5-axis machining center HF 5500

horizontalCNCgantry

Overview
The HF series 5-axis machining centres are horizontal machines engineered for 5-sided and simultaneous 5-axis processing with the 5th axis inside the workpiece. Available with APC pallet changer or FLEX table loading, HF machines are suited to universal machining tasks and single-part production variants when equipped with the optional second Z-axis drive.

Key facts

• Horizontal 5-axis machining centres with pallet changer (APC) or table loading (FLEX)
• 5th axis located inside the workpiece for compact, high-precision machining
• NC rotary swivel table with counter bearing and AB kinematics as standard
• Optional Mill‑Turn configuration for combined milling and turning
• PRO equipment package available for enhanced dynamics and functions
• Short chip-to-chip times with high-speed NC tool changer and fast axis speeds (with PRO)
• Simultaneous 5-axis machining and inclined rotary axes as options

Machine concept
The HF design combines a rigid cast-iron bed and a gantry/travelling-column layout to deliver stiffness and dynamic response. Direct-driven A/B rotary axes are supported by counter bearings while the horizontal spindle with a slim neck optimises access into the workpiece.

Basic structure

• Robust cast-iron machine bed with weight-optimised steel columns
• Horizontal spindle with slim spindle neck for deep reach
• NC rotary swivel table with counter bearing for compact force flow
• Optional gantry Z-drive (PRO) with two ball screws and dual direct measuring systems
• Chain-type or rack-type tool magazines for high capacity and fast provisioning
• Tool changer with two NC axes and rigid double gripper
• Pallet changer with lift/swivel principle and HF pallet interface (APC)
• FLEX variant for table loading and direct crane access

Kinematics

• Horizontal spindle configuration with 5th axis inside the workpiece
• Crossbed arrangement: machine bed carries X and Z axes
• Machine column traverses in X and carries the spindle unit; machining unit moves in Y
• NC rotary swivel table traverses in Z and executes feed movement
• NC indexing table (B axis) continuous rotation precision 360,000 x 0.001°
• Swivel table (A axis) continuous swivel 225,000 x 0.001°

Drive concept

• Anti-friction linear guideways and stable YRT bearings in rotary axes
• Linear axes driven by ball screws for high dynamics
• Direct absolute measuring systems for precision and low position tolerance
• PRO package increases achievable dynamics in linear axes
• A and B rotary axes with large YRT bearings and automatic clamping
• Optional direct drives in rotary axes for high dynamics during simultaneous 5X machining
• Swivelling NC rotary table with counter bearing and low moments of inertia

Equipment & Assistance systems

• Standard rotary swivel table with counter bearing, high clamping load and large work envelope
• Direct-driven A and B axes: high dynamics and integrated automatic clamping
• Configuration flexibility: simultaneous 5-axis, Mill‑Turn and PRO package options
• PRO package: AutoSet, AutoCal, gantry Z version, increased Z feed force, milling technology package (ONE Dynamics 5x)
• Assistance systems: SETUP-Assist, PRODUCTION-Assist, QUALITY-Assist
• ASK-me AI chatbot for machine-specific documentation search

Mill-Turn (option)

• Combined milling and turning on a single machine for complete machining in one set-up
• DDT / DDTe NC rotary table versions (Direct Drive Turning)
• Turning features: HSK-T tool shank options, spindle lock, balancing cycle, NC turning cycles
• Prerequisites: Enforced-Drive in Z and/or A (option or included in PRO)

Machining units

• Multiple spindle versions including Dynamic Cutting Spindles (DC 63 i / DC 100 i) and DC 63 M up to 20,000 min⁻¹
• Tool shank options: HSK-A 63 or HSK-A 100
• Thermal stability via continuous cooling and spindle thermal growth compensation
• Rigid cast-iron guide slides with high dynamic rigidity and horizontal spindle for optimal chip fall
• Options: HELLER torque support, attachment head support, facing slide, HELLER zero-spindle system

Tool management

• High-capacity chain or rack magazines and high-speed tool changer for short chip-to-chip times
• Chain magazines: up to 4 magazines with up to 240 positions (HSK-A63) or 3 magazines up to 150 positions (HSK-A100)
• Rack magazines: up to 3 magazines with up to 340 positions (HSK-A100) or 2 magazines with up to 489 positions (HSK-A63)
• Tool changer: two NC axes, lift/swivel principle, rigid double gripper, integrated provisioning and ergonomic tool setting station

Workpiece management

• Pallet changer (APC): lift/swivel principle, robust hydraulic drive, HF pallet interface, reinforced interfaces for high clamping loads (up to 850 kg on HF 5500 PRO)
• Table loading (FLEX): front loading extended for crane loading, wide work area door, additional Z loading stroke, Automation‑READY option
• Rotary table: NC swivelling table with counter bearing; optional integrated media interface for hydraulic clamping

Supply and disposal

• Central rear media supply for easy maintenance, central oil‑air lubrication and interface blow‑out
• Coolant supply: paper band or reversible flow filters, internal coolant through tool (IKZ) up to 50/70 bar, up to 7 pressure stages programmable
• Chip disposal: free chip fall below spindle, central chip conveyor to rear (scraper or hinged belt), optional extraction unit and self-cleaning covers

Control technology & Operation

• Machine control: Siemens SINUMERIK ONE with HELLER Operation Interface
• Main operating unit: console design, 24" multi‑touch screen, ergonomic control panel
• Options: Profinet, IO‑Link, work area camera, in-process tool monitoring (IPM), maintenance manager

Operation and maintenance

• Ergonomic operating station with SETUP-Assist collision monitoring, large safety window and LED lighting
• Workpiece setting station with crane accessibility and lockable setting station
• Tool loading station: tool setting during spindle operation, PRODUCTION‑Assist support, optional RFID tool coding
• Maintenance features: central supply area, removable enclosure elements and optional maintenance manager/TPS contracts

Technical data (selection)
Product variants: HF 3500, HF 5500
Positioning range X / Y / Z: HF 3500 = 710 / 750 / 710 mm ; HF 5500 = 900 / 950 / 930 mm
Tool shank size: HSK-A 63 (option HSK-A 100)
Type: Pallet changer (APC) or Table loading (FLEX)
Clamping surface (nominal): HF 3500 pallet = 500 x 500 mm ; HF 3500 table = Ø 630 (Ø 710 clamping plate)
HF 5500 pallet = 630 x 630 mm ; HF 5500 table = Ø 810 (Ø 880 clamping plate)
Workpiece dimension (diameter x height) and clamping loads vary by configuration; machine control: Siemens SINUMERIK ONE