Hardinge Elite II 8/51
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge Elite II 8/51 is the larger variant in Hardinge's second-generation Elite II turning center line. The 8/51 designation indicates an 8-inch chuck with 51mm bar capacity, placing this machine in the mid-range precision turning segment that represents the core of Hardinge's product lineup. The Elite II 8/51 has been one of Hardinge's best-selling platforms, combining the 2-inch bar capacity that covers a broad swath of precision production work with the improved thermal management and spindle technology of the second-generation design.
The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20 HP) continuous power through an A2-6 spindle nose at speeds up to 5,000 RPM. The Elite II spindle features an improved bearing arrangement with enhanced thermal compensation over the original Elite, maintaining concentricity of 3 microns TIR or better across the full speed range. The collet-ready design accepts 16C collets for bar stock up to 51mm, with an 8-inch (200 mm) hydraulic chuck for larger-diameter work.
X-axis travel is 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z-axis travel is 508 mm (20 in). The machine features hardened and ground box ways on both axes — Hardinge's signature feature for vibration damping and surface finish quality. The 12-station VDI turret supports live tooling and C-axis as options for turn-mill capability. Sub-spindle configurations are available for complete done-in-one processing.
The Elite II 8/51 runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs 3,800 kg (8,378 lb). New machines typically price between $95,000 and $150,000 in the base turning configuration. The Elite II 8/51 competes with the Okuma LB3000 EX II, Haas ST-20Y, and Mazak Quick Turn 200 in the 2-inch bar precision 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 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 HP) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 175 Nm (129 ft-lb) |
| 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 |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Collet System | 16C collet-ready |
| Collet Tir | 3 microns (0.00012 in) or better |
| Sub Spindle | Optional |
| 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
- 51mm bar capacity covers the broadest range of precision production turning work across medical, aerospace, and industrial sectors
- Elite II second-generation spindle with improved thermal compensation delivers more consistent precision across extended production runs than the original Elite
- 15 kW spindle with 175 Nm torque provides strong cutting capability balanced with the precision finishing that defines Hardinge
- Hardened and ground box ways on both axes provide superior vibration damping and surface finish quality
- Optional sub-spindle and live tooling configurations enable complete done-in-one processing for maximum production efficiency
- Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control with proven reliability and broad CAM compatibility reduces integration and training costs
Limitations
- 5,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is moderate compared to competitors offering 6,000+ RPM for high-speed small-diameter finishing
- Box way design results in slower rapid traverse compared to linear guideway machines, adding non-cutting time in high-volume cycles
- Base configuration does not include live tooling or sub-spindle; these options add significant cost to achieve full turn-mill capability
- Hardinge's contracted service network means potentially longer repair and parts lead times in some regions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge Elite II 8/51 turning centers typically price between $95,000 and $150,000 for the base turning configuration. Adding live tooling and C-axis increases the price by $15,000-$25,000. A sub-spindle configuration adds $30,000-$45,000. A fully loaded Elite II 8/51 with sub-spindle, live tooling, bar feeder, and parts catcher can approach $220,000.
02
The Elite II 8/51 is the second-generation update of the Elite 51 platform. Key improvements include updated spindle bearings with better thermal compensation, improved electrical architecture, enhanced chip management, and updated operator interface. Turning capacity and fundamental specifications are similar. The Elite II provides measurably better thermal stability during extended production runs.
03
The 8/51 designation indicates an 8-inch maximum chuck diameter and 51mm maximum bar capacity through the spindle bore. The larger chuck compared to the 6/42 enables work on bigger-diameter blanks and castings, while the 51mm bore accepts 2-inch bar stock for production bar feeding.
04
Yes, the Elite II 8/51 is available in sub-spindle configurations for complete done-in-one processing from bar stock. The sub-spindle provides part pick-off capability for back-face turning, drilling, and milling operations. The sub-spindle configuration typically adds $30,000-$45,000 to the base price and is designated as the Elite II 8/51 S or MS variant.
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