Starrag Heckert H65

$400,000 - $550,000 Updated 2026-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Y Travel

850 mm (33.5 in)

Z Travel

1,000 mm (39.4 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 (expandable to 180+)

Overview

The Starrag Heckert H65 is a 630 mm pallet horizontal machining center built for high-volume production of prismatic parts in automotive, general engineering, and energy industries. Starrag's Heckert brand has decades of pedigree in horizontal machining, and the H65 represents their mid-range production platform designed to compete with the Mazak HCN-6000, Okuma MA-600HII, and DMG Mori NHX 6300.

The H65 offers axis travels of 900 x 850 x 1,000 mm (35.4 x 33.5 x 39.4 in), providing a generous work envelope for large prismatic parts like gearbox housings, engine blocks, and pump bodies. The standard spindle delivers 12,000 RPM with 37 kW (50 hp) continuous power and 370 Nm of torque through an HSK-A63 taper. A high-torque option pushes to 630 Nm for heavy ferrous roughing in cast iron and steel. The B-axis rotary table indexes at 0.001 degrees for full 4-axis machining capability.

Two 630 x 630 mm pallets come standard, with pallet change times under 12 seconds. The tool magazine holds 60 tools as standard, expandable to 180 or more for complex multi-part production. Rapid traverse rates of 60 m/min across all linear axes keep non-cutting time to a minimum. The machine uses roller guideways on all axes for rigidity during heavy cuts, and the spindle bearing arrangement is designed for long-term thermal stability during extended production runs.

The H65 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl CNC, which is standard across the Heckert HMC range. This is a production-oriented control with excellent networking capabilities for Industry 4.0 integration. Starrag also offers their proprietary IPS (Integrated Production System) software for cell management when multiple machines are connected via pallet pools. Pricing for the Heckert H65 typically starts around $400,000 for a base 2-pallet configuration and can reach $550,000 or more with expanded tool magazines, pallet pool integration, and high-torque spindle options. The machine is manufactured in Chemnitz, Germany, ensuring tight build quality consistent with Starrag's reputation for precision and longevity.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Y-Axis Travel	850 mm (33.5 in)
Z-Axis Travel	1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	37 kW (50 hp)
Spindle Torque	370 Nm (273 ft-lb)
Pallet Size	630 x 630 mm (24.8 x 24.8 in)
Number Of Pallets	2 (expandable via pallet pool)
Pallet Load Capacity	1,200 kg (2,646 lb)
B Axis	0.001° indexing, worm-gear driven
Tool Capacity	60 (expandable to 180+)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm
Repeatability	±0.003 mm
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Machine Weight	16,000 kg (35,274 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

900 x 850 x 1,000 mm travel provides one of the largest work envelopes in the 630 mm pallet class, handling oversized castings without multiple setups
37 kW continuous spindle with optional 630 Nm high-torque configuration handles aggressive roughing in cast iron and steel without sacrificing finish quality
Roller guideways on all axes deliver superior rigidity compared to linear guides, enabling heavier cuts and longer tool life
Siemens 840D sl control offers excellent networking and Industry 4.0 integration for shops running multiple connected machines
German-built quality from the Chemnitz facility ensures tight tolerances and long service life, backed by Starrag's century-plus manufacturing heritage
Expandable pallet pool capability through Starrag IPS software allows seamless scaling from 2-pallet standalone to multi-machine flexible manufacturing cells

Limitations

$400K+ entry price and limited North American dealer presence make this a harder buy than Mazak or Okuma HMCs for shops without prior Starrag experience
Siemens control may require training for shops accustomed to Fanuc-based systems, adding transition costs and programming workflow changes
16,000 kg machine weight requires substantial foundation work and overhead crane capability for installation
Parts and service availability outside Europe can involve longer lead times compared to Japanese or Korean competitors with larger global networks

Best For

Automotive tier 1 suppliers machining high-volume gearbox housings, transmission cases, and engine blocks requiring consistent tolerances across thousands of parts General engineering shops cutting large cast iron or steel prismatic parts that benefit from the generous 900 mm X-travel Facilities planning flexible manufacturing cells where Starrag IPS pallet pool management provides centralized production scheduling Energy sector manufacturers producing valve bodies, pump housings, and compressor components in demanding materials European-based shops already familiar with Siemens controls and Starrag service infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the Starrag Heckert H65 compare to the Mazak HCN-6000?

Both are 630 mm pallet HMCs targeting production work. The H65 offers slightly more Z-axis travel at 1,000 mm vs the Mazak's 900 mm, and uses roller guideways for higher rigidity. The Mazak counters with MAZATROL conversational programming and a stronger North American dealer network. For shops already running Siemens controls or needing maximum Z-travel, the H65 has the edge. For shops wanting Fanuc-compatible programming and easier service access in the US, the Mazak is the safer choice.

02 What spindle options are available on the H65?

The standard spindle runs 12,000 RPM with 370 Nm of torque and HSK-A63 tooling. A high-torque option bumps torque to 630 Nm for heavy roughing in cast iron and steel. A high-speed spindle option is also available at 15,000 RPM for aluminum-intensive applications. All spindle variants feature thermal compensation for dimensional stability during long production runs.

03 Can the H65 be integrated into a flexible manufacturing system?

Yes, this is one of the H65's core strengths. Starrag offers their IPS (Integrated Production System) software that manages pallet pools connecting multiple H65 machines or mixed Heckert HMCs. The system handles job scheduling, tool management, and pallet routing. Many automotive plants run cells of 4-8 Heckert machines fed by a linear pallet pool for lights-out production.

04 What is the typical maintenance schedule for the H65?

Starrag recommends spindle bearing inspection at 10,000 hours, guideway lubrication checks every 500 hours, and hydraulic system service annually. The roller guideways are designed for 20+ year service life with proper lubrication. Coolant filtration and chip conveyor maintenance follow standard HMC practices. Starrag offers preventive maintenance contracts that include remote diagnostics for proactive issue detection.

05 What pallet load capacity does the H65 support?

The H65 supports up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) per pallet, which is competitive for the 630 mm class. This handles most automotive and general engineering fixtures including multi-part tombstones. For heavier workpieces, Starrag offers the H80 and H100 platforms with pallets up to 1,000 mm and load capacities exceeding 2,000 kg.

06 What control system does the H65 use?

The H65 runs exclusively on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl. This is a full CNC with 5-axis simultaneous capability, advanced look-ahead, and extensive networking features including OPC UA for Industry 4.0 connectivity. Shops accustomed to Fanuc controls will need operator training, but the Siemens platform offers superior integration with Starrag's IPS cell management software.