Hardinge Quest CHNC 42 SP

$145,000 - $220,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Maximum Bar Capacity

42 mm (1.65 in)

Maximum Turning Diameter

220 mm (8.66 in)

Maximum Turning Length

350 mm (13.78 in)

Main Spindle Speed (Max)

6,000 RPM

Main Spindle Power

11 kW (15 hp)

Main Spindle Torque

120 Nm (88 ft-lb)

Overview

The Hardinge Quest CHNC 42 SP is a super-precision CNC collet lathe with integrated sub-spindle, combining the CHNC legacy of ultra-tight-tolerance collet turning with modern sub-spindle complete part processing. The CHNC designation connects this machine to Hardinge's iconic original CNC collet lathes, while the SP suffix indicates the sub-spindle capability that enables finished parts to drop from the machine without secondary operations. The 42 mm bar capacity positions the Quest CHNC 42 SP for the most demanding precision small-part production applications.

The main spindle is a dedicated collet spindle delivering 11 kW (15 hp) at speeds up to 6,000 RPM, with Hardinge's proprietary bearing preload system maintaining 2.5-micron TIR concentricity at the collet face across the full speed range. The 5C and 16C collet systems seat directly in the precision-ground spindle bore. The sub-spindle provides 7.5 kW (10 hp) at 6,000 RPM for back-face operations including back-turning, back-boring, back-drilling, and parting. C-axis on both spindles enables positioned milling with live tooling.

The 12-station turret accepts VDI or BMT tooling with live tooling capability, providing the tool positions needed for complex parts requiring turning, milling, drilling, and threading in a single cycle. The box way construction on both axes ensures the vibration damping and thermal stability necessary for maintaining micron-level precision during extended production runs.

The Quest CHNC 42 SP is the ultimate expression of Hardinge's precision turning philosophy: collet-based workholding for maximum concentricity, sub-spindle for complete part processing, and box way construction for surface finish quality. It targets medical implant production, aerospace precision components, defense ordnance manufacturing, and any application where every part must meet single-digit micron tolerances without exception.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Maximum Bar Capacity	42 mm (1.65 in)
Maximum Turning Diameter	220 mm (8.66 in)
Maximum Turning Length	350 mm (13.78 in)
Main Spindle Speed (Max)	6,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	11 kW (15 hp)
Main Spindle Torque	120 Nm (88 ft-lb)
Sub-Spindle Speed (Max)	6,000 RPM
Sub-Spindle Power	7.5 kW (10 hp)
Spindle Concentricity	2.5 microns TIR at collet face
Collet System	5C/16C collet-ready (direct seat)
Travel X	180 mm (7.09 in)
Travel Z	400 mm (15.75 in)
Turret Stations	12 (VDI/BMT, live tooling capable)
C-Axis	Main and sub-spindle
Guideway Type	Hardened and ground box ways
Rapid Traverse X	20 m/min (787 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	24 m/min (945 ipm)
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

Combines CHNC-heritage collet precision with sub-spindle complete part processing for finished parts from bar without secondary operations
2.5-micron TIR collet concentricity on the main spindle delivers best-in-class precision for small production parts
C-axis on both main and sub-spindle enables complex positioned milling operations on both part faces
12-station live-tooling turret provides comprehensive mill-turn capability for complex parts in a single setup
Box way construction ensures vibration-free cutting for consistent surface finish quality across production runs
CHNC designation carries strong brand recognition and credibility with quality-conscious medical and aerospace customers

Limitations

Premium $145K-$220K price point exceeds many competitors in the 42 mm sub-spindle turning center class
42 mm bar capacity limits work to small-diameter parts; shops needing larger bar must step up to the Quest 8/51 SP
Box way rapid traverse is slower than linear-guideway machines, adding non-cutting time in high-volume production
Hardinge's corporate restructuring creates uncertainty around long-term service continuity and parts availability

Best For

Medical implant manufacturers producing complete bone screws, dental abutments, and spinal components from bar in a single cycle Aerospace precision shops machining complete small fittings and connectors requiring tight tolerances on both ends Defense ordnance manufacturers producing fuze components and firing pin assemblies with full traceability documentation Dental prosthetic laboratories machining titanium and zirconia abutments with sub-5-micron concentricity requirements Precision watch and instrument manufacturers needing CNC sub-spindle capability with traditional Hardinge collet accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes the CHNC 42 SP different from the Quest 6/42?

The CHNC 42 SP includes an integrated sub-spindle for complete part processing and is built around a dedicated collet spindle design. The Quest 6/42 is a more versatile machine accepting both collets and chucks but without a standard sub-spindle. Choose the CHNC 42 SP when collet-only precision and complete part processing are the priorities.

02 Can the CHNC 42 SP handle chuck-based work?

The CHNC 42 SP is optimized for collet-based bar work, which is where its precision advantage is maximized. While chuck adapters may be available, the dedicated collet spindle design means the machine is best utilized on parts that run from bar through collets. For shops needing frequent chuck work, the Quest 6/42 or 8/51 SP offer more versatile spindle configurations.

03 What is the typical cycle time for a complete part on the CHNC 42 SP?

Cycle times vary widely with part complexity, but a typical precision small part (bone screw, connector, valve stem) with front-face and back-face operations completes in 45-180 seconds on the CHNC 42 SP. The sub-spindle pick-off and back-face operations add 15-45 seconds to a front-face-only cycle but eliminate 30-120 seconds of manual part handling and rechucking.

04 How does the CHNC 42 SP compare to Swiss-type lathes?

Swiss-type lathes (Star, Citizen, Tsugami) use a sliding headstock and guide bushing for slender parts with high length-to-diameter ratios. The CHNC 42 SP uses a fixed headstock with collet workholding, which is better suited for shorter parts where maximum concentricity is the priority. Swiss machines excel on long, slender parts; the CHNC 42 SP excels on precision concentricity for compact parts.