Hardinge Elite II 6/42

$90,000 - $135,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

165 mm (6.50 in)

Z Travel

350 mm (13.78 in)

Max Spindle

6,000 RPM

Spindle Power

11 kW (15 HP) continuous

Max Turn Length

350 mm (13.78 in)

chuck size

6 inch (165 mm) hydraulic

Overview

The Hardinge Elite II 6/42 is a second-generation precision CNC turning center from Hardinge's Elite lineup. The 6/42 designation indicates a 6-inch chuck with 42mm bar capacity, placing this machine in the compact precision turning segment that Hardinge dominates. The Elite II represents a generational update over the original Elite series, with improvements to the spindle bearing system, thermal management, and control integration.

The main spindle delivers 11 kW (15 HP) continuous power through an A2-5 spindle nose at speeds up to 6,000 RPM. The Elite II spindle features Hardinge's second-generation precision bearing arrangement with improved thermal compensation, maintaining concentricity of 2.5 microns TIR or better at the collet face across the full speed range. The collet-ready design accepts 5C and 16C collets natively, with 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 350 mm (13.78 in). The machine features hardened and ground box ways on both axes for vibration damping and surface finish quality. The 12-station VDI turret supports live tooling as an option. The Elite II 6/42 incorporates improved chip management, updated electrical architecture, and enhanced operator ergonomics compared to the original Elite platform.

Controlled by the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus, the Elite II 6/42 weighs 3,200 kg (7,055 lb). New machines typically price between $90,000 and $135,000. The Elite II 6/42 competes with the Haas ST-10Y, DMG Mori CLX 350, and Okuma GENOS L2000-e in the compact precision turning segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Chuck Size	6 inch (165 mm) hydraulic
Max Turning Diameter	260 mm (10.24 in)
Max Turning Length	350 mm (13.78 in)
Bar Capacity	42 mm (1.65 in)
Spindle Nose	A2-5
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (15 HP) continuous
Spindle Torque	119 Nm (88 ft-lb)
X-Axis Travel	165 mm (6.50 in)
Z-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.78 in)
Rapid Traverse X	20 m/min (787 IPM)
Rapid Traverse Z	24 m/min (945 IPM)
Turret	12-station VDI
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	3,200 kg (7,055 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Second-generation Elite II spindle with improved thermal compensation provides even more consistent precision across extended production runs
Hardinge's collet-ready spindle with 2.5 micron TIR delivers precision workholding that exceeds standard chuck-based CNC lathes
6,000 RPM spindle speed provides efficient high-speed finishing capability for small-diameter precision parts
Hardened and ground box ways on both axes deliver superior surface finish quality and vibration damping
Updated electrical architecture and improved chip management reduce maintenance burden compared to the original Elite platform
Compact footprint with 3,200 kg weight makes the Elite II 6/42 suitable for space-constrained precision shops

Limitations

42mm bar capacity and 165mm chuck swing restrict the machine to small parts; larger work requires the Elite II 8/51 or GS-250
350mm Z-axis travel is relatively short, limiting turning length for parts with long features
11 kW spindle power is modest for heavy roughing, particularly on harder materials near the maximum turning diameter
Hardinge's contracted service network may result in longer service response times compared to Haas or Mazak in some regions

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing surgical instrument components, dental abutments, and implant parts requiring consistent sub-5-micron precision Aerospace shops turning precision connector pins, fittings, and bushings in titanium and high-strength stainless steels Watch and instrument companies producing high-precision small turned components where collet accuracy is essential Job shops upgrading from the original Elite series and seeking improved thermal stability and reliability for precision production Defense contractors producing precision ordnance and hardware components requiring documented collet-level accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Hardinge Elite II 6/42 cost?

New Hardinge Elite II 6/42 turning centers typically price between $90,000 and $135,000. Base machines include the hydraulic chuck, Fanuc control, and chip conveyor. Options including live tooling, C-axis, bar feeder, and high-pressure coolant increase the price. Used Elite II machines from 2015-2022 trade between $45,000 and $80,000.

02 What is the difference between the Elite and Elite II?

The Elite II is the second-generation update of the original Elite platform. Key improvements include an updated spindle bearing system with better thermal compensation, improved electrical architecture, enhanced chip management, and updated operator ergonomics. The fundamental precision characteristics — box ways, collet-ready spindle, and Hardinge concentricity specifications — are maintained and incrementally improved.

03 What does 6/42 mean in the model name?

The 6/42 designation indicates a 6-inch chuck diameter and 42mm maximum bar capacity through the spindle bore. This naming convention clearly identifies the machine's workholding and bar stock capabilities, helping buyers match the machine to their part size requirements.

04 Is the Elite II 6/42 suitable for production or just prototype work?

The Elite II 6/42 is designed for production turning. The 6,000 RPM spindle, 12-station turret, and optional live tooling enable efficient production cycles. Many shops run Elite II machines in multi-shift production with bar feeders for unattended operation. The machine's precision does not come at the expense of production capability.