Starrag Heckert T55
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Spindle Power
spindle torque
rotary table speed
Overview
The Starrag Heckert T55 is a 5-axis mill-turn horizontal machining center that combines full 5-axis simultaneous milling capability with high-speed turning on the same platform. Designed for complex aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering components that require both milling and turning operations, the T55 eliminates the need for secondary operations and inter-machine transfers, reducing setup time and improving part accuracy.
The T55 features a 100 kW (134 hp) motorized spindle reaching 15,000 RPM with 292 Nm of torque, providing excellent cutting authority across aluminum, titanium, and hardened steels. The NC rotary table delivers up to 900 RPM for high-speed turning operations, transforming the horizontal machining center into a lathe when needed. This dual capability enables complete machining of parts with both prismatic and rotational features in a single setup.
The 5-axis architecture uses drive and bearing on both sides of the swivel axis for maximum rigidity and accuracy. Pallet change times of 12.5 seconds with 13-channel clamping hydraulics ensure rapid part exchange. The tool magazine is individually configurable with up to 450 tools, supporting complex multi-operation machining sequences without tool duplication. The thermo-symmetric design ensures accuracy across extended production runs.
A standout feature is the T55's compact footprint, requiring 38% less floor space than conventional alternatives offering similar capability. Direct chip disposal supports both wet and dry machining. The machine runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl with advanced mill-turn programming capability. Built in Chemnitz, Germany, the T55 competes with mill-turn platforms from DMG Mori, Mazak, and Okuma. New machines typically price between $800,000 and $1,300,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 100 kW |
| Spindle Torque | 292 Nm (215 ft-lb) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Rotary Table Speed | 900 RPM (turning mode) |
| Number Of Axes | 5 (simultaneous mill-turn) |
| Tool Capacity | Up to 450 tools |
| Pallet Change Time | 12.5 seconds |
| Clamping Channels | 13-channel hydraulics |
| Drive System | Both-side drive and bearing on swivel axis |
| Chip Disposal | Direct chip disposal, dry machining capable |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Design | Thermo-symmetric, 38% less floor space than conventional alternatives |
| Top Features | Heckert T55 |
| Spindle Torque Max | 292 Nm |
| Table Load Max | High loading masses |
Specifications sourced from t55.starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Combined 5-axis milling and high-speed turning (900 RPM table) eliminates secondary operations and inter-machine transfers for complex mill-turn parts
- 100 kW spindle with 15,000 RPM delivers exceptional material removal rates across aluminum, titanium, and hardened steels
- Up to 450-tool magazine capacity supports complete machining of complex multi-operation parts without tool duplication or manual tool changes
- 38% smaller footprint than conventional alternatives provides significant floor space savings in capacity-constrained facilities
- Both-side drive and bearing on the swivel axis maximizes rigidity and accuracy during simultaneous 5-axis contouring under heavy loads
- 12.5-second pallet change with 13-channel clamping hydraulics minimizes non-cutting time in production environments
Limitations
- At $800K-$1.3M, the T55 requires high-value applications that genuinely need integrated mill-turn capability to justify the premium over separate machines
- Siemens-only control platform requires mill-turn programming expertise that may not exist in shops transitioning from standalone milling or turning
- Specialized mill-turn platform has a smaller global service network and fewer trained operators than mainstream 5-axis or turning machines
- 292 Nm spindle torque, while adequate for most applications, may limit heavy roughing compared to dedicated heavy-duty milling platforms
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both the T55 and NTX series combine milling and turning in a single platform, but they approach it differently. The T55 is fundamentally a horizontal machining center with high-speed turning capability added through a 900 RPM table, while the NTX starts as a turning center with milling capability added through a B-axis milling spindle. The T55 excels at milling-dominant parts with turning features, while the NTX favors turning-dominant parts with milling features. The T55's 100 kW spindle provides more milling power.
02
With a 900 RPM NC rotary table, the T55 handles OD turning, facing, boring, grooving, and threading operations. The high table speed enables productive turning of typical aerospace and automotive diameters. Combined with the 5-axis milling capability, the T55 can produce complete parts with turned diameters, milled features, drilled holes, and contoured surfaces without re-fixturing.
03
The T55 achieves its compact footprint through an integrated thermo-symmetric design that consolidates the milling spindle, turning table, pallet changer, and tool magazine into a space-efficient layout. Conventional approaches to mill-turn often require larger machines or multiple machines to achieve the same capability. The compact design also benefits thermal management since there is less structure to thermally compensate.
04
Yes, with up to 450 tools, 12.5-second pallet change, and 13-channel clamping hydraulics, the T55 is designed for extended unattended operation. The direct chip disposal system handles both wet and dry machining debris automatically. When integrated with Starrag's IPS cell management, the T55 supports multi-shift lights-out production of complex mill-turn components.
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