Hardinge RS-51 MSY
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Turn Length
max bar capacity
max turning diameter
Overview
The Hardinge RS-51 MSY is a multi-axis CNC turning center featuring milling capability (M), sub-spindle (S), and Y-axis (Y) in a compact, precision-focused platform. With 51 mm (2 in) bar capacity, the RS-51 MSY builds on Hardinge's reputation for tight-tolerance turning while adding the multitasking capability that modern production shops demand. The MSY configuration eliminates secondary operations by completing turning, milling, drilling, and back-working in a single setup.
The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20 hp) at speeds up to 5,000 RPM through Hardinge's precision collet-ready spindle nose, achieving the sub-5-micron concentricity that has defined the Hardinge brand for over a century. The sub-spindle provides back-working capability for complete part processing, enabling back-turning, back-boring, and back-drilling operations. Both spindles feature C-axis positioning for contoured milling and positioned drilling operations.
The Y-axis adds 50 mm (1.97 in) of cross-travel to the turret, enabling off-center milling, drilling, and tapping operations that would otherwise require a secondary machine. Combined with the 12-station live turret, the RS-51 MSY handles complex parts with milled flats, cross-holes, hexagonal features, and keyways. Live tooling stations accept both axial and radial tool holders for maximum flexibility.
The RS-51 MSY runs on Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control with full multi-path programming capability for simultaneous main and sub-spindle operations. X/Z travels of 175 x 530 mm (6.89 x 20.87 in) provide an adequate turning envelope for bar work up to 51 mm diameter. New RS-51 MSY machines price between $140,000 and $220,000 depending on tooling and options. The machine competes with the Haas ST-20Y, Mazak Quick Turn 200MSY, and DMG Mori CLX 350 in the mid-range multitasking lathe segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 51 mm (2.0 in) |
| Max Turning Diameter | 310 mm (12.2 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 530 mm (20.87 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Power | 15 kW (20 hp) |
| Main Spindle Nose | A2-6 |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Power | 7.5 kW (10 hp) |
| X-Axis Travel | 175 mm (6.89 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 530 mm (20.87 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| C Axis | Main and sub-spindle |
| Turret Stations | 12 (live tooling) |
| Live Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Rapid Traverse X Z | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 5,500 kg (12,125 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- MSY configuration combines milling, sub-spindle, and Y-axis in a single machine, eliminating secondary operations and reducing work-in-process inventory
- Hardinge's collet-ready spindle delivers sub-5-micron concentricity that exceeds what most competitors achieve with standard chuck-based designs
- 12-station live turret with Y-axis enables complex milled features, cross-holes, and off-center operations without leaving the lathe
- Sub-spindle back-working capability enables complete part processing including back-turning, back-boring, and back-drilling in a single cycle
- Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control with multi-path programming allows simultaneous main and sub-spindle operations for reduced cycle times
- 51 mm bar capacity hits the sweet spot for precision production parts in medical, aerospace, and hydraulic component manufacturing
Limitations
- Y-axis travel of 50 mm is limited compared to some competitors offering 60-80 mm, restricting the size of off-center milled features
- 5,000 RPM main spindle is conservative for small-diameter high-speed finishing where 6,000-8,000 RPM would be preferred
- Hardinge's dealer and service network has contracted in recent years, potentially affecting service response times in some regions
- Higher acquisition cost than non-MSY variants means shops that primarily do straight turning may be better served by a simpler, less expensive machine
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
MSY stands for Milling (M), Sub-spindle (S), and Y-axis (Y). The M indicates live tooling capability for milling operations, the S indicates a secondary sub-spindle for back-working and complete part processing, and the Y indicates cross-axis travel on the turret for off-center machining operations. This is the fully loaded configuration of the RS-51 platform.
02
The Haas ST-20Y offers significantly lower pricing ($85K-$120K vs $140K-$220K) and a larger dealer network, but lacks the sub-spindle for back-working operations. The Hardinge RS-51 MSY provides superior spindle precision through Hardinge's collet-ready design and complete part processing capability. Choose the Haas for budget-conscious turning with Y-axis; choose the Hardinge for precision multitasking with sub-spindle capability.
03
Yes. The main spindle features Hardinge's collet-ready design that accepts both collet closers and hydraulic chucks. For bar work up to 51 mm diameter, the collet system provides superior concentricity. For irregular shapes and larger workpieces, the chuck accommodates parts up to approximately 310 mm turning diameter. Changeover between collet and chuck takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
04
The Y-axis provides 50 mm of cross-travel perpendicular to the X and Z axes, enabling the turret to reach off-center positions on the workpiece. This allows milling flats, drilling off-center holes, cutting keyways, and machining hexagonal features that would be impossible with only X and Z axes. The Y-axis is essential for parts with features that are not on the spindle centerline.
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