Five machining centers from its growing 'C' range will be demonstrated at Chicago IMTS, including the latest version designed for the machining of larger components nad plastics molds.

Building on the popularity of its C Series Machining Centers, the Hermle Machine Company display at Booth A-8161 at IMTS 2006 will highlight five machines from the successful series, as well as offering a special exhibit focusing on the all-new C 50 U, designed for larger parts and molds. * C 20 U - compact 5-axis precision - first on display at IMTS is the 'new' C 20 U, which offers C Series quality, capability, and flexibility in a compact package. The C 20 U was designed specifically for highly sophisticated parts that require high tolerance in difficult materials, in the small- to medium-sized range.

With a modified gantry design providing for three linear axes in the tool and two rotary axes in the trunnion, axis travels in X, Y and Z axes are 600, 450 and 450mm, respectively.

The linear axes have an exceptionally fast rapid traverse rate of 45m/min with A and C axes at 25 rev/min.

The standard spindle speed is 10,000 rev/min (16,000, 28,000 or 40,000 rev/min are optional), with SK40 interface (HSK A63, HSK E40 optional).

Standard tool magazine holds 30 tools and is expandable, through additional magazines, to additional 43 or 87 pockets.

Chip-to-chip time is 4.5s.

Swivel range is +115 deg., and the maximum table load is 300kg.

Options for automated operation include pallet systems with up to seven pallets of 320mm x 320mm at 400mm diameter or 400mm x 400mm at 500mm diameter.

* C 30 U - precise production for mid-sized parts - with X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels of 650mm, 600mm and 500mm, respectively, and a maximum part load capacity of 1000kg, the C 30 U brings the advantages of Hermle's C Series to mid-sized production.

Like all C Series machines, it features Hermle's patented gantry design, mineral casting base, and tilting trunnion table equipped with a rotary table for 5-axis part production.

Standard spindle speed is 10,000 rpm (optional 18,000, 28,000, and 40,000).

Standard tool magazine holds 32 tools.

Optional magazines can increase tool capacity to 75, 119 or 189 tools.

* C 40 U - for larger parts in the mid-sized range - the C 40 U features a standard C series gantry design and mineral casting base with axis travels of 850 and 700 and 500mm in the X, Y and Z axes, respectively.

The C 40 U, can handle larger parts, equipped with different table configurations from 420mm, 800mm and a twin 280mm diameter table plates.

Optional spindle speeds of 10,000/18,000/28,000/40,000 rev/min extend the range of capabilities from high torque to high speed machining.

Standard tool capacity is 38 pockets.

Optional magazines can increase tool capacity to 81, 125 or 195 pockets.

Both the C 30 and C 40 series machines are available in the 'Dynamic' configuration and are modular for customers who might wish to add pallet changing capability and/or extended tool magazines at a later date.

* C 50 U - dynamic machining for large parts and molds - also on display at IMTS will be the trunnion mounting of the C 50 U.

Extending the C Series' capabilities to larger, heavier parts and molds, the C 50 U offers X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels of 1000, 1100, and 700mm, respectively, and a generous maximum workpiece weight of 2,000kg.

The C 50 U is ideal for the full simultaneous 5-axis and/or five-sided machining of large sized automotive and aircraft parts or molds requiring high precision operation.

The maximum part dimension is a diameter of 1000mm and height of up to 810mm, with precision in the single-digit micron range.

Kenneth Merk, executive vice-president-Sales and Service of Hermle Machine Company, commented, 'IMTS 2006 is the perfect venue in which to display both our recently successful C Series solutions as well as the latest in large parts machining centers.

The C Series - including the new C 50 U - epitomize versatility in both 5-axis production and part size.

Hermle's machines really are a family: no matter what the size, they share many of the innovative design features that have proven successful over the line.

A history of satisfied customers has inspired us to extend the C Series, accommodating market demands for today - and tomorrow.' * About Hermle, USA - Hermle Machine Company, located in Franklin, Wisconsin, is the North American headquarters of Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle located in Gosheim, Germany.

The firm handles all sales support and service functions for a network of distributors located throughout Canada, the USA and Mexico.

Hermle produces a wide range of precision machine tools noted throughout the world for their exceptional accuracy and high quality.