This is the second highly dynamic machining center in this series. It all began in 2018 with the Heckert T45, which immediately opened up new families of parts. “Heckert T55 has the same DNA,” Lippmann explains. “With its bigger brother, we’re now moving to the next biggest range of workpiece families, where very different tool sizes, collision circles and loading dimensions play a role.”

The two centers boast impressive DNA. Their new operating concept means that, just like a smartphone, they are ergonomic, easy and reliable to operate. Thanks to workpiece loading, they are easy to automate using pallet storage units or robots. Finally, they also have a narrow footprint. Lippmann notes that, “the Heckert T55 can easily be integrated into the customer infrastructure and therefore facilitates automation. This successfully manages the balancing act between complex parts and unmanned shifts.” In addition, the integrated condition monitoring system with spindle diagnostics and collision and chip detection ensures maximum machine availability.

The Heckert T55 is a highly productive multifunctional machining center with a very compact, robust machine design and a low-vibration rotary-drive unit specially designed for turning operations – including a highly dynamic motor spindle (15,000 rpm, 292 Nm) with an HSK-T100 tool holder for a high chip removal rate. It also offers the same range of machining options for cubic and rotationally symmetrical components as the Heckert T45. The machine offers a high level of flexibility thanks to the quickly rotating NC table (900 rpm), which enables integration with rotationally symmetrical procedures, such as turning, turn-milling and skiving. The ability to completely machine certain drive elements, such as planet carriers, facilitates what is now serial gear cutting and the subsequent rounding of teeth (pointing).