Hermle: a manufacturer of exceptional machine tools for industrial machining

This international footprint is explained by the German quality embodied by Hermle. The manufacturer is regularly cited as a ‘technologieführer’ (technology leader) in the field of CNC milling. Its machining machines combine legendary precision with rock-solid reliability, making them attractive compared to the competition. Hermle quickly gained international recognition as a major innovator in high-performance machining centres. The company reinvests a significant portion of its revenue in R&D and training, ensuring the continuous development of new machining technologies. This strategy enables the company to maintain its market lead and uphold its image of excellence among European and global manufacturers.

 

Hermle history: from screw manufacturing to 5-axis CNC machining centres

Maschinenfabrik Berthold Hermle AG (often abbreviated to Hermle) was founded in 1938 in southern Germany. Berthold Hermle originally established a factory for screws and turned parts in Gosheim.

It was not until 1957 that the company produced its first milling machines, laying the foundations for its expertise in machine tools. The company, known locally as BHG (Berthold Hermle Gosheim), grew rapidly and introduced its first numerically controlled machines in the 1970s. It was converted into a public limited company in 1990 when it was listed on the stock exchange, becoming Hermle AG.

 

Since then, the company has continued to innovate and has become one of the leading machine tool manufacturers. The company's slogan, ‘Milling at its best’ (‘fraisage au sommet’), reflects its ambition to supply the world's most efficient machining centres. Starting out as a modest bolt factory, Hermle has become one of the world's leading suppliers of CNC milling machines. The manufacturer invests heavily in new technologies and training, ensuring continuous growth and cutting-edge expertise in the market. Today, Hermle AG employs more than 1,500 people and has installed more than 31,000 machines worldwide, demonstrating its success and influence in the high-value-added machining industry.

 

Industrial applications of Hermle machining centres

Hermle has distinguished itself through its contribution to numerous industrial sectors. Its vertical machining centres with 3 to 5 axes are used to manufacture tools, moulds and single or series parts with high precision. Hermle machines are particularly prevalent in demanding fields such as medical technology, aerospace, automotive and the optical industry. For example, subcontractors in medical technology, aeronautics and space, and motor sports make extensive use of the brand's centres to machine complex parts. These machines are also found in the dental industry, the moulding and tooling sector, precision engineering and the manufacture of electronic components.

 

Thanks to their versatility, Hermle milling machines are suitable for almost any machining application. Whether you are machining a titanium medical implant, an aerospace structural component, an injection mould or a mechanical prototype, a Hermle machining centre guarantees a precise finish and exemplary repeatability.

 

In practice, users often consider Hermle machines to be among the best machining centres in the world, capable of meeting the challenges of any industry. This reputation for multi-sector excellence makes Hermle the preferred choice for manufacturers looking for machine tools that are both reliable and high-performance.

 

 

Why choose Hermle? Precision, reliability and advanced technologies

The popularity of Hermle machining centres is due to a combination of technical and technological advantages that make all the difference for demanding users. Here are the main features and benefits that make customers choose Hermle machines:

 

• Unrivalled milling precision: Every Hermle centre is designed to deliver ultra-precise machining. The rigidity of the structure (often made of mineral casting or solid welded steel) ensures excellent stability. The axes are equipped with high-resolution measuring scales (0.1 µm) guaranteeing micrometre positioning. This machining quality is maintained over time – even after years of use, a Hermle retains its remarkable precision thanks to its robust construction and advanced thermal compensation solutions. These machines remain competitive, even when compared to newer competitors.
• 5-axis technology and swivel rotary table: Hermle is a pioneer in multi-axis milling. Its vertical machining centres generally feature a swivel rotary table or a tilting head, enabling 5-axis machining. In concrete terms, a Hermle machine combines three linear axes (X, Y, Z) with long travel distances and two rotary axes (often designated A/B or B/C) to orient the workpiece in any angle. This design allows simultaneous 5-axis machining, which is ideal for complex shapes, or automatic repositioning of the workpiece in multi-sided machining without dismantling. For example, Hermle's 5-axis models can incorporate a 360° rotary table coupled with a swivel table that can be tilted up to ±90°, or use proprietary MT (Mill/Turn) technology that combines milling and turning in a single machine. Thanks to this axial versatility, universal machining centres are capable of performing a wide range of operations in a single set-up.
• Fast and powerful spindles: The main spindle of Hermle centres offers both speed and torque to adapt to different materials. These sophisticated drive spindles achieve excellent surface finishes in high-speed milling, while maintaining chip removal capacity for roughing. Tool change is automated and ultra-fast thanks to advanced tool changers. Each machine is equipped with an automatic tool changer (up to 30, 60 tools or more depending on options) to minimise downtime. For example, the Hermle U 630 T has a 16-tool magazine with ISO 40 taper, which was already generous for its time, and current models offer much larger expandable magazines.
• Reliability and longevity: Investing in a Hermle means choosing reliability. The machines are designed to last for decades while maintaining their performance. Many users report that their Hermle centres operate 24/7 with minimal maintenance, a sign of proven engineering. The solid construction (high weight, quality components) reduces vibrations and wear, which is why even an older model remains robust, reliable and accurate.
• Automation and productivity: Hermle has long integrated solutions to improve productivity. The manufacturer offers optional interchangeable pallets, storage pallet racks, loading robots and tool magazine extensions to automate production. These automation options allow the machine's potential to be fully exploited, for example by linking machining operations without human intervention (non-stop production, night and weekend shifts). This makes it possible to achieve exceptional machine utilisation rates (3×8-hour machining without an operator).

The second-hand market for Hermle machining centres

Many manufacturers are turning to the second-hand market to purchase a Hermle machining centre. This is because used Hermle machining centres are renowned for retaining a large part of their performance over time. We often talk about machines that retain their intrinsic value: a well-maintained 15- or 20-year-old machining centre can still produce parts with excellent precision and repeatability, sometimes rivalling more recent machines. Thus, acquiring a second-hand Hermle machining centre allows you to benefit from this legendary precision.

 

Hermle's success in the second-hand market can be explained by several factors. First, durability: the mechanical components (guides, ball screws, spindles, etc.) have a long service life, which limits wear and tear over time. Next, robustness: the heavy structure absorbs vibrations, preserving the geometry of the machine. Finally, there is the electronic reliability: the Heidenhain or Siemens CNC controls fitted to Hermle machines are tried and tested and maintained over the long term, with spare parts available. It is not uncommon to see Hermle machining centres from the 1990s still in production today – a strong sign of confidence.

 

There is a wide range of Hermle models available on the second-hand market. Whether you are looking for a compact model for small, high-precision operations or a 10-year-old high-end 5-axis centre, used Hermle machines remain highly valued due to their reputation. Of course, the condition of each machine will vary depending on its history of use and maintenance. It is therefore recommended that you consult trusted professionals such as Kraffter Machine Tools to evaluate and purchase a used Hermle machine in order to secure your investment.

 

Buying new vs. used Hermle machines: the advantage of going through an expert

The choice between new vs used is a natural one for buyers. Opting for a new machining centre offers the guarantee of the latest technology, customisation by the manufacturer's configurator and a factory warranty. However, the purchase price of a new machine is high, and delivery times can be several months (manufacturing time, installation, etc.).

 

Conversely, opting for a used Hermle machine allows you to have the machine available immediately, but this requires ensuring that it is in good condition and performs as expected.

 

This is where the added value of an expert such as Kraffter Machine Tools, a specialist in the sale of used machine tools, comes into play.

 

Calling on a professional such as Kraffter offers many advantages when purchasing a used Hermle machine. Firstly, Kraffter has extensive international experience in importing and exporting used machines and is therefore well versed in the entire purchasing, sales and logistics process. Above all, the technical inspection of the machines is a key factor: each used machining centre undergoes a complete diagnostic check upon arrival, followed by a thorough cleaning and the systematic replacement of worn or defective parts before being put up for sale. This internal reconditioning process for machine tools, including repairs or upgrades (retrofits) if necessary, ensures that the used Hermle machine is back on track. When you buy through Kraffter, you receive a machine that has been checked, tested under power and is ready to produce reliably.

 

Another advantage of going through an expert is the personalised advice. Kraffter Machine Tools, which offers many brands, will guide you to the model best suited to your needs (machine size, number of axes, options such as pallet changers or tool changers, etc.). Its team can also estimate the value of your old machine if you are considering trading in your old machine tools, and organise the delivery and on-site installation of your new used Hermle centre. With its infrastructure (a 1,100 m² workshop equipped with overhead cranes capable of lifting up to 20 tonnes) and expertise, Kraffter takes care of the heavy logistics that manufacturers often dread.

 

By entrusting your project to a specialist such as Kraffter Machine Tools, you are giving yourself the best chance of acquiring a used Hermle machining centre under the best possible conditions. You benefit from the technical expertise of a professional, rigorously inspected and reconditioned machines, and reliable support throughout the purchasing process. Everything you need to invest with confidence in a high-performance Hermle machine tool.