Hardinge Elite 51 MS

$130,000 - $195,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

200 mm (7.87 in)

Z Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Max Turn Length

508 mm (20 in)

chuck size

200 mm (8 in) hydraulic

max turning diameter

356 mm (14 in)

bar capacity

51 mm (2 in)

Overview

The Hardinge Elite 51 MS is a precision CNC turning center with milling capability and sub-spindle, representing the most fully equipped variant of Hardinge's Elite 51 platform. The MS designation indicates both Milling (live tooling with C-axis) and Sub-spindle capability, enabling complete part processing from bar — including back-face operations — in a single unattended cycle. This is the machine Hardinge shops choose when they need done-in-one production of precision small parts.

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 part transfer after main-spindle operations. C-axis on both spindles enables positioned milling on front and back faces. Spindle concentricity is specified at 3 microns TIR or better with Hardinge's collet-ready spindle design.

X-axis travel is 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z-axis travel is 508 mm (20 in). The 12-station VDI turret accommodates static and live tool holders with live tool speeds up to 5,000 RPM. Hardened and ground box ways on both axes provide the vibration damping essential for maintaining Hardinge-grade surface finish quality across both turning and milling operations.

The Elite 51 MS runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs approximately 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). New machines typically price between $130,000 and $195,000. The Elite 51 MS competes with the DMG Mori CLX 450 TC, Okuma LB3000 EX II MY, and Mazak Quick Turn 200MSY in the precision sub-spindle turning-milling segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Chuck Size	200 mm (8 in) 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
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	4,200 kg (9,259 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Sub-spindle with C-axis enables complete part processing including back-turning, back-drilling, and back-milling, eliminating all secondary operations
Hardinge's collet-ready spindle with 3 micron TIR delivers precision turning that exceeds standard chuck-based turning centers
Live tooling on 12-station VDI turret enables cross-drilling, milling flats, and threading without moving parts to a machining center
Hardened and ground box ways provide superior vibration damping for both turning and milling surface finish quality
C-axis on both main and sub-spindle enables complex contoured features on both faces of the part
Fanuc 0i-TF Plus with dual-spindle synchronization enables efficient part transfer and back-working programming

Limitations

51mm bar capacity limits the machine to small-to-medium parts; shops with larger work need the GS-250 or similar platform
5,000 RPM main spindle speed is moderate; higher speeds may benefit small-diameter high-speed finishing strategies
Sub-spindle at 7.5 kW has less power than the main spindle, limiting heavy back-turning capability on harder materials
Price premium of $35,000-$50,000 over the base Elite 51 for the MS configuration requires sufficient done-in-one production volume to justify

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing complete surgical instruments, bone screws, and implant components requiring features on both ends with no secondary handling Aerospace shops producing precision fittings, connectors, and valve components with cross-holes, threads, and back-face features in a single setup Precision hydraulic component manufacturers producing valve cartridges and fittings with ports, threads, and features on both faces High-volume precision shops running lights-out bar feeding operations where complete parts drop into the parts catcher without operator intervention Defense contractors producing ordnance components and precision hardware requiring done-in-one processing for traceability and quality documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Hardinge Elite 51 MS cost?

New Hardinge Elite 51 MS turning centers typically price between $130,000 and $195,000 depending on options. The MS configuration includes sub-spindle, live tooling, and C-axis on both spindles as standard. Additional options include bar feeder, parts catcher, high-pressure coolant, and probing. A fully equipped Elite 51 MS with bar feeder and parts catcher can approach $230,000.

02 What is the difference between the Elite 51 and Elite 51 MS?

The Elite 51 is the base turning-only model. The MS adds a sub-spindle for part pick-off and back-face operations, plus live tooling with C-axis on both spindles. The MS enables complete part production from bar in a single unattended cycle. The MS configuration adds approximately $45,000-$65,000 to the base Elite 51 price.

03 How does the sub-spindle work for part transfer?

After main-spindle turning and milling operations are complete, the sub-spindle advances, grips the part, and the main spindle releases. The part is then pulled to the sub-spindle where back-face turning, drilling, and milling operations are performed. The entire transfer is programmed in the CNC cycle and occurs automatically during unattended production.

04 Can the Elite 51 MS run without using the sub-spindle?

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 MS configuration for both complete-part bar work and conventional chuck-and-tailstock turning jobs.