Hermle C 12 U GEN2

$320,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard; 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) optional

Accuracy

+/- 0.005 mm (0.0002 in)

Repeatability

+/- 0.003 mm (0.00012 in)

x axis travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

y axis travel

440 mm (17.3 in)

Overview

The Hermle C 12 U GEN2 is the updated generation of Hermle's most compact 5-axis machining center in the High-Performance Line. Now equipped with the Heidenhain TNC7 control, it brings modern touchscreen operation and enhanced kinematic functions to a platform purpose-built for precision small-part machining.

X/Y/Z travels are 350 x 440 x 330 mm (13.8 x 17.3 x 13.0 in) with a 320 mm (12.6 in) diameter swiveling rotary table rated for 100 kg (220 lb). The collision circle measures 610 mm (24.0 in) and vertical table clearance reaches 430 mm. The A-axis swivels +/- 115 degrees with 360-degree continuous C-axis rotation, providing full simultaneous 5-axis capability on small workpieces.

The GEN2 offers an exceptionally wide spindle speed range from 15,000 to 42,000 rpm, including 16,000, 20,000, 25,000, and 30,000 rpm options — all on HSK-A63 tooling. This range covers everything from conventional steel roughing to high-speed micro-milling of hardened materials, graphite electrodes, and fine-detail medical components. Rapid traverse is 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard with a 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) option.

The mineral-cast machine base weighs approximately 7,200 kg total, providing substantial mass and vibration damping for a compact machine. This is critical on small parts where vibration and thermal effects are proportionally larger relative to tolerances. The C 12 U GEN2 competes with the Kern Micro HD, Datron MLCube, and Roeders RXP 501.

New pricing runs $320,000-$450,000 depending on spindle and options. The GEN2 upgrade to TNC7 control and expanded spindle options makes this the most versatile compact Hermle 5-axis machine to date.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y Axis Travel	440 mm (17.3 in)
Z Axis Travel	330 mm (13.0 in)
A Axis Swivel	+/- 115 degrees (230 degrees total)
C Axis	360 degrees continuous
Collision Circle	Ø 610 mm
Table Diameter	320 mm (12.6 in)
Table Load Capacity	100 kg (220 lb)
Vertical Clearance	430 mm (16.9 in) max
Spindle Speed	15,000 / 16,000 / 20,000 / 25,000 / 30,000 / 42,000 rpm
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Tool Magazine	36 positions (expandable to 55)
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm) standard; 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) optional
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.005 mm (0.0002 in)
Repeatability	+/- 0.003 mm (0.00012 in)
Machine Base	Mineral cast
CNC Control	Heidenhain TNC7
Machine Weight	7,200 kg (15,873 lb)
Power Supply	400V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz
Traverse Path	350 x 440 x 330 mm
Body	Ø 320 / H 265 mm
Vertical Table Clearance	max. 430 mm
Rotational Speed	15000/16000/20000/25000/30000/42000 1/min
Rapid Traverse Linear X Y Z	30 (50) m/min.
Swivelling Rotary Table	ø 320 mm
Max Table Loading	100 kg
C 12 U	HRC 60

Specifications sourced from hermle.de — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Spindle options from 15,000 to 42,000 rpm cover everything from steel roughing to micro-milling
Heidenhain TNC7 control with modern touchscreen and enhanced 5-axis kinematic functions
Mineral-cast bed delivers Hermle-grade vibration damping in the most compact package available
HSK-A63 taper provides more rigidity than HSK-E40/E50 tapers on competing compact 5-axis machines
Optional 50 m/min rapid traverse for faster non-cutting moves on production runs
7,200 kg machine weight provides substantial thermal mass for dimensional stability

Limitations

100 kg table load and 320 mm workpiece diameter strictly limits this to small parts only
Premium pricing at $320K-$450K is significantly higher than other compact 5-axis options
36-tool magazine may feel limiting for complex multi-tool programs
30 m/min standard rapids are slower than some competing compact machines

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing small implants and surgical instruments from titanium Die and mold shops machining small EDM graphite electrodes and precision mold inserts Watch and luxury goods manufacturers needing micro-precision 5-axis machining Aerospace component shops producing small turbine blades and precision fittings University research labs needing a production-grade compact 5-axis platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What changed from the original C 12 U to the GEN2?

The GEN2 ships with the Heidenhain TNC7 control replacing the TNC 640, adds 16,000 and 25,000 rpm spindle options, and includes updated drive technology. The machine architecture and work envelope remain the same.

02 What does a Hermle C 12 U GEN2 cost?

New machines run $320,000-$450,000 depending on spindle speed selection and options. The 42,000 rpm spindle is the most expensive option.

03 Can the C 12 U GEN2 be automated?

Yes. Hermle offers the HS flex pallet handling system and the RS 05 integrated robot system for automated small-part production in a compact footprint.

04 Is the 42,000 rpm spindle necessary?

Only for high-speed micro-milling of graphite, hardened steel details, or very small tools under 1 mm diameter. The 20,000-25,000 rpm options cover most precision applications at lower cost.