Hardinge Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Hardinge GX-1600

Est. $175,000 - $280,000 Possible older model Updated 2026-10-03

This model was not found in Hardinge's current lineup when we checked on 2026-10-03 . It may be a superseded or older model; the specifications below are as we last recorded them.

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,600 mm (63.0 in)

Y Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Z Travel

650 mm (25.6 in)

Spindle Taper

BT 50

Tool Capacity

Table Size

1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in)

How much does the Hardinge GX-1600 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$175,000 - $280,000

Our best estimate for a vertical machining centers (vmc) in this class — not a quote from Hardinge. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Hardinge GX-1600 is a BT 50 vertical machining center with 1,600 mm (63.0 in) of X travel, 700 mm (27.6 in) of Y and 650 mm (25.6 in) of Z. Its 1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in) table is listed for 1,500 kg (3,307 lb), and the 22 kW (30 hp) spindle turns up to 10,000 RPM.

The 50 taper is the defining feature. Larger tool shanks carry big face mills, long boring bars and heavy drills with less deflection than a smaller taper allows, and that is what a table of this size and load rating is for: die blocks, machine bases, large steel plate. 10,000 RPM is quick for a spindle of this taper, so finishing with smaller cutters is still practical, though no torque figure is listed to show how much of the 22 kW (30 hp) is available at roughing speeds.

Everything else is paced for mass. Rapid traverse is 24 m/min (945 ipm) and the tool change takes 4.0 sec tool-to-tool, both unhurried, which matters little when individual cuts are long. The magazine holds 30 tools. Listed positioning accuracy is ±0.008 mm with ±0.005 mm repeatability.

The control is a Fanuc 31i-B and the machine weighs 13,000 kg (28,660 lb), so foundation, rigging and door clearance belong in the plan from the start. Verify the listed figures against the machine's documentation before committing work to them.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Y-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	650 mm (25.6 in)
Table Size	1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in)
Max Table Load	1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Spindle Taper	BT 50
Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Tool Capacity	30
Tool Change Time	4.0 sec (tool-to-tool)
Rapid Traverse Rate	24 m/min (945 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.008 mm
Repeatability	±0.005 mm
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B
Machine Weight	13,000 kg (28,660 lb)

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

BT 50 spindle with 22 kW (30 hp) and 10,000 RPM
1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in) table rated for 1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
1,600 mm (63.0 in) of X with 700 mm (27.6 in) of Y travel
30-tool magazine under a Fanuc 31i-B control

Limitations

Rapids of 24 m/min (945 ipm) and a 4.0 sec tool change make it slow on small, short-cycle parts
Listed accuracy is ±0.008 mm positioning and ±0.005 mm repeatability, so tight-tolerance bores need in-process measurement
13,000 kg (28,660 lb) machine weight demands a suitable foundation and rigging
No higher-speed spindle option and no torque figure are listed

Best For

Die blocks and large steel plate up to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) Heavy face milling and boring with BT 50 tooling Long parts within 1,600 mm (63.0 in) of X Machine bases and weldments needing 700 mm (27.6 in) of Y

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What spindle taper does the GX-1600 use?

BT 50, according to the listed figures, with 22 kW (30 hp) and a maximum of 10,000 RPM. Tool holders, pull studs and presetting equipment from a smaller-taper machine will not fit, so a shop moving up in size needs a new set of holders.

02 What is the table size and load of the GX-1600?

The table is 1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in) with a maximum load of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Travels are 1,600 mm (63.0 in) in X, 700 mm (27.6 in) in Y and 650 mm (25.6 in) in Z.

03 How fast is the GX-1600?

Rapid traverse is listed at 24 m/min (945 ipm) and tool change at 4.0 sec tool-to-tool, with 30 tools in the magazine. These are moderate rates suited to long cuts on heavy parts more than to high-volume small work.

04 What accuracy is listed for the GX-1600?

Positioning accuracy of ±0.008 mm and repeatability of ±0.005 mm. The measuring standard is not stated. On a machine with 1,600 mm (63.0 in) of travel, thermal growth over a long cycle also affects results, so warm-up and probing routines matter.