Logistics of machine tools
Three planes, one aircraft, two refueling stops
A delivery of three 5-axis machining centers from Hermle to Arizona had to be made particularly quickly. Instead of being shipped by container, the three machines were brought to Arizona, USA, by plane.
On October 11, the Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft took off from Stuttgart for Arizona. On board: three C 42 U 5-axis machining centers from the machine tool manufacturer Hermle. They are primarily used in high-end industries such as aerospace technology, medical technology, mechanical engineering and precision engineering. The machines, which achieve precision in the single-digit µm range when milling and turning, must also be handled very carefully during transportation. Most of the machines are transported worldwide either by air-suspended trucks or by sea freight. But sometimes things have to move particularly quickly.
80 tons by Antonov to Arizona
For this reason, on October 11, three Hermle C 42 U dynamic machines, each with an HS flex handling system, set off on their journey with an Antonov AN-124, one of the largest transport aircraft in the world. The machines, each weighing around 14 tons and measuring 3.50 m x 3.50 m x 4.50 m (W x H x D) plus the respective handling system, which weighs another 8 tons each, and accessories were transported to the airport by a specialist company using six trucks. Cargo weighing a total of 80 tons was stowed and lashed down in the Antonov's cargo hold. This transport was also a highlight for Stuttgart Airport, as it is relatively rare for an Antonov AN-124 to take off from Stuttgart with air freight.
A journey with two refueling stops
At 12.00 noon, the plane took off. With two refueling stops in Keflavik (Iceland) and Montreal (Canada), the Antonov reached its destination in Arizona (USA) with its cargo. In two weeks' time, the three machines will be producing the first parts for our end customer, and they will be fully automated.
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