At AMB 2024, Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH is showcasing its latest innovations under the theme “Passion for Production.” Key highlights include the new F 5000 and HF 3500 5-axis machining centres, alongside cutting-edge tool systems and digital solutions.
The F 5000, featuring a new design, will be highlighted at the event. This high-performance 5-axis machining centre offers a work envelope of 800 x 850 x 1,100 mm (X/Y/Z), a pallet size of 630 x 630 mm, and a maximum clamping load of 2,000 kg.
Its modular design allows for customization to suit various applications, ensuring precision and efficiency for small to medium batch sizes. The centre features redesigned swivel heads and motor spindles, with an HSK-A 100 tool interface as standard, and an optional HSK-A 63 interface. The dynamic swivel head with a 5th axis delivers exceptional machining performance, supported by a backlash-free drive system for superior precision.
A new option, tilt kinematics, provides greater flexibility compared to traditional swivel heads. This feature is particularly useful for machining at negative angles, essential for producing integral components used in aerospace applications.
New Rack-Type Tool Systems
HELLER’s new rack-type tool systems maintain a compact footprint while offering increased tool capacity. These systems are nearly two meters slimmer than previous models, allowing four machines to be arranged in a row where only three fit before.
The rack-type magazines, designed for HSK-A 100 tools, come in capacities of 200, 260 (as displayed on the F 5000), and 340 tools, with lengths not exceeding 7,000 mm. They also include 489 storage positions for HSK-A 63 tools.
The efficient arrangement of tools contributes to the compact size, and an integrated preferential storage module reduces tool provisioning times. Manual tool loading is facilitated by an integrated rotary station, which accommodates up to seven HSK-A 100 or nine HSK-A 63 tools simultaneously. The racks are also designed for easy crane loading.
The new F 8000 machining centre, debuting at AMB 2024, represents the latest in 5-axis technology. With a width of 4.20 meters, the F 8000 is significantly slimmer and occupies about 25% less space than its predecessor. The PRO version enhances the machine’s performance with high axis acceleration of 6 m/s² in X/Y/Z and a 25% improvement in positioning accuracy, with tolerances of 6µm. This model is suitable for diverse applications, from single-part manufacturing to continuous 24/7 production, and offers compatibility with various workpieces.
HELLER Automation Solutions
HELLER will also present the HF 3500 equipped with the RZ 50 robot cell, emphasizing fast loading and unloading. The robot cell includes a flexible 2-finger universal gripper with a jaw change interface, a rotary station for automatic 6-sided machining, and a high-capacity drawer module. This setup is ideal for medium and large batch series production.
The booth will feature a digital model of a modular robot system that combines workpiece and workpiece carrier handling, showcased through an interactive AR experience using Apple Vision Pro. A graphical 3D configurator will be available for creating customized solutions.
Additionally, a digital mobile rack for tool transport, capable of holding 16 HSK-A 100 tools, will be on display. HELLER’s latest offerings reflect its commitment to enhancing production capabilities through advanced machining technology and efficient tool management solutions.
Lifetime Partnership – HELLER Services at AMB
The HELLER Services Interface offers a user-friendly operating system to ensure transparency in manufacturing, maintenance, and service processes throughout the machine’s lifecycle. This system helps minimize downtime by providing detailed evaluations and statistics. It visualizes machine status, including indicators for axes, spindles, and other components, allowing users to monitor wear and take preventative measures to avoid unscheduled downtime.
HELLER Lens is a web-based AI system for mobile devices that accelerates and improves the accuracy of spare parts identification. The myHELLER customer portal provides a convenient way to manage an entire machine fleet, allowing users to order spare and wear parts quickly and easily, anytime and from anywhere.
HELLER Expertise – Where Tradition Meets Innovation
HELLER continues to enhance productivity through integrated technologies in its machining centers. At AMB, the company will demonstrate complex 5-axis machining, aerospace processes, grinding, turning, and high-performance cutting.
Founded in Nürtingen, Germany in 1894, HELLER has grown from a small craft business to a global leader in CNC machine tools and manufacturing systems, employing over 2,600 people as of December 31, 2023. With five production facilities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, HELLER ensures a reliable supply to various sectors. The company is present in major markets through its sales and service subsidiaries and qualified service partners. Its product range includes 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers, mill/turn centers, special-purpose machines, and coating modules. HELLER’s offerings are complemented by a modular service portfolio and advanced solutions for digitalization and automation in production.
