After the successful introduction of the F 5000 and F 6000 models, Heller is now expanding the new generation of the 5-axis series with the F 8000. Thanks to numerous innovations that ensure a particularly high level of performance and precision as well as a narrow footprint, the F 8000 is suitable for use in a wide range of industries. The new high-performance machining center has been available to the market since September 2024.

Heller is shot after blow: In the fall of 2023, the Nürtingen machine builder presented the F 6000, the first 5-axis machining center of the new generation of its F series. Just half a year later, another model came on the market with the F 5000. And since the AMB 2024 in Stuttgart, the larger F 8000 has been available. Like its siblings, it is also suitable for use from single parts to flexible 24/7 series production for users in numerous industries - from mechanical engineering to energy technology to aerospace.

The F 8000 is based on the successful 5-axis product line F, which has been on the market for more than a decade, but surpasses its predecessors in many areas. For example, its footprint is significantly slimmer with a width of 4.20 m and it requires around 25 percent less space in the basic version. In addition, the optional PRO version has the best technical data. The axle acceleration in X/Y/Z could be increased by 50 percent with 6 m/s2. The span-to-span time could be reduced by around 30 percent. The F 8000 with PRO package also gains in terms of accuracy. The position tolerances are in X/Y/Z at 6 μm and are thus 25 percent better than in the previous model.

Another advantage of the new F 8000 is the large working range (X/Y/Z: 1,400/1,200/1,400 mm), which allows larger workpiece dimensions and, above all, brings even more flexibility in machining due to the 150 mm extended stroke in the X-axis. In addition to the pallets with 800 x 800 mm, larger pallets with 1000 x 1000 mm can also be used. Development Manager Dr.-Ing. Manuel Gerst explains: "The maximum payload is 2000 kg. We will offer an optional payload of up to 3000 kg from the end of 2024.”

Full compatibility with the previous generation

In order to make the switch to the new generation of the F-series as easy as possible for users, Heller paid attention to maximum continuity. This means, for example, that the pallets and tools are fully compatible with the old 5-axis series.

With the SINUMERIK ONE, the current control generation from Siemens is used in the new machine. Nevertheless, the user can easily take over all NC programs that were already used in the predecessor machines with the Siemens predecessor control SINUMERIK 840D sl. Working with the new control is even more pleasant thanks to the main control unit in console version with a 24-inch touch screen and numerous other features.

With the new F-Series, Heller not only guarantees full continuity to previous generations. At the same time, the developers have ensured extensive compatibility with the new 4-axis machining centers of the H-series. Pallets and tools can be exchanged as desired, and standardization with regard to structural components such as beds and stands allows for the same strokes, payloads and workpiece dimensions.

Lean footprint brings more space for automated processing

The standardization of the 5-axis engine within the series goes even further. With regard to key components such as heads, spindles and tool magazines, the F 8000 uses the same kit as the entire F series. The machine structure is also uniform in the complete F-series, which results in, among other things, the already mentioned narrow footprint.

The new tool rack systems from Heller are similarly important for the sleek appearance of the new F 8000. They all build almost two meters narrower than the previously available variants. An advantage that comes into play in particular when automating several machining centers. Because where three machines used to be spaced, four machines can be in a row in the future.

Working units with pivot and tilt kinematics

The F 8000 – and in the entire new F series – have the fundamentally revised swivel heads, which ensure maximum performance in machining. The integrated, self-developed motor spindles are produced by Heller itself. Equipped with an HSK-A-100 interface as standard, the Dynamic Cutting Universal (DCU) unit achieves torques of 400 Nm and speeds of 12,000 min-1. The Speed Cutting Unit (SCU) offers 15,000 min-1 in conjunction with HSK-A 100. In addition, Heller offers further spindles that achieve speeds of up to 18,000 min-1 in conjunction with the optional HSK-A-63 tool holder. The Power Cutting Universal (PCU) unit with gear spindle is still available for heavy-duty machining – it delivers a torque of 1,146 Nm and speeds of 8,000 min-1.

In addition to the swivel heads, Heller also provides a fork head variant for the F 8000. This is characterized by particularly high flexibility in five-axle processing. Because the tilting kinematics make it possible to make sub-sections and sub-sections that are required, for example, for the production of integral components in the aerospace industry.

Ready for any kind of automation

Whether individual parts or flexible series are to be produced - with the 5-axis machining center F 8000, users are always in the right place. If you are not yet sure whether you want to equip the machine with a pallet automation system when purchasing, Heller offers you the greatest possible flexibility with the option "Automation-READY". With this, the available, standardized automation systems can also be integrated quickly and easily afterwards. As standard, the F 8000 is equipped with an automatic pallet changer. In addition, an extended automation with linear storage, circular storage or robot can be ordered.

All in one – milling, turning and other technologies

In addition to automation, complete processing plays an increasingly important role in many manufacturing companies. Heller follows this all-in-one idea and offers an optional mill-turn function for combined milling and turning tasks for the entire F series. The core of this is the high-torque rotary rotary table DDT (Direct Drive Turning). In addition to milling and drilling operations, it is thus possible to turn outer and inner contours lengthwise or flat in one tension and to realize a wide variety of free and indenting. Even external and internal threads can be generated. This eliminates the need to be transferred to separate lathes, which increases the accuracy of the workpiece and reduces throughput times.