Heller MCP H 400
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Gebr. Heller MCP H 400 is a modular cell production horizontal machining center built specifically for flexible manufacturing system integration. Where the H-series machines are strong standalone and FMS performers, the MCP H 400 is designed from the ground up as an FMS node — part of Heller's modular cell production (MCP) concept that enables rapid line expansion and reconfiguration without custom engineering. The 400 mm pallet size targets the automotive powertrain part family where the MCP concept originated.
The MCP H 400 shares core spindle and structural technology with the H2000 but adds the mechanical and software interfaces that make multi-machine pallet pool operation seamless. Pallet identification, load balancing across machines, tool life management at the cell level, and machine availability reporting are all built into the MCP H 400's control architecture rather than patched on through external software. This makes system commissioning faster and ongoing FMS management simpler than building cells from standard HMCs.
Heller developed the MCP concept in direct response to automotive OEM and Tier 1 requests for a line-machining solution that could be expanded one machine at a time without re-engineering the entire cell. An MCP H 400 installation might begin with three machines and grow to twelve as production volumes increase, with each added machine joining the existing pallet pool and tool management system through standardized interfaces.
Typical MCP H 400 applications include engine block and cylinder head families in aluminum, transmission housing families in cast iron, and high-volume hydraulic manifold production where dozens of part variants share common fixturing on the standard 400 mm pallet. The machine is produced at Heller's Nürtingen facility and supported by Heller's dedicated FMS system engineering teams.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallet Size | 400 x 400 mm |
| Table Load Capacity | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| X-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 620 mm (24.4 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 kW (49.6 hp) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Tool Capacity | 80 per machine (centralized pool optional) |
| Fms Pallet Capacity | Scalable — 6 to 100+ pallets in pool |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.004 mm (ISO 230-2) |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl with Heller FMS software |
| Barbarossastr 50 54 | Phone: |
| 67655 Kaiserslautern | Fax: |
| Germany | E-Mail: |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Designed from the ground up as an FMS node — pallet pool, tool life management, and cell scheduling are native, not add-ons
- Modular cell expansion is scalable without re-engineering: add machines one at a time as production demand grows
- 400 mm pallet size covers the full automotive powertrain part family, and MCP standardization allows multiple part families to share one cell infrastructure
- Heller's FMS software and application engineering team provides a complete turnkey cell solution, reducing integration risk versus custom HMC-based systems
Limitations
- MCP H 400 is optimized for FMS deployment; as a standalone machine it offers no unique advantage over the H2000 at potentially higher per-machine cost
- 4-axis only — parts requiring 5-axis contouring must be routed to HF-series machines or dedicated 5-axis centers within the cell
- Commitment to Heller's MCP ecosystem creates long-term vendor dependency; mixing machines from other builders in the same pallet pool requires custom interface work
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
MCP stands for Modular Cell Production — Heller's concept for horizontal machining centers designed natively for flexible manufacturing system integration. The MCP design standardizes the pallet interfaces, tool management communication, and FMS software connections that are otherwise custom-engineered in standard HMC-based cells.
02
Both machines share similar core spindle and structural technology around a 400 mm pallet. The MCP H 400 adds the native FMS control interfaces, pallet identification hardware, and cell management software integration that make multi-machine pallet pool systems faster to commission and easier to expand. For standalone applications, the H2000 is the simpler choice.
03
Heller's MCP cell architecture scales from 2 machines with a small buffer pallet queue to 20+ machines sharing hundreds of pallets in a full production FMS. The control architecture is designed to add machines without re-engineering the pallet routing logic or tool management system.
04
Yes. Mixed-material cells are common in automotive powertrain applications where aluminum cylinder heads and cast iron blocks run in the same pallet pool. Different coolant strategies and cutting parameters are managed at the part program level, with each pallet identified as it enters each machine.
05
Individual machine lead times run 9-14 months depending on configuration. Complete MCP cell projects including pallet systems, conveyors, and commissioning typically require 15-24 months from order to production readiness. Heller's project engineering team manages the full scope.
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Community Discussions
Owner experience and review — Opinions on this brand of mills? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Options and configuration advice — benchtop lathe/mill recommendations? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — Good end mills for a beginner? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Pricing and buying discussion — ATC STUCK HC400 II : r/machining - RedditQuality carbide recs? : r/Machinists - RedditWhat’s a good CNC mill to buy as a hobbyist? :
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
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