HERMLE C 50 U CNC 5-Axis Vertical Machining Center – Year 2015
| Machine Description & Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HERMLE |
| Model | C50U |
| Year | 2015 |
| Condition | Used |
| CNC System | Heidenhain TNC 530 |
| Axis Travels (X / Y / Z) | 1000 mm × 1100 mm × 750 mm |
| Worktable Size | 1150 mm × 900 mm |
| Spindle Speed | 18,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Tool Magazine Capacity | 60 Tools |
| Rotation Angle | +100° / −130° |
| Overall Dimensions (L × W × H) | 3000 mm × 6500 mm × 3600 mm |
| Configuration / Equipment | Chip Conveyor Water Tank Ruby Probe Bolong Tool Setter |
1. Technical Evaluation Overview
The HERMLE C50U is a 5-axis CNC machining center configured with a swiveling rotary axis offering a wide +100° / −130° rotation range. The machine is equipped with a Heidenhain TNC 530 CNC control, supporting advanced multi-axis interpolation and high-precision contouring, subject to control configuration and licensing verification.
The linear axis travels are specified as 1000 mm (X) × 1100 mm (Y) × 750 mm (Z), paired with a 1150 mm × 900 mm worktable, indicating suitability for medium-to-large prismatic workpieces. The spindle operates at 18,000 RPM with an HSK-A63 taper, aligned with high-speed and high-precision machining requirements. Tool storage is handled by a 60-position magazine.
The machine includes a chip conveyor, water tank, Ruby probe, and Bolong tool setter, indicating provisions for automated measurement and chip/coolant management. The machine is documented as used, manufactured in 2015, with overall dimensions of 3000 mm × 6500 mm × 3600 mm.
2. What to Check Before Buying
Based on the provided data, the following inspections are technically relevant:
Mechanical System
Condition and wear of linear guideways and ball screws across the full X, Y, and Z travels.
Accuracy, smoothness, and repeatability of the rotary/swiveling axis throughout the +100° / −130° range.
Table surface condition and clamping interface integrity.
Spindle & Tool Interface
Spindle condition at low and high speeds up to 18,000 RPM, including vibration, noise, and thermal behavior.
HSK-A63 interface condition, including taper cleanliness and clamping force consistency.
Tool magazine operation, indexing accuracy, and tool change reliability for all 60 pockets.
Control System
Operational status of the Heidenhain TNC 530, including axis synchronization and multi-axis interpolation.
Verification of enabled options and parameters relevant to 5-axis machining.
Availability and condition of machine parameters, PLC data, and control backups.
Probing & Tool Measurement
Calibration and functional testing of the Ruby workpiece probe.
Accuracy and repeatability of the Bolong tool setter.
Confirmation that probing cycles are correctly integrated with the control.
If maintenance logs, calibration records, or control backups are unavailable, this should be clearly addressed prior to purchase.
3. Typical Industrial Applications
Based solely on the stated configuration and specifications, this machine is technically appropriate for:
Simultaneous or indexed 5-axis machining of complex geometries.
Precision milling operations requiring high spindle speed and stable tool interfaces.
Multi-face machining operations that benefit from rotary axis positioning.
Applications where in-process probing and tool measurement are required for dimensional control.
No assumptions can be made regarding material types, tolerance levels, or specific industry sectors without additional data.
4. Common Risks in Used Machines
For a used 5-axis machining center of this type and year, typical risk areas include:
Wear or backlash in the rotary/swivel axis affecting angular accuracy.
Spindle bearing wear, particularly at sustained high RPM operation.
Aging of the control system hardware and potential limitations in future software support.
Incomplete or missing documentation related to service history or probing calibration.
Coolant system contamination or chip conveyor wear.
These risks should be evaluated through inspection and functional testing rather than assumption.
5. Maintenance and Service Considerations
Maintenance considerations should be evaluated strictly based on machine condition and available records:
Inspection of lubrication systems for linear and rotary axes.
Condition of coolant delivery components associated with the water tank and chip conveyor.
Electrical cabinet cleanliness, cooling efficiency, and connector integrity.
Verification that probing systems remain within calibration tolerance.
Confirmation that control parameters and machine data can be safely backed up and restored.
Without verified service documentation, inspection under power is strongly recommended.
Final Note
This evaluation is based only on the information provided. Any missing details—such as spindle power, torque curves, positioning accuracy, axis drive types, or maintenance history—should be explicitly verified before proceeding. No assumptions have been made beyond the stated specifications.
