Heller will display its expertise in manufacturing complex components at the Paris Air Show from June 16 to 22. You can find them in Hall 2B, Stand F194. The main highlight will be their F and HF series of five-axis horizontal machining centres (HMCs). These machines are widely used in the aerospace industry to produce engine parts, doors, landing gear, and structural components of various sizes.
Heller’s machining centres are known for their robustness, reliability, and compact design. They handle difficult-to-machine materials well. The machines can be customized with different automation options. They work equally well for making single parts or for continuous high-volume production around the clock.
Since late 2023, Heller has introduced new five-axis production centres in the F-series. These machines have a small footprint but offer fast acceleration, up to 7 meters per second squared on the linear axes. They also maintain precise positioning within 6 micrometers in the X, Y, and Z directions. Their large working volume, relative to their size, makes them popular.
One important feature for aerospace manufacturing is “one-hit” machining, where a part is completed in a single setup. Heller supports this with an optional turning function for combined turn-milling on F-series machines with up to 10,000 mm in the X-axis. This function uses a high-torque rotary table that can spin up to 700 revolutions per minute. It allows for both external and internal shaping in one setup, including undercuts and recesses. It can even cut external and internal threads. This reduces the need to move the part to a separate turning machine, which improves accuracy and shortens cycle times.
To prevent errors, Heller integrates a digital twin into the Siemens Sinumerik One control system. This digital twin lets manufacturers simulate the production process before cutting begins. For companies unsure about the types or quantities of parts they will produce, Heller offers an automation-ready option. This lets them add automation systems easily later on. The F-series comes standard with an automatic pallet changer. Other automation options include robots and linear or rotary storage systems.
