Hardinge Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Hardinge GX-480

Est. $55,000 - $85,000 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 It may be a superseded or older model; the specifications below are as we last recorded them.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

480 mm (18.9 in)

Y Travel

380 mm (15.0 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Spindle Taper

BT 40

Tool Capacity

Table Size

600 x 380 mm (23.6 x 15.0 in)

How much does the Hardinge GX-480 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$55,000 - $85,000

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-480 is a compact BT 40 vertical machining center: 480 mm (18.9 in) of X travel, 380 mm (15.0 in) of Y and 400 mm (15.7 in) of Z, with a 600 x 380 mm (23.6 x 15.0 in) table. In the listed figures the spindle is direct drive, 10,000 RPM and 7.5 kW (10 hp), fed by a 20-tool changer.

It is a small-parts machine, and the numbers say so in two places. The table carries 300 kg (661 lb), which a pair of vises and a fourth-axis unit can use up quickly. And 7.5 kW (10 hp) at a 40 taper is on the light side, good for aluminium, drilling, tapping and finishing passes, less so for sustained roughing in steel. In exchange the machine is easy to place, at 3,200 kg (7,055 lb).

Cycle-time figures are respectable for the size: 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) rapids and a 2.5 sec tool-to-tool change. Positioning accuracy is listed as ±0.005 mm and repeatability as ±0.003 mm. The control is a Fanuc 0i-MF Plus.

For scale, the Bridgeport V710 from the same group has 710 mm of X on a 31.49 x 15.74 in (800 x 400 mm) table and also carries 20 tools, so the GX-480 gives up X stroke more than Y. No option list accompanies the listed figures; check them against the paperwork of the actual machine.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	480 mm (18.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	380 mm (15.0 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Table Size	600 x 380 mm (23.6 x 15.0 in)
Max Table Load	300 kg (661 lb)
Spindle Taper	BT 40
Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	7.5 kW (10 hp)
Spindle Drive	Direct drive
Tool Capacity	20
Tool Change Time	2.5 sec (tool-to-tool)
Rapid Traverse Rate	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm
Repeatability	±0.003 mm
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-MF Plus
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 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

Direct-drive BT 40 spindle at 10,000 RPM
36 m/min (1,417 ipm) rapids with a 2.5 sec tool-to-tool change
Listed positioning accuracy of ±0.005 mm and repeatability of ±0.003 mm
Compact machine at 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) with a 600 x 380 mm (23.6 x 15.0 in) table

Limitations

Table load is limited to 300 kg (661 lb)
7.5 kW (10 hp) is light for roughing steel with 40-taper tooling
20 tools, with no larger magazine listed
X travel of 480 mm (18.9 in) rules out longer plates and multi-vise rows

Best For

Small aluminium and plastic parts at 10,000 RPM Drill-and-tap and finishing operations Single-vise or small-fixture work within 480 x 380 x 400 mm Setups under 300 kg (661 lb) including fixtures

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How large a part fits on the GX-480?

Travels are 480 mm (18.9 in) in X, 380 mm (15.0 in) in Y and 400 mm (15.7 in) in Z. The table is 600 x 380 mm (23.6 x 15.0 in) and is listed for 300 kg (661 lb), a limit that includes vises, fixtures and any rotary unit as well as the workpiece.

02 What spindle does the GX-480 have?

A direct-drive BT 40 spindle with a top speed of 10,000 RPM and 7.5 kW (10 hp). No torque figure and no higher-speed option appear in the listed figures.

03 How fast are tool changes and rapids on the GX-480?

Tool-to-tool time is listed as 2.5 sec with a 20-tool magazine, and rapid traverse is 36 m/min (1,417 ipm). The table gives one rapid figure and does not say whether it applies equally to all three axes.

04 How accurate is the GX-480?

Positioning accuracy is listed as ±0.005 mm and repeatability as ±0.003 mm. The table does not state the standard these were measured to, and such figures describe a machine in new condition, so an older one should be checked with a ballbar or a test cut.