Zimmermann FZH
Image: f-zimmermann.com, Zimmermann
Key Specifications
x axis travel
y axis travel
z axis travel
pallet size
pallet loading
pallet threaded sockets
How much does the Zimmermann FZH cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Zimmermann FZH that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Zimmermann FZH is a 5-axis horizontal machining center for long aerospace parts, built around a travelling column and a pallet system that is part of the standard machine. X travel ranges from 4,100 to 26,100 mm (161 to 1,028 in), Y is 1,600, 2,100 or 2,600 mm (63, 83 or 102 in) and Z is 650 or 850 mm (26 or 33 in).
Two pallets are standard, in a concept of one installation unit and one storage unit, and a change takes approx. 4 minutes. The clamping pallet measures 4,100 x 1,600 x 250 mm, carries ≥ 4,000 kg and has M16 threaded sockets on a 200 x 200 mm grid; a vacuum connection on the pallet is optional. Zimmermann says the handling system raises and lowers pallets with the load balanced, which almost eliminates bending and torsion forces, and that pallets are changed during machine time. On a pallet this long, that is the difference between a fixture that stays flat and one that does not.
The core of the machine, in Zimmermann's words, is a water-cooled column system. The distance between the guide carriages grows as the tool goes deeper into the material, which the maker says increases stiffness and gives more accurate results. The X axis feeds at up to 60 m/min and Y and Z at up to 40 m/min. All three accelerate at up to 6 m/s², more than the up to 5 m/s² of the FZP37 gantry.
Two heads are offered. The VH40 has ±110° on A and ±200° on C, a rotary speed of 360°/s and 3,000 Nm of clamped torque. The M3ABC adds a B axis of ±14° to the A and C axes. Both take the same two spindles, which the data sheet lists at 30,000 U/min, its notation for revolutions per minute: 74 kW at S1 with 73 Nm on HSK-A63, or 125 kW at S1 with 60 Nm on HSK-A63/80.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 4,100 - 26,100 mm (161" - 1028") |
| Y Axis Travel | 1,600/2,100/2,600 mm (63"/83"/102") |
| Z Axis Travel | 650/850 mm (26"/33") |
| Pallet Size | 4,100 x 1,600 x 250 mm (161" x 63" x 10") (Length x Width x Height) |
| Pallet Loading | ≥ 4,000 kg |
| Pallet Threaded Sockets | M16 (standard) |
| Pallet Grid Dimension | 200 x 200 mm (8" x 8") |
| Feed Rate X Axis | up to 60 m/min (2362 ipm) |
| Feed Rate Y Z Axis | up to 40 m/min (1575 ipm) |
| Acceleration X Y Z Axis | up to 6 m/s² (236 in/s²) |
| Automation Y1 Axis Lifting Axis | approx. 2,200 mm (87") |
| Automation Z1 Axis Feed Axis | approx. 4,800 mm (189") |
| Number of Pallets | 2 pcs. |
| Pallet Change Time | approx. 4 minutes |
| Pallet Connections | 1 x vacuum connection (optional) |
| Pallet Change Concept | 1 x installation unit, 1 x storage unit |
| Milling Heads | VH40, M3ABC |
| Vh40 Fork Head Outer Dimensions | 500 mm x 675 mm (19.7 in x 26.6 in) (length x width) |
| Vh40 Rotary Axes Torque in Control | A-axis: min. 1,200 Nm (885.1 lb-ft); C-axis: min. 1,279 Nm (943.4 lb-ft) |
| Vh40 Rotary Axes Torque Clamped | A- and C-axis: 3,000 Nm (2,212.8 lb-ft) |
| Vh40 Working Ranges | A-axis ±110°; C-axis ±200° |
| Vh40 Rotary Axes Feed Rate | 360°/s (A-, C-axis) |
| Vh40 Rotary Axes Acceleration | 700°/s² (A-, C-axis) |
| Vh40 Rotary Axes Resolution | 0.0001° (A-, C-axis) |
| M3abc Fork Head Outer Dimensions | 698 mm x 610 mm (27.5 in x 24.0 in) (length x width) |
| M3abc Rotary Axes Torque in Control | A-axis: min. 825 Nm (608.5 lb-ft); B-axis: min. 1,200 Nm (885.1 lb-ft); C-axis: min. 1,200 Nm (885.1 lb-ft) |
| M3abc Rotary Axes Torque Clamped | A-axis: min. 2,000 Nm (1,475.2 lb-ft); B-axis: min. 1,700 Nm (1,253.9 lb-ft); C-axis: min. 3,000 Nm (2,212.8 lb-ft) |
| M3abc Working Ranges | A-axis ±110°; B-axis ±14°; C-axis ±200° |
| M3abc Rotary Axes Feed Rate | A-axis 180°/s; B- and C-axis 120°/s |
| M3abc Rotary Axes Acceleration | 700°/s² (A-, B-, C-axis) |
| M3abc Rotary Axes Resolution | 0.0001° (A-, B-, C-axis) |
| Milling Spindle 74 Kw Vh40 M3abc | 74 kW (99.2 hp) S1 (100 %); 78 kW (104.6 hp) S6 (40 %/2 min); 30,000 U/min; 73 Nm (53.8 lb-ft) S1 (100 %); 92 Nm (67.9 lb-ft) S6 (40 %/2 min); constant power 9,690 – 30,000 U/min (S1); HSK-A63 |
| Milling Spindle 125 Kw Vh40 M3abc | 125 kW (167.6 hp) S1 (100 %); 156 kW (209.2 hp) S6 (40 %/2 min); 30,000 U/min; 60 Nm (44.3 lb-ft) S1 (100 %); 75 Nm (55.3 lb-ft) S6 (40 %/2 min); constant power 20,000 – 30,000 U/min (S1); HSK-A63/80 |
| Swivel Axis to Spindle Nose | VH40: 301 mm (11.9 in); M3ABC: 331 mm (13.0 in) |
Specifications sourced from f-zimmermann.com — verified 2026-10-04
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- X travel from 4,100 to 26,100 mm (161 to 1,028 in) for long structural parts
- Pallet handling system as standard, with 2 pallets and a change time of approx. 4 minutes
- Linear acceleration of up to 6 m/s² with an X feed rate of up to 60 m/min
- 30,000 U/min spindles with 74 kW or 125 kW at S1
- Water-cooled travelling column whose guide carriage distance increases with immersion depth
- M3ABC head option with A, B and C axes
Limitations
- Z travel is 650 or 850 mm (26 or 33 in), so the machine is for flat structural parts, not deep cavities
- Y and Z feed rates are up to 40 m/min, below the X-axis rate
- Spindle torque tops out at 92 Nm (S6): the machine is for aluminum and composites, not hard metals
- The B axis of the M3ABC head is limited to ±14°
- No accuracy figures and no control are listed on the FZH page
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
It is part of the standard machine. There are 2 pallets, handled between one installation unit and one storage unit, and the change takes approx. 4 minutes. A lifting axis (Y1) of approx. 2,200 mm and a feed axis (Z1) of approx. 4,800 mm move the pallets. Zimmermann says pallets are raised and lowered with the load balanced, which almost eliminates bending and torsion forces, and that the system is easily extendable.
02
X travel from 4,100 to 26,100 mm (161 to 1,028 in), Y of 1,600, 2,100 or 2,600 mm (63, 83 or 102 in) and Z of 650 or 850 mm (26 or 33 in). The clamping pallet is listed at 4,100 x 1,600 x 250 mm with a loading of ≥ 4,000 kg.
03
The VH40 and the M3ABC. The VH40 has A and C axes with ±110° and ±200° of travel; the M3ABC has A, B and C axes with ±110°, ±14° and ±200°. The data sheet lists two spindles for both heads, each running to 30,000 U/min: one with 74 kW at S1 and 78 kW at S6, the other with 125 kW at S1 and 156 kW at S6. The distance from swivel axis to spindle nose is 301 mm on the VH40 and 331 mm on the M3ABC.
04
Zimmermann calls the water-cooled column system the core technology of the machine. In its travelling column design, the distance between the guide carriages increases as the tool goes deeper into the material, which the maker says provides increased stiffness and more accurate results.
05
Zimmermann describes the FZH as giving an efficient milling process in aluminum and composites, and says its horizontal machining centers make it possible to manufacture aerospace components from a wide range of materials. The spindle data fits light alloys: up to 30,000 U/min, with 73 Nm at S1 on the 74 kW spindle.
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