Hardinge Conquest T42SP

$120,000 - $185,000 Updated 2026-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

165 mm (6.5 in)

Z Travel

305 mm (12 in)

Max Turn Length

305 mm (12 in)

max bar capacity

42 mm (1.65 in) collet

max turning diameter

165 mm (6.5 in) chuck

main spindle speed

6,000 RPM

Overview

The Hardinge Conquest T42SP is a precision CNC turning center with sub-spindle capability, built by Hardinge, the American manufacturer that has been synonymous with precision turning since 1890. The T42SP combines Hardinge's legendary collet-ready spindle precision with modern CNC multi-tasking capability, delivering the kind of roundness, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy that Hardinge owners have depended on for over a century. This is the machine precision shops choose when tolerance callouts include single-digit microns and surface finish specifications demand sub-0.4 Ra.

The main spindle accepts bar stock up to 42 mm (1.65 in) diameter through a collet or up to 165 mm (6.5 in) in a chuck configuration. The spindle delivers 15 kW (20 hp) at speeds up to 6,000 RPM with a maximum torque of 119 Nm. The sub-spindle (pick-off spindle) provides secondary operations including back-turning, back-drilling, and back-boring, enabling complete part processing in a single cycle. The sub-spindle reaches 6,000 RPM with 7.5 kW (10 hp) power.

X/Z travels of 165 x 305 mm (6.5 x 12 in) define a compact turning envelope appropriate for the precision small parts that are Hardinge's core market. The turret holds 12 tools with live tooling capability for milling, cross-drilling, and threading operations. C-axis on both spindles enables complex contoured features. Hardinge's collet-ready spindle nose provides superior part clamping concentricity compared to standard chuck-based lathes — typically 2.5 microns TIR or better at the collet face.

The T42SP runs on Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control with conversational programming support. Hardinge's proprietary spindle bearing preload system uses a patented design that maintains bearing stiffness across the full speed range. New Conquest T42SP machines price between $120,000 and $185,000. The machine competes with the DMG Mori CLX 350, Okuma LB2000 EX III, and Citizen Miyano BNA-42DHY in the sub-spindle turning center segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	42 mm (1.65 in) collet
Max Turning Diameter	165 mm (6.5 in) chuck
Max Turning Length	305 mm (12 in)
Main Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	15 kW (20 hp)
Main Spindle Torque	119 Nm (88 ft-lb)
Sub Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Power	7.5 kW (10 hp)
X-Axis Travel	165 mm (6.5 in)
Z-Axis Travel	305 mm (12 in)
Turret Stations	12 (live tooling capable)
C Axis	Main and sub-spindle
Collet Tir	2.5 µm (0.0001 in) or better
Rapid Traverse X	20 m/min (787 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	24 m/min (945 ipm)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus
Machine Weight	3,800 kg (8,378 lb)

Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Hardinge's collet-ready spindle provides 2.5 micron TIR or better at the collet face, delivering superior roundness and concentricity compared to standard chuck-based CNC lathes
Sub-spindle with C-axis enables complete part processing including back-turning, cross-drilling, and milling in a single cycle, eliminating secondary operations and part handling
Hardinge's patented spindle bearing preload system maintains bearing stiffness across the full 6,000 RPM speed range, preventing the thermal-related accuracy drift common in other designs
12-station turret with live tooling capability provides enough tool positions for most complex small parts without requiring a tool change or operator intervention
Hardinge's 130+ year reputation for precision turning means proven performance in the medical, aerospace, and defense industries where quality documentation requirements are stringent
Compact 3,800 kg footprint makes the T42SP suitable for precision shops where floor space is at a premium and foundation requirements are modest

Limitations

42 mm bar capacity and 165 mm chuck swing limit the T42SP to small-to-medium parts — shops needing to turn parts above 6 inches in diameter need a larger platform
6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is moderate compared to some competitors offering 8,000-10,000 RPM, limiting small-diameter high-speed finishing strategies
Hardinge's service network has contracted compared to its peak years, and parts lead times can be longer than for Fanuc or DMG Mori machines in some regions
The compact turning envelope means parts with long Z-axis features may require multiple chuckings, negating some of the sub-spindle complete-processing advantage

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing surgical instrument components, bone screws, dental abutments, and implant parts requiring sub-5-micron roundness and excellent surface finish Aerospace precision shops machining fittings, bushings, sleeves, and valve components in titanium, Inconel, and high-strength stainless steels to tight tolerance callouts Defense contractors producing ordnance components, fuze parts, and precision-turned hardware with stringent quality documentation and traceability requirements Precision hydraulic and pneumatic component manufacturers producing valve spools, cylinder barrels, and fittings where bore finish and concentricity are critical Watch and instrument companies needing CNC-level productivity while maintaining the sub-micron precision standards expected of Swiss-quality collet lathes

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Hardinge Conquest T42SP cost?

New Hardinge Conquest T42SP machines price between $120,000 and $185,000 depending on configuration. The base machine includes main spindle, sub-spindle, 12-station turret, and Fanuc control. Options that increase price include live tooling, C-axis on both spindles, bar feeder, parts catcher, high-pressure coolant, and probing. Used T42SP machines from 2015-2022 trade between $55,000 and $95,000 depending on condition and hours.

02 What makes Hardinge lathes more precise than other CNC lathes?

Hardinge's precision advantage centers on their collet-ready spindle design, which provides 2.5 micron TIR or better at the collet face. This is achieved through precision-ground spindle bores, proprietary bearing preload systems that maintain stiffness across the full speed range, and hand-fitted collet closers. Standard chuck-based CNC lathes typically achieve 10-25 microns TIR. The difference is directly measurable in part roundness, concentricity, and surface finish quality.

03 Can the T42SP use chucks instead of collets?

Yes, the T42SP accepts both collet and chuck workholding. For bar work up to 42 mm, Hardinge's 5C or 16C collet systems provide the best precision. For irregular shapes, castings, or parts exceeding 42 mm diameter, a hydraulic chuck accommodates workpieces up to 165 mm (6.5 in). The spindle nose is designed for quick changeover between collet closers and chucks, typically requiring 15-30 minutes.

04 How does the T42SP compare to the Citizen Miyano BNA-42DHY?

Both are sub-spindle turning centers with 42 mm bar capacity targeting precision small-parts production. The Citizen Miyano offers a Y-axis turret for more complex milling operations and higher spindle speeds. The Hardinge T42SP counters with its legendary collet-ready spindle precision and superior roundness for ultra-tight-tolerance turning. Choose the Miyano for complex multi-axis work with heavy milling content; choose the T42SP when turning precision is the primary requirement.

05 What collet systems does the T42SP use?

The T42SP accepts Hardinge's proprietary 5C and 16C collet systems, which are industry standards for precision turning. 5C collets are available in round, hex, and square configurations for bar stock up to 1-1/16 inch. 16C collets extend the range to 42 mm. Emergency collets can be bored to custom sizes for non-standard stock. Hardinge also offers step chucks and dead-length collet closers for specific applications requiring zero Z-axis movement during clamping.

06 Is live tooling standard on the T42SP?

Live tooling is available as an option on the T42SP and is included in most configurations sold for production applications. The 12-station turret accommodates both static and live tool holders, with VDI or BMT tooling system depending on configuration. Live tools enable cross-drilling, milling flats, milling slots, and off-center features without moving the part to a second machine. C-axis indexing is required for positioned milling operations.