Heller has introduced a second generation of its HF-series of 5-axis, horizontal-spindle machining centres (HMCs), which it is marketing under the slogan 'Be A Performer'.

The HF 3500 and HF 5500 incorporate a multitude of improvements. All machines are available in the UK and Ireland through the German firm's subsidiary in Redditch where both of the HF machines are assembled, as well as many of the H-series models.

Since their launch in 2016, the robust, dynamic, 5-axis models have been available with a fixed table or an automatic pallet changer. The working volume of the HF 3500 remains 710 x 750 x 710mm, but the larger model has gained 30mm in the Z-axis, so travels are now 900 x 950 x 930mm. Both machines are available with either an HSK-A63 or HSK-A100 tool interface and in three versions, POWER, SPEED and the new option of PRO. The latter is intended for long periods of simultaneous 5-axis machining.

Innovations in the second generation include an approximate halving of the minimum distance between the spindle nose and the centreline of the 225° swivelling trunnion; the availability of twin motors and ballscrew drives for moving the trunnion/rotary table assembly in the Z-axis, with position feedback via linear scales; and the offer of six new spindles.

Maximum table load has been increased on the HF 3500. It is 650kg on the PRO and up from 400kg to 550kg on the SPEED to match the standard POWER model.

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