Heckert HEC500

$350,000 - $550,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Y Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Z Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (16,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 (expandable to 240)

Overview

The Heckert HEC500 is a horizontal machining center from Chemnitz, Germany, built around a 500 mm pallet with integrated pallet changer and a horizontal spindle designed for high-productivity machining of prismatic components in automotive, aerospace, and general engineering production. Heckert, part of the Starrag Group, has a long history of horizontal machining in former East Germany that spans over a century, and the HEC500 reflects that heritage: solid, reliable, and engineered for consistent production accuracy over long machine lifecycles.

The HEC500 uses a moving-column, fixed-table concept with the rotary pallet table providing four-sided access for complete prismatic machining in a single setup. The 500 mm pallet handles workpieces up to 600 kg, covering the automotive and general engineering mid-size component range. The spindle provides up to 16,000 RPM for aluminum and general machining, with a standard offering around 12,000 RPM with higher torque for steel and cast iron.

As part of the Starrag Group, Heckert benefits from shared engineering with Starrag aerospace machining centers and Bumotec micromachining centers. The HEC500 in particular inherits precision manufacturing standards developed for aerospace work, resulting in a machine that outperforms many competitors in long-term accuracy retention. German THK-type linear guideways and high-precision ballscrews are sourced to automotive production quality standards.

The HEC500 competes directly with the Okuma MA-500H, Mazak HCN-5000, and DMG Mori NHX 5000 in the 500 mm pallet HMC segment. Heckert machines are well-regarded in European automotive production for their reliability and accuracy retention, though they have a smaller installed base in North America than Japanese competitors.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Pallet Size	500 x 500 mm
X-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Y-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Z-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (16,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	37 kW (49.6 hp)
Spindle Torque	240 Nm
Table Load Capacity	600 kg (1,323 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Tool Capacity	60 (expandable to 240)
Positioning Accuracy	< 0.006 mm (< 6 µm)
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl / Fanuc
Machine Weight	16,000 kg (35,274 lb)

Specifications sourced from static.machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

German-engineered horizontal machining center with a century of Heckert manufacturing heritage, delivering accuracy retention that outperforms many competitors over long production runs
37 kW / 240 Nm spindle provides the torque for heavy steel and cast iron machining that aluminum-focused HMCs compromise on
Starrag Group engineering standards mean precision manufacturing of critical spindle, guideway, and ballscrew components to aerospace supplier quality levels
Integrated pallet changer with expandable tool magazine (up to 240 tools) provides the foundation for lights-out automated production

Limitations

Heckert has a smaller North American dealer and service network than Japanese competitors like Okuma, Mazak, and Fanuc-based machines, which matters for service response time
Starting price around $350K is competitive but climbs quickly with automation, high-speed spindle, and expanded tool magazine options
Less brand recognition in North America versus Mazak HCN or DMG Mori NHX in the 500 mm HMC segment means more due diligence required for unfamiliar shops

Best For

Automotive supplier manufacturers running high-volume prismatic machining of engine blocks, transmission cases, and structural castings in cast iron and aluminum Aerospace job shops machining mid-size structural brackets and housings requiring four-sided access with high accuracy in a compact HMC footprint General engineering and energy sector shops machining pump housings, valve bodies, and hydraulic manifolds in steel and stainless European and export-focused manufacturers who already operate Starrag Group machines and want to standardize on common tooling and service relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the relationship between Heckert and Starrag?

Heckert is a brand within the Starrag Group, a Swiss holding company that also owns Starrag, Bumotec, TTL, and other precision machine tool brands. Heckert focuses on horizontal machining centers for automotive and general engineering production. The Starrag Group connection gives Heckert access to engineering resources and quality standards developed for aerospace-grade machining.

02 How does the Heckert HEC500 compare to the Mazak HCN-5000?

Both are 500 mm pallet horizontal machining centers in the $350K-$550K range. The Mazak HCN-5000 has better brand recognition in North America and a stronger local service network. The Heckert HEC500 is well-regarded in European automotive production for accuracy retention. Shops in Europe often compare them directly; North American shops tend to default to Mazak unless specifically evaluating German alternatives.

03 What pallet automation options are available for the HEC500?

The HEC500 is available with a standard 2-pallet changer for basic automation and can be integrated into multi-pallet flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) with 10-30+ pallets for lights-out production. Heckert and the Starrag Group offer engineering support for FMS integration, and the machine is commonly used in automotive production cells with automated pallet handling.

04 What spindle taper does the HEC500 use?

The HEC500 uses HSK-A63, the standard high-speed hollow taper shank appropriate for the spindle speeds and power levels of this machine class. HSK-A63 provides consistent through-spindle coolant delivery and good clamping rigidity at the 12,000-16,000 RPM operating range.

05 Is the Heckert HEC500 suitable for aluminum aerospace machining?

Yes. The 16,000 RPM optional spindle makes the HEC500 suitable for aluminum aerospace production. The horizontal spindle provides excellent chip evacuation from deep pockets and the 37 kW motor handles large-diameter face mills for surfacing operations. The accuracy retention (< 6 micron positioning) meets aerospace bracket tolerancing requirements.