Hardinge Conquest T51 SP
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Turn Length
chuck size
max turning diameter
bar capacity
Overview
The Hardinge Conquest T51 SP is the sub-spindle variant of Hardinge's Conquest T51 precision turning center, adding a secondary pick-off spindle for complete done-in-one processing of precision parts from bar stock. The SP (Sub-spindle Precision) designation denotes Hardinge's most capable Conquest T51 configuration, enabling back-turning, back-drilling, back-boring, and back-milling operations after the part is transferred from the main spindle — all within a single unattended production cycle.
The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20 HP) continuous power through an A2-6 spindle nose at speeds up to 5,000 RPM. Bar capacity is 51 mm (2 in). The sub-spindle provides 7.5 kW (10 HP) at speeds up to 5,000 RPM with a pick-off mechanism for automatic part transfer. C-axis on both spindles enables positioned milling operations on front and back faces. Spindle concentricity is specified at 3 microns TIR or better with Hardinge's collet-ready design.
X-axis travel is 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z-axis travel is 508 mm (20 in) on hardened and ground box ways. The 12-station VDI turret accommodates static and live tool holders with live tool speeds up to 5,000 RPM. The sub-spindle is fully programmable with synchronized motion for smooth part transfer and back-working operations.
The Conquest T51 SP runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control with dual-spindle synchronization capability. Machine weight is approximately 4,300 kg (9,480 lb). New machines typically price between $135,000 and $195,000. The T51 SP competes with the DMG Mori CLX 450 TC, Okuma LB3000 EX II MY, and Mazak Quick Turn 200MSY in the precision sub-spindle turning segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 8 inch (200 mm) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 356 mm (14 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Bar Capacity | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-6 |
| Main Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Power | 15 kW (20 HP) continuous |
| Main Spindle Torque | 175 Nm (129 ft-lb) |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Power | 7.5 kW (10 HP) |
| C Axis | Main and sub-spindle |
| X-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 IPM) |
| Turret | 12-station VDI (live tooling) |
| Live Tool Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Collet System | 16C collet-ready |
| Collet Tir | 3 microns (0.00012 in) or better |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 4,300 kg (9,480 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Sub-spindle with C-axis enables complete done-in-one processing including back-turning, back-drilling, and back-milling, eliminating all secondary operations
- Proven Conquest T platform with 20+ year production history provides known reliability and strong used market presence for the SP configuration
- Collet-ready spindle with 3 micron TIR on both main and sub-spindle maintains Hardinge-grade precision on all part features
- Live tooling with C-axis on both spindles enables cross-drilling, milling, and threading on front and back faces
- Hardened and ground box ways provide superior vibration damping for both turning and milling surface finish quality
- Fanuc 0i-TF Plus with dual-spindle synchronization enables efficient part transfer and overlapped back-working programming
Limitations
- 51mm bar capacity limits the machine to small-to-medium parts; larger work requires the GS-250 platform
- 5,000 RPM main spindle speed is moderate; some competitors offer 6,000+ RPM for high-speed finishing
- Sub-spindle at 7.5 kW has less power than the main spindle, limiting heavy back-turning on harder materials
- The Conquest T series is an older-generation platform; the Elite 51 MS or GS-51 offer more current technology
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge Conquest T51 SP machines price between $135,000 and $195,000 depending on configuration. Used T51 SP units from 2010-2020 trade between $55,000 and $95,000. The SP configuration includes sub-spindle, live tooling, and C-axis on both spindles. Additional options include bar feeder, parts catcher, and high-pressure coolant.
02
Both are sub-spindle Conquest turning centers with similar architecture. The T51 SP offers larger 51mm bar capacity versus 42mm, more spindle power (15 kW vs 11 kW), and longer Z-axis travel (508mm vs 305mm). Choose the T42SP for smaller-diameter precision work; the T51 SP for parts requiring the larger 2-inch bar capacity and more turning length.
03
Yes, the sub-spindle can be retracted and the machine used as a standard turning center with live tooling for parts that do not require back-face operations. This flexibility allows shops to use the T51 SP for both done-in-one bar work and conventional turning jobs, maximizing utilization across diverse job mixes.
04
After main-spindle operations complete, the sub-spindle advances, grips the part, and the main spindle releases. The part transfers to the sub-spindle where back-face operations proceed. The entire sequence is programmed in the CNC cycle and executes automatically. Synchronized spindle speeds during transfer prevent part marking. Transfer time is typically 2-4 seconds.
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