Chiron FZ 22 S Five Axis
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Chiron FZ 22 S Five Axis is a large-envelope, single-spindle 5-axis machining center at the top of Chiron's vertical-spindle gantry family for individual-part machining. The "FZ" designation indicates single-spindle configuration, while "S" denotes the swivel-head 5-axis layout. With a 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle and X/Y/Z travels of approximately 770 x 630 x 630 mm, the FZ 22 S Five Axis targets aerospace OEMs, automotive tier-1 suppliers, and heavy equipment manufacturers who require 5-axis simultaneous capability on large, complex parts.
The Series 22 platform bridges the gap between the mid-range FZ 18 S and Chiron's twin-spindle DZ 22 W. The FZ 22 S Five Axis provides the largest single-spindle work envelope in Chiron's swivel-head lineup, accommodating workpieces up to approximately 1,000 mm diameter — sufficient for large aerospace structural components, turbine housings, and automotive powertrain castings. Linear direct drives on all three linear axes and direct drives on the A and C rotary axes deliver rapid traverse rates approaching 90 m/min with zero backlash, providing the dynamics that Chiron's gantry architecture is known for.
Spindle options include the standard 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 for balanced high-speed and torque performance, and an HSK-A100 variant delivering up to 400 Nm for demanding steel, titanium, and cast-iron applications. The mineral-cast machine bed and water-cooled drives maintain precision and thermal stability across extended production runs. The pick-up tool changer accommodates up to 120 tools, handling complex multi-operation parts without manual intervention.
The FZ 22 S Five Axis runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl, with FANUC 31i-B5 available as an alternative. Competing platforms include the Grob G750, DMG Mori DMU 85, Hermle C 52 U, and Mazak Variaxis i-800. New FZ 22 S Five Axis machines typically price between $500,000 and $700,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 770 mm (30.3 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM standard (HSK-A100 option available) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 standard (HSK-A100 optional) |
| Spindle Torque | Up to 400 Nm (295 ft-lb) with HSK-A100 option |
| A Axis Range | Direct drive swivel axis |
| C Axis Range | 360° continuous direct drive |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | Approx. 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Tool Capacity | Up to 120 tools |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | Up to 90 m/min (3,543 ipm) |
| Axis Drives | Linear direct drives on X, Y, Z; direct drives on A, C |
| Machine Bed | Mineral cast |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Thermal Management | Water-cooled drives on all axes and spindle |
| English | Greek |
| Chiron | ΧείÏÏν (translit. CheÃrÅn) |
| Phonetic | IPA |
| Kahy Ron | /Ëkaɪ rÉn/ |
| Father | Mother |
| Cronus | Philyra |
| Brothers | Sisters |
| Hadeszeusposeidon | HeraDemeterHestia |
| Daughters | Son |
| Endeishippoocyrhoe | Carystus |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Largest single-spindle swivel-head work envelope in Chiron's lineup at 770 x 630 x 630 mm handles large aerospace and powertrain components
- Linear direct drives on all three linear axes deliver rapid traverse speeds approaching 90 m/min with zero backlash for fast, accurate positioning
- Up to 1,000 mm workpiece diameter accommodates large structural castings, turbine components, and automotive powertrain parts
- HSK-A100 torque spindle option with 400 Nm enables aggressive material removal in steel, titanium, and cast iron at production rates
- 120-tool magazine with pick-up changer handles complex multi-feature parts without interrupting the cycle for manual tool changes
- Mineral-cast machine bed and water-cooled drives deliver thermal stability and vibration damping for consistent precision across long production shifts
Limitations
- Starting price around $500,000 is a significant investment for single-spindle capability; the twin-spindle DZ 22 W provides double throughput for similar investment
- The swivel-head 5-axis configuration places rotary axes at the spindle rather than a trunnion table, which affects stability for extremely heavy workpieces
- Chiron's North American sales and service infrastructure for Series 22 machines is more limited than established VMC and HMC competitors
- At 770 x 630 x 630 mm, the FZ 22 S still falls short of dedicated large-format 5-axis platforms like the Grob G750 or DMG Mori DMU 125
- Linear direct drive systems require Chiron-specific technical expertise for maintenance and troubleshooting, limiting third-party service options
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New FZ 22 S Five Axis machines typically price between $500,000 and $700,000. The HSK-A100 high-torque spindle, expanded tool magazine, high-pressure coolant, probing, and automation packages are the primary cost additions above the base configuration.
02
The FZ 22 S is a single-spindle machine with the S-type swivel head for 5-axis work. The DZ 22 W Five Axis is the twin-spindle variant that machines two identical parts simultaneously, doubling throughput. The FZ 22 S is more flexible for mixed-part production; the DZ 22 W is the high-volume choice for identical large parts.
03
The FZ 22 S Five Axis is offered with Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl as standard, which provides the interpolation accuracy and look-ahead performance needed for high-dynamic simultaneous 5-axis contouring. FANUC 31i-B5 is available for shops standardized on FANUC. Both controls are well-supported for aerospace and automotive programming cycles.
04
Yes. The HSK-A100 spindle option delivers up to 400 Nm of torque for sustained titanium roughing. The rigid gantry construction, mineral-cast bed, and linear direct drives provide the stiffness and thermal stability for long titanium cycles at production rates. Water-cooled drives prevent thermal drift during extended heavy-duty machining.
05
Yes. The DZ 22 W Five Axis is the twin-spindle platform sharing the Series 22 architecture. It machines two identical parts simultaneously, doubling output. The DZ 22 W includes an integrated workpiece changer for further reduction in non-cutting time, making it Chiron's recommended configuration for high-volume identical large parts.
Videos
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Community Discussions
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