Machine will serve the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has installed a HERMLE C 62 U MT within the CNC Machining Innovation Lab at the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA). Backed by strategic investment from the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) through Blue Forge Alliance (BFA), this cutting-edge equipment is a critical asset in advancing the mission of accelerating innovation, strengthening industrial capability and enhancing fleet readiness.

This machine will be used for the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) under the guidance of Austal USA as the program’s prime contractor.

As the top model in HERMLE’s High-Performance Line, the HERMLE C 62 U MT is a precision five-axis mill-turn machining center engineered for highly complex parts. It can machine components weighing up to approximately 5,512 pounds, and it features rotational speeds up to 18,000 RPM, rapid linear traverse speeds of 50 meters per minute and a swiveling rotary table that can handle workpieces up to roughly 53 inches in diameter by 43 inches high. HERMLE produces only a few of these specialized models each year, emphasizing their rarity and advanced capability.

This machine incorporates comprehensive fluid technology, optimized chip management, cooling lubricant units and an advanced hinged belt conveyor for efficient chip disposal. Energy efficiency is prioritized through lightweight components, mineral casting technology, energy recuperation and high-quality servo drives, reflecting HERMLE’s commitment to sustainability and performance.

“This is a unique machine, and we are proud to use it to support the U.S. Navy’s additive manufacturing process development efforts.” – Jeremiah Williams, Assistant Director, Technical Innovation & Optimization, IALR

“It’s a dedicated asset to increase advanced manufacturing processes in the AM CoE.” – Kevin Thompson, Assistant Director, Production Operations & Facilities, IALR

“We are proud to support the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and their Center for Manufacturing Excellence with the installation of a HERMLE C 62. It’s exciting to see organizations like IALR investing in world-class machining technology to drive innovation, education, and production capability forward.”
— Gunther Schnitzer, President and CEO, HERMLE USA

For workholding, IALR selected the ROTA-ML Flex 2+2 1200 M2 chuck from SCHUNK, which offers flexibility that hybrid manufacturing demands. Unlike traditional 4-jaw chucks, the ROTA-ML Flex 2+2 is designed to compensate for workpieces with round, prismatic, or irregular geometries, bringing parts to center without the need for individual jaw adjustment. Beyond the center-compensation feature, the ROTA-ML Flex 2+2 can operate with one or two fixed jaws and has the option of locking out two jaws to function as a two-jaw centric vise.

“SCHUNK USA is proud to partner with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Our products provide maximum flexibility for machining the most complex of parts. For the demands of modern machining practices, there is no better example of cutting-edge workholding than SCHUNK.” – Jon Echerd, Product Manager, Toolholding and Workholding, SCHUNK USA

For tooling its Hermle machine, IALR opted for powRgrip PG48 toolholders from REGO-FIX for cutters up to 40mm (1.500″) in diameter. The holders incorporate a vibration-dampening taper-to-taper, press-fit collet-holding design that essentially creates a juncture point that interrupts vibration waves to reduce their strength and severity. This helps ensure tool concentricity (T.I.R.) with deviations of less than 3 microns (0.0001″) for tool lengths up to 3 x diameter and length pre-adjustment with a repeat accuracy of less than 10 microns (0.0004″). Plus, the holders include special cap nuts from the well-established REGO-FIX secuRgrip tool locking system that essentially eliminate cutter pullout for IALR when they use large-diameter tools in heavy material removal applications.

“We’re proud to collaborate with IALR and support their mission to prepare students for the demands of modern manufacturing. By using our powRgrip tool holding system, they’re able to demonstrate the real-world performance advantages of advanced tooling in state-of the-art training environments. A machine tool is only as accurate as its tooling, and our Swiss-made tooling provides IALR maximum precision and repeatability for its high-speed, five-axis machining operations. – Jeff Schemel, General Manager of USA and Canada, REGO-FIX

The installation directly addresses the need for larger, more advanced machining capabilities of Navy projects, enabling the AM CoE to efficiently handle tasks requiring precision tolerances and intricate geometry. Acquiring equipment of this caliber significantly enhances the CoE’s capabilities, aligning with IALR’s mission to remain at the forefront of technological solutions.

The AM CoE is a collaborative initiative involving eight partners, including Austal USA and IALR, that accelerates production capabilities and develops digital technical data packages—or “manufacturing recipes”—to support the Maritime Industrial Base.

Separately, the CNC Machining Innovation Lab provides ISO 9001:2015 certified services globally, including process optimization, CNC programming and emerging technology integration, allowing manufacturers to improve competitiveness without disrupting ongoing production.

The addition of the HERMLE C 62 U MT machining center further solidifies IALR’s CMA as a key hub for manufacturing excellence, supporting national defense readiness and driving global manufacturing innovation.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

About HERMLE

HERMLE USA, Inc., located in Franklin, WI, is the North American headquarters of Maschinenfabrik Berthold HERMLE AG located in Gosheim, Germany. Since 1987, the firm has provided North America’s leading manufacturers with the finest high-precision machines, automation solutions, applications assistance, customer training, and service. For more information, visit www.hermleusa.net.