For the third topic “Innovation meets tradition”, Starrag presented a large, unclad machine – the sneak preview of the completely new generation of large machines, which will supersede the successful Heckert Large series in the future. As the tried-and-tested kinematics have been retained, the user can adopt fixtures and NC programmes from previous models. Apart from this, the new series has many advantages to offer, as the product manager Carsten Bergmann explains: “We have completely redesigned all frame components – beds, columns, etc. – and further optimised the machine, particularly with regard to thermal symmetry and chip disposal. We have also managed to reduce the footprint by around 20 per cent.” Even more rigid structural components and ball screws also allow higher cutting values to be realised, which contributes to reduced machining times.

The new large machines are designed as a modular system with four predefined sizes, two of which will be launched in 2025 and the other two in 2026/2027. A new module has already been presented on the basic machine: a so-called matrix magazine, which has space for up to 828 tools.