capacity. The Vision also offers more sophisticated automation integration. For most cutting tool production shops, the Vision 400 L is the standard choice.

03 Can the Vision 400 grind PCD and CBN tools?

The standard Vision 400 L is designed for conventional and superabrasive wheel grinding of carbide and HSS tools. For PCD (polycrystalline diamond) and CBN (cubic boron nitride) tools, Walter offers the Helitronic Vision Diamond 400 L, which adds EDM erosion capability alongside conventional grinding. If your shop works primarily with PCD/CBN inserts and tools, the Diamond variant is the correct choice.

04 What automation options are available?

Walter offers integrated robot loading systems that can run the Vision 400 L unmanned for extended production periods. The robot loader handles automatic tool loading, unloading, and pallet management. Combined with Walter's tool measurement and compensation systems, the machine can maintain tight tolerances throughout unmanned runs by automatically adjusting for wheel wear. This is essential for cutting tool production shops running lights-out operations.

05 How does the Vision 400 compare to ANCA and Rollomatic tool grinders?

Walter competes directly with ANCA's MX7 and Rollomatic's GrindSmart series. Walter's advantages are typically in maximum tool diameter capacity (315 mm vs. 200 mm on most competitors), Z-axis travel (700 mm), and the depth of HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO software. ANCA is often preferred for its value proposition and flexibility. Rollomatic excels in micro tool grinding and hydrostatic precision. All three are tier-one tool grinder manufacturers; the right choice depends on your specific tool mix and production requirements.