Integrated Mill-Turn Machining for 5-Axis Manufacturing

The HERMLE C 22 MT extends the company's 5-axis machining centre portfolio by combining milling and turning operations within a single machine platform. The integrated manufacturing approach is designed for industries requiring high dimensional accuracy, shorter production cycles and increased process reliability, including aerospace, medical technology, and tool and mould manufacturing.

Integrated Multi-Process Machining
The C 22 MT is based on HERMLE's established C 22 machining platform but has been redesigned to integrate multiple manufacturing processes into one machining centre. Alongside simultaneous 5-axis milling, the system performs turning operations and can be expanded with grinding technology and power skiving.

By combining these processes within a single setup, rotationally symmetrical components can be rough-machined through turning before being finish-machined using high-precision milling without reclamping. Eliminating intermediate setups reduces reference errors while improving form and positional accuracy across complex components.

This integrated machining strategy supports manufacturers seeking to reduce machining time while maintaining consistent dimensional quality throughout production.

Reduced Setup Time and Improved Manufacturing Efficiency
A continuous machining process within one clamping operation improves both productivity and component quality. Because workpieces remain fixed throughout multiple machining stages, the risks associated with repositioning are removed.

The reduction in setup operations shortens throughput time and enables different machining technologies to be combined within a single production sequence. Consolidating multiple manufacturing operations into one machine also reduces the requirement for additional equipment and factory floor space.

From an operational perspective, integrating several machining stages contributes to lower unit manufacturing costs while reducing overall energy consumption and material waste associated with multiple production setups.

Swivelling Rotary Table Designed for Mill-Turn Operations
The machine incorporates a newly developed swivelling rotary table derived from the SRT 320 MT series and engineered specifically for combined milling and turning.

The design includes a redesigned A-axis housing, an optimised C-axis bearing arrangement, high-performance clamping technology and water-cooled axis structures that provide thermal stability during prolonged machining cycles.

These engineering measures increase structural rigidity while maintaining positioning accuracy under high torsional loads generated during turning operations.

Machining Capacity and Performance
The machining centre accommodates workpieces with diameters up to 320 mm.

Maximum permissible workpiece weight reaches 300 kg during milling and 150 kg during turning. The integrated motor spindle operates at speeds up to 20,000 rpm, while the rotary table reaches speeds of up to 1,500 rpm during turning, depending on the machine control configuration.

A clamping torque of 400 Nm enables machining of demanding materials and complex geometries while maintaining stable cutting conditions.

Integrated Automation and Clamping Technology
Automation forms a central element of the machine architecture. HERMLE integrates its Pallet Clamping System directly into the machining table, eliminating the need for separate clamping plates.

This integrated design reduces system height while increasing structural rigidity. Continuous monitoring of the clamping status further improves process reliability during automated production.

The machining centre is compatible with multiple automation platforms. Besides the HS flex handling system, future integration with RS 05-2, RS 1 and RS 2 robotic systems enables deployment in low-operator and fully automated manufacturing environments.

Chip Management and Operational Safety
Mill-turn machining produces chip geometries that differ significantly from conventional milling processes. To address this, the C 22 MT incorporates a specially designed hinged belt conveyor together with an Integrated Chip Management System featuring automatic machine bed flushing.

These systems maintain stable machining conditions by ensuring reliable chip evacuation throughout production.

Operator protection has also been enhanced through laminated safety glazing and a reinforced machine enclosure specifically developed for mill-turn applications. Accessibility for maintenance and servicing has been improved through modifications to the enclosure design.

Applications in High-Precision Manufacturing
The combination of milling, turning and optional secondary machining technologies makes the C 22 MT suitable for manufacturing complex components that require multiple machining processes with tight geometric tolerances.

Typical application areas include aerospace structural components, medical implants and instruments, precision tooling, mould manufacturing and other high-value mechanical components where dimensional consistency and reduced process variability are critical.

HERMLE plans to introduce the machine commercially during the 2026–2027 period. Initial public demonstrations are scheduled to take place at major international manufacturing trade fairs.

Additional Context: Technical Specifications and Competitive Comparison
The multitasking machining center segment is increasingly integrating milling, turning, and complementary machining operations into a single platform to reduce setup times and improve machining accuracy. Comparable systems in this category include the Integrex series from Mazak, the NTX series from DMG MORI, the Bumotec series from Starrag, and the Multus series from Okuma.

Within this market segment, the main benchmarking criteria include maximum machining diameter, spindle speed, turning spindle speed, clamping torque, structural rigidity, thermal stability, and the level of automation integration. With a machining capacity of up to 320 mm in diameter, a 20,000 rpm spindle, turning speeds of up to 1,500 rpm, and a clamping torque of 400 Nm, the C 22 MT is positioned in the compact multitasking machining center category for high-precision component manufacturing. Its direct integration of a pallet clamping system and compatibility with robotic automation solutions enable expanded automation without requiring modifications to the machine's basic architecture.

Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media – Adapted by AI.

www.hermle.de