Hardinge GS-51
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge GS-51 is a mid-range precision CNC turning center from Hardinge's GS series, designed for shops that need the 51 mm (2 in) bar capacity that has been a Hardinge sweet spot for decades. The GS-51 represents the evolution of the legendary Elite 51 platform, incorporating the latest Hardinge spindle technology, updated Fanuc controls, and refined thermal management while preserving the precision turning DNA that has made Hardinge the benchmark in this size class.
The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20 HP) continuous power through an A2-6 spindle nose at speeds up to 5,000 RPM. Hardinge's precision angular-contact bearing arrangement with controlled preload maintains spindle concentricity of 3 microns TIR or better across the full speed range. The collet-ready spindle accepts 16C collets natively for bar stock up to 51mm, providing superior workholding accuracy compared to standard jaw chucks. A 200 mm (8 in) hydraulic chuck is available for larger-diameter work.
X-axis travel is 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z-axis travel is 510 mm (20.08 in), providing a versatile turning envelope for small-to-medium precision parts. The GS-51 features hardened and ground box ways on both axes, delivering the vibration damping and surface finish quality that separate Hardinge from competitors using linear guideways. The 12-station VDI turret supports live tooling with C-axis capability for cross-drilling, milling, and threading.
The GS-51 runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs 3,800 kg (8,378 lb). Standard features include through-spindle coolant, hydraulic tailstock, and chip conveyor. New GS-51 machines typically price between $95,000 and $145,000. The GS-51 competes with the Okuma LB3000 EX II, Haas ST-20, and Mazak Quick Turn 200 in the 2-inch bar precision turning segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 200 mm (8 in) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 356 mm (14 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 510 mm (20.08 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 | 510 mm (20.08 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 |
| Tailstock | Hydraulic, programmable |
| 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 hits the production sweet spot for a wide range of precision turned parts in medical, aerospace, and industrial applications
- 15 kW spindle with 175 Nm torque provides strong cutting capability while maintaining the precision finishing Hardinge is known for
- Hardened and ground box ways on both axes deliver superior vibration damping and surface finish quality, particularly on interrupted cuts and harder materials
- Collet-ready spindle with 3 micron TIR provides measurably better workholding accuracy than standard chuck-based CNC lathes
- 3,800 kg weight-to-envelope ratio provides excellent thermal mass for dimensional stability during extended production runs
- 12-station VDI turret with live tooling and C-axis enables complete part processing including milling, drilling, and threading operations
Limitations
- 5,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is moderate compared to competitors offering 6,000+ RPM, limiting high-speed finishing strategies on small diameters
- Box way design trades rapid traverse speed for cutting rigidity, adding non-cutting time compared to linear guideway machines in high-volume production
- Hardinge's contracted service network means longer response times for parts and service compared to larger OEMs in some regions
- Premium pricing over commodity CNC lathes with similar specifications requires precision-focused applications to justify the investment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge GS-51 turning centers typically price between $95,000 and $145,000 depending on configuration. Options including live tooling, C-axis, bar feeder, tailstock, and high-pressure coolant affect the final price. A fully equipped GS-51 with live tooling and bar feeder can approach $175,000.
02
The GS-51 is the current-generation successor to the Elite 51, incorporating updated spindle technology, improved thermal management, and the latest Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control. Both share the 51mm bar capacity and box way construction. The GS-51 offers incremental improvements in precision and reliability over the Elite 51 platform. Elite 51 machines remain available on the used market at lower cost.
03
The 51mm (2 inch) bar capacity covers a large percentage of precision turned parts across medical, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Parts larger than 2 inches in diameter are less common in precision turning and typically require a larger platform like the GS-250. For shops where the majority of work is under 2 inches, the GS-51 provides an ideal balance of capacity and precision.
04
The GS-51 excels on materials that benefit from box way rigidity and precision spindle concentricity: stainless steels (303, 304, 316, 17-4 PH), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), nickel alloys (Inconel 625, 718), brass, bronze, and aluminum. The box ways are particularly advantageous on harder materials and interrupted cuts where vibration damping is critical.
Videos
Mark Conway
Bullseye Industrial Sales LLC
Revelation Machinery
MachineryNetwork
