Hardinge Conquest T42
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge Conquest T42 is a precision CNC turning center from Hardinge's Conquest T series, which established the company's reputation in modern CNC production turning. The T42 is the base model with 42mm bar capacity and without the sub-spindle of the T42SP variant, making it a focused precision turning machine for shops that process parts from the main spindle only and do not require back-face operations.
The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20 HP) continuous power through an A2-5 spindle nose at speeds up to 6,000 RPM. The Conquest spindle is built on Hardinge's proprietary bearing preload system that maintains stiffness across the full speed range. The collet-ready spindle nose accepts 5C and 16C collets with 2.5 microns TIR or better at the collet face, plus a 6-inch (165 mm) hydraulic chuck for larger-diameter work.
X-axis travel is 165 mm (6.50 in) and Z-axis travel is 305 mm (12 in) on hardened and ground box ways. The compact Z-axis travel reflects the Conquest T42's design focus on short, high-precision parts — the machine is optimized for parts where every micron of accuracy matters rather than for long-shaft work. The 12-station VDI turret supports live tooling with C-axis capability for cross-drilling, milling, and threading operations.
The Conquest T42 runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs approximately 3,400 kg (7,496 lb). New machines typically price between $90,000 and $140,000. The Conquest T series has been in production for over two decades and is well-understood by the used machine market, making pre-owned units widely available. The T42 competes with the DMG Mori CLX 350, Okuma LB2000 EX III, and Haas ST-10Y in the compact precision turning segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 6 inch (165 mm) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 165 mm (6.50 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Bar Capacity | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-5 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 HP) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 119 Nm (88 ft-lb) |
| X-Axis Travel | 165 mm (6.50 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 IPM) |
| Turret | 12-station VDI (live tooling capable) |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Collet System | 5C / 16C collet-ready |
| Collet Tir | 2.5 microns (0.0001 in) or better |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 3,400 kg (7,496 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Hardinge's collet-ready spindle with 2.5 micron TIR provides the highest precision workholding available in a production CNC lathe at this price point
- 6,000 RPM spindle speed enables efficient high-speed finishing on small-diameter precision parts where surface speed is critical
- Hardened and ground box ways deliver the vibration damping essential for achieving Hardinge-grade surface finish on precision parts
- Proven Conquest T platform with over two decades of production history means known reliability, readily available parts, and strong used market value
- 15 kW spindle power provides good roughing capability for a compact precision lathe, exceeding the typical 11 kW of smaller Hardinge models
- Live tooling with C-axis capability enables complete part processing including cross-drilling and milling without secondary operations
Limitations
- 305mm Z-axis travel is quite short, limiting the machine to relatively compact parts and restricting use for longer shaft-type components
- 42mm bar capacity restricts the machine to small-diameter work; the T51 or T65 is needed for larger bar stock
- Box way design means slower rapid traverse compared to linear guideway competitors, adding non-cutting time in production cycles
- The Conquest T series is an older platform; the GS series offers more current technology and improved thermal management
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge Conquest T42 turning centers typically price between $90,000 and $140,000 depending on configuration. Used Conquest T42 machines are widely available due to the platform's long production history, with 2010-2020 units trading between $35,000 and $70,000 depending on condition and options.
02
The T42SP adds a sub-spindle for part pick-off and back-face operations, enabling complete done-in-one processing from bar stock. The standard T42 processes parts from the main spindle only. The SP configuration adds approximately $30,000-$40,000 to the price and is essential for shops requiring back-face features without secondary handling.
03
The GS-42 is a newer-generation platform with improved spindle technology, thermal management, and control integration. The Conquest T42 has a longer production history and more units available on the used market. Both share the 42mm bar capacity and Hardinge precision heritage. The GS-42 is the better choice for new purchases; the Conquest T42 is an excellent used market value.
04
Yes, the Conquest T42 features Hardinge's collet-ready spindle that accepts 5C and 16C collets natively. The collet-ready spindle provides 2.5 microns TIR or better at the collet face. Collet workholding is a core Hardinge advantage and one of the primary reasons shops choose Hardinge over less precise competitors.
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