Starrag Heckert H40

$350,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Y Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Z Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Max Spindle

15,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

40 standard (120 optional)

Overview

The Starrag Heckert H40 is a compact 4-axis horizontal machining center designed for high-precision production of small-to-medium prismatic parts in aerospace, medical, and precision engineering. Built around a 400 mm pallet, the H40 occupies the lower end of Heckert's HMC range while retaining the thermal stability and accuracy that define the Heckert brand.

Axis travels measure 630 mm (24.8 in) in X, 560 mm (22.0 in) in Y, and 630 mm (24.8 in) in Z, accommodating workpieces up to 500 kg (1,102 lb). The spindle delivers up to 15,000 RPM with 28 kW (37.5 HP) continuous power through an HSK-A63 interface, making it capable across aluminum, titanium, and hardened steel. Rapid traverse on linear axes reaches 60 m/min (2,362 IPM), keeping cycle times tight even at high part complexity.

The H40's compact footprint — among the smallest in the 400 mm pallet class — makes it attractive for shops expanding from vertical machining centers without committing to a full-scale HMC cell. It accepts pallets measuring 400 x 400 mm and features a B-axis rotary table with 0.001-degree indexing resolution for accurate multi-face machining. Standard tool magazine capacity is 40 tools, expandable to 120.

Positioning accuracy of ±0.004 mm (±0.00016 in) and repeatability of ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) place the H40 in the upper tier of small-format HMCs. The Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control is standard. The machine's thermally symmetric column and bed — hallmarks of Heckert design — deliver consistent accuracy across multi-shift production. Competitors in this class include the DMG Mori NHX 4000, Okuma MA-400H, and Makino a40. New H40 machines price between $350,000 and $500,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in)
Z-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Pallet Size	400 x 400 mm (15.7 x 15.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	15,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	28 kW (37.5 HP) continuous
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Tool Capacity	40 standard (120 optional)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 IPM)
B Axis Indexing	0.001° resolution
Positioning Accuracy	±0.004 mm (±0.00016 in)
Repeatability	±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Pallet Changer	2-pallet standard, FMS-ready

Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact 400 mm pallet footprint makes it the smallest Heckert HMC, ideal for shops expanding into horizontal machining without large floor space commitment
15,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle handles aluminum through titanium, covering a wide range of precision engineering and aerospace applications
Thermally symmetric Heckert column design maintains ±0.004 mm positioning accuracy across multi-shift production without lengthy warm-up cycles
60 m/min rapid traverse on all linear axes keeps non-cutting time minimal relative to cycle time, improving overall machine utilization
FMS-ready design with standardized automation interfaces makes future cell expansion straightforward as production volumes grow
Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control provides full 5-axis interpolation capability for future B-axis contouring applications

Limitations

500 kg maximum workpiece weight is limiting for shops that occasionally need to machine larger castings or weldments
40-tool standard magazine is modest; most aerospace jobs will require the 120-tool expansion at additional cost
Price premium over comparable Japanese 400mm HMCs like the Okuma MA-400H can be 20-30% for equivalent specifications
Siemens control standard in most regions has a steeper learning curve than Fanuc for North American job shops
Limited North American service network compared to DMG Mori or Mazak may extend response times for unplanned downtime

Best For

Precision engineering job shops producing small complex prismatic parts in aluminum, titanium, or hardened steel with tight tolerances Aerospace Tier 2 suppliers machining small structural and engine components where thermal accuracy across full shifts is critical Medical device manufacturers needing repeatable ±0.002 mm accuracy for implant fixtures and surgical instrument components Shops moving from VMCs to HMCs for the first time who want a compact, manageable footprint without sacrificing European build quality Watchmaking and fine instrument manufacturers requiring extremely fine surface finish and positioning precision on small parts

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the price of a new Starrag Heckert H40?

New Starrag Heckert H40 machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size (40 or 120 tools), and automation options. FMS connectivity and additional pallet systems add cost beyond the base machine. Used examples from 2015-2020 can be found in the $130,000-$230,000 range.

02 How does the H40 compare to the H55 for small part production?

The H40 uses a 400 mm pallet versus the H55's 500 mm pallet, making it better suited to smaller workpieces while occupying a smaller footprint. The H40's 15,000 RPM spindle spins faster than the H55's standard 12,000 RPM, which benefits aluminum and small-feature work. If your parts consistently fit within the 400 mm envelope and weigh under 500 kg, the H40 offers better spindle dynamics at a lower investment than the H55.

03 Can the H40 machine titanium and Inconel?

Yes. The H40's 28 kW spindle motor and rigid Heckert column design provide sufficient torque and structural stiffness for titanium and Inconel machining, though feed rates and depths of cut will be lower than on a high-torque HMC like the H65 or H75. For mixed-material shops doing occasional titanium work on small parts, the H40 is capable; for dedicated titanium aerostructure production, a larger Heckert or the Starrag SRM/NX series would be more appropriate.

04 Is the H40 suitable for lights-out machining?

Yes. The H40 supports 2-pallet changer as standard and can be integrated into linear pallet pool systems from Starrag or third parties such as Fastems and Liebherr. The machine's FMS-ready design, combined with the Siemens 840D sl control's automation interfaces, makes lights-out operation practical once a suitable pallet pool and tooling strategy are in place.

05 What control does the Heckert H40 use?

The H40 ships standard with the Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control, which provides full 5-axis interpolation, integrated measurement cycles, and open automation interfaces (OPC-UA, DIN 66025). In some markets, Fanuc 31i-B is available as an alternative for shops with existing Fanuc infrastructure. Siemens is the predominant choice for European and aerospace customers.