Hardinge Quest CHNC 27
Key Specifications
Maximum Bar Capacity
Maximum Turning Diameter
Maximum Turning Length
Spindle Speed (Max)
Spindle Power
Spindle Torque (Max)
Overview
The Hardinge Quest CHNC 27 is a modern super-precision CNC collet lathe that carries forward the legendary CHNC heritage into current production. The CHNC designation — Computerized Hardinge Numerically Controlled — refers to the original Hardinge CHNC series that established the company's reputation for the tightest-tolerance production turning in the industry. The Quest CHNC 27 accommodates bar stock up to 27 mm (1.0625 in) through the collet, making it a specialist for small-diameter precision parts.
The main spindle is designed specifically for collet-based turning, with no compromise to accommodate larger chuck workholding. This focused design allows Hardinge to achieve concentricity specifications that dual-purpose spindles cannot match: 2 microns TIR or better at the collet face is the standard specification. The spindle delivers 7.5 kW (10 hp) at speeds up to 6,000 RPM, optimized for the small-diameter, high-speed turning operations that dominate medical, dental, and precision instrument production.
The Quest CHNC 27 is built on a compact, rigid platform with Hardinge's signature one-piece cast iron bed and precision box ways. The turning envelope is deliberately compact — approximately 150 mm X-travel and 250 mm Z-travel — reflecting the small-part focus. The 8-station turret provides adequate tool positions for typical small precision parts, and live tooling is available for cross-drilling and milling operations.
The CHNC legacy is powerful in the precision turning community. Shops that built their reputation on original Hardinge CHNC lathes view the Quest CHNC series as the natural continuation of that tradition. The Quest CHNC 27 targets the same applications: watch components, dental implant parts, medical bone screws, precision electronic connectors, and any part where collet-based concentricity under 5 microns is a hard requirement.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bar Capacity | 27 mm (1.0625 in) |
| Maximum Turning Diameter | 150 mm (5.91 in) |
| Maximum Turning Length | 250 mm (9.84 in) |
| Spindle Speed (Max) | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Power | 7.5 kW (10 hp) |
| Spindle Torque (Max) | 80 Nm (59 ft-lb) |
| Spindle Concentricity | 2 microns TIR at collet face |
| Collet System | 5C collet-ready (direct seat) |
| Travel X | 150 mm (5.91 in) |
| Travel Z | 250 mm (9.84 in) |
| Turret Stations | 8 |
| Live Tooling | Optional |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Rapid Traverse X | 18 m/min (709 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 2,200 kg (4,850 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- CHNC-heritage collet spindle achieves 2-micron TIR concentricity, the tightest specification in Hardinge's turning center lineup
- Dedicated collet-lathe design without chuck compromises delivers the best possible small-part precision
- 6,000 RPM spindle speed is optimized for high-speed finishing on small-diameter features in medical-grade materials
- Compact footprint and 2,200 kg mass fit tight shop floor layouts while providing adequate rigidity for precision work
- Box way construction provides superior vibration damping for consistent sub-0.4 Ra surface finish on production parts
- CHNC brand recognition carries significant weight with quality-conscious customers in medical and aerospace industries
Limitations
- 27 mm bar capacity limits the machine to very small parts; shops needing 30+ mm bar must look at larger Quest models
- 8-station turret provides fewer tool positions than 12-station competitors, limiting complex part capability
- Collet-only spindle design means the machine cannot efficiently handle larger chuck-based second operations
- Hardinge's corporate restructuring may affect service and parts support continuity
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
CHNC stands for Computerized Hardinge Numerically Controlled, the original series of Hardinge CNC collet lathes introduced in the 1970s-80s that set the industry standard for precision CNC turning. Many shops built their reputation and customer base on CHNC precision. The Quest CHNC series carries forward that spindle technology and precision philosophy with modern CNC controls and features.
02
The CHNC 42 SP has a larger 42 mm bar capacity with an integrated sub-spindle for complete part processing. The CHNC 27 is more focused on very small parts under 27 mm with the tightest possible concentricity. Choose the 27 for maximum precision on small parts; choose the 42 SP when sub-spindle capability and larger bar capacity are needed.
03
Yes, the CHNC 27 integrates with compact bar feeders designed for small-diameter stock up to 27 mm. LNS, Iemca, and Edge Technologies all offer feeders in this size range. Unattended bar-fed production is a core use case for the CHNC 27 in medical and electronic component manufacturing.
04
The Quest CHNC 27 routinely achieves surface finishes of Ra 0.1-0.3 microns on precision turned features in free-machining materials, and Ra 0.2-0.5 microns on stainless steel and titanium. The dedicated collet spindle and box way construction provide the stability needed for mirror-quality finishes on small precision parts.
Videos
KRAFFTER Machine Tools
Orca Machine Tools Inc
1stmachineryauctions
