Hermle sent three C 42 U, five-axis machining centres with automation capability to the USA

Hermle machining centres make for intelligent fabrication of metal components. They are used in high-end sectors such as aerospace, medical technology, mechanical and precision engineering, to name just a few. The machines, that themselves achieve tolerances below 10 µm for milling and turning (a human hair has a diameter of around 70 µm), must also be given precision treatment when they are transported. So most Hermle machines are transported either by means of vehicles with air suspension or by sea. Sometimes, though, time is of the essence and the machines must be moved very quickly.

So on October 11, 2019, three C 42 U dynamic, five-axis machining centres, each equipped with an HS flex handling system, were transported from Stuttgart Airport to Arizona using an Antonov AN-124 – one of the world's largest cargo aircraft. The machines, each weighing around 14 t and measuring 3.50 x 3.50 x 4.50 m plus the associated HS flex handling system weighing in at another 8 t each together with ancillary equipment – altogether around 80 tonnes – were taken to the airport in six lorries by the specialist firm Allgaier Verpackung based in Neu-Ulm, and then properly loaded into the hold of the Antonov and secured. The whole procedure took place in an atmosphere of calm and concentration – there is no room for error here. This transport also represented a highlight for Stuttgart Airport, as it is relatively rare for an Antonov AN-124 to take off there. 

It took off for the USA punctually at 12 noon. After stopping for fuel in Iceland at Keflavík Airport and then in Montreal, the Antonov delivered the precious freight in Arizona. In two weeks' time, the three machines will already be producing their first parts at our end customer's premises – fully automatically.