2014 GF Mikron HEM 500U CNC 5-Axis Vertical Machining Center

The 2014 GF Mikron HEM 500U is a 5-axis CNC vertical machining center with a reputation for Swiss-engineered accuracy and efficiency that has made it a staple in aerospace, medical, and precision job shop environments. Built by GF Machining Solutions under the Mikron name, it pairs travels of 19.69 x 17.71 x 15.75 inches with a 20,000 RPM CAT 40 spindle and a 40-position automatic tool changer for fast, continuous cutting. A trunnion-style tilting rotary table measuring 19.69 inches in diameter tilts from -65 to +110 deg in the B-axis and rotates 360 deg in C, supporting both full 5-axis contouring and 3+2 positioning work. The Heidenhain iTNC 530 FS control anchors the package with conversational and DIN/ISO programming, while a 5-station pallet pool enables unattended part flow across long runs. Production-focused equipment includes 300 PSI through-spindle coolant, a Renishaw wireless probing system, a Blum laser tool setter, a spindle chiller, a chip conveyor, and an automatic lubrication system.

Compared to the standard HEM 500U base configuration, this machine is a meaningful step up. The base model ships with a 12,000 RPM spindle and a 30-tool magazine; this unit carries the optional 20,000 RPM spindle for higher surface speeds and better finishes in aluminum and hardened materials, plus an expanded 40-position tool changer that supports more complex jobs without operator intervention. The factory-integrated 5-station pallet pool then turns a capable 5-axis mill into a self-feeding production cell, letting one operator run multiple setups across a shift. Add wireless probing and laser tool setting, and the result is a machine that closes the loop on setup, measurement, and tool management - real production advantages from the first day on your floor.