Chiron FZ 08 S Five Axis
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Chiron FZ 08 S Five Axis is one of the smallest production 5-axis machining centers in Chiron's lineup, built for high-speed machining of compact precision components. The "FZ" designation indicates single-spindle configuration, while the "S" denotes the swivel-head design that provides full 5-axis simultaneous capability. This machine targets applications where minimum tolerances of a few microns and top surface quality are essential.
The FZ 08 S features X/Y/Z travels of approximately 270 x 260 x 310 mm, optimized for small parts in medical, dental, watchmaking, and precision electronics. The high-speed motorspindle reaches 40,000 RPM with HSK-E40 interface, delivering the speed needed for effective cutting with small-diameter tools. Direct drives on the rotary axes provide high dynamics and positioning accuracy for simultaneous 5-axis contouring.
Chiron's signature compact design philosophy is evident in the FZ 08 S, which delivers a production-ready 5-axis platform in a minimal footprint. The pick-up tool changer handles up to 55 tools with fast chip-to-chip times. Rapid traverse speeds reach 75 m/min on the linear axes, keeping non-cutting time to a minimum. The Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control provides the interpolation performance needed for complex 5-axis toolpaths.
The mineral-cast machine bed provides vibration damping and thermal stability that exceeds cast iron, contributing to the surface finish quality the Series 08 is known for. Water-cooled drives maintain dimensional stability during extended production runs. Competitors include the Hermle C 12, DMG Mori CMX 50 U, and Brother Speedio R650X2. New FZ 08 S Five Axis machines typically price between $300,000 and $425,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 310 mm (12.2 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 40,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-E40 |
| Tool Capacity | Up to 55 tools |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 75 m/min (2,953 ipm) |
| A Axis Range | Direct drive swivel axis |
| C Axis Range | 360° continuous direct drive |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Approx. 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Machine Bed | Mineral cast |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Thermal Management | Water-cooled drives |
Specifications sourced from chiron-group.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 40,000 RPM HSK-E40 spindle excels with small-diameter endmills for micro-features, fine finishing, and high-speed aluminum machining
- Mineral-cast machine bed provides superior vibration damping compared to cast iron, directly improving surface finish quality on precision components
- Compact footprint maximizes floor space efficiency for shops running multiple production 5-axis machines in tight layouts
- Direct drives on rotary axes eliminate backlash and gear wear for high-accuracy simultaneous 5-axis contouring over the machine's lifetime
- 75 m/min rapid traverse speeds minimize positioning time between cuts, reducing overall cycle times on multi-feature parts
- Pick-up tool changer with up to 55 tools provides capacity for complex medical and dental components without interrupting production
Limitations
- 270 x 260 x 310 mm travel limits the FZ 08 S to small parts, making it unsuitable for anything beyond compact precision components
- HSK-E40 tooling is less common and more expensive than HSK-A63, limiting tool availability and increasing tooling costs
- Chiron's limited North American dealer and service network can mean longer response times compared to Haas or DMG Mori
- High-speed 40,000 RPM spindle lacks the torque for aggressive roughing in steel or titanium — this is a finishing and high-speed platform
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New FZ 08 S Five Axis machines typically price between $300,000 and $425,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, and automation options. The compact size and specialized 40,000 RPM spindle position it as a premium small-envelope 5-axis platform.
02
The FZ 08 S is the single-spindle variant, while the DZ 08 S is the dual-spindle version that machines two parts simultaneously. The DZ 08 S doubles throughput on identical parts but costs significantly more. Choose the FZ for flexibility and mixed-part production; choose the DZ for high-volume production of identical components.
03
Yes, but within its capabilities. The 40,000 RPM spindle is optimized for high-speed cutting with small tools. For titanium, you would use moderate speeds and feeds appropriate to the HSK-E40 tooling. The machine handles small titanium medical components well but is not designed for aggressive titanium roughing.
04
Chiron's pick-up tool change system moves the spindle to the magazine position to exchange tools, rather than using a separate tool change arm. This reduces mechanical complexity, improves reliability, and allows the magazine to be loaded during machining. Tool change times are competitive with arm-type systems.
05
The FZ 08 S can work in a job shop focused on small precision parts, but its limited travel and specialized spindle make it most cost-effective in production environments running consistent small-part work. Job shops with varied part sizes would be better served by a larger-envelope machine like the FZ 16S.
Videos
Surplex
Chiron America Inc.
CHIRON Group
Surplex
CHIRON Group
Community Discussions
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Chiron fz08s with fanuc 21i-m good machine ...
Pricing and buying discussion — Help needed with Chiron FZ-08S (Ontario ...
Pricing and buying discussion — Chiron FZ08 MT Precision + machine -- any of them out there ...
Comparison and buying advice — Chiron FZ08 tool changer service (update ...
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




