Hardinge XR-1000
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Overview
The Hardinge XR-1000 is the flagship model in the XR high-speed vertical machining center series, offering the largest work envelope in the lineup with X/Y/Z travels of 1,020 x 610 x 510 mm (40.2 x 24.0 x 20.1 in). Designed for shops that need high-speed precision milling across a substantial work area, the XR-1000 extends the XR series philosophy of direct-drive spindle technology and fast axis motion to mid-to-large workpieces that the XR-610 and XR-760 cannot accommodate.
The spindle delivers 18.5 kW (25 hp) continuous power at speeds up to 15,000 RPM through a BT 40 taper, with an optional 20,000 RPM configuration for dedicated high-speed aluminum and graphite electrode machining. The direct-drive spindle eliminates belt-induced vibration, delivering surface finish quality that distinguishes the XR series from standard production VMCs. The increased power rating over the XR-760's 15 kW ensures the XR-1000 maintains cutting performance across its larger work envelope without sacrificing speed.
The work table measures 1,200 x 600 mm (47.2 x 23.6 in) with a maximum load of 800 kg (1,764 lb), providing generous clamping area for large mold bases, fixture plates, and multi-part production setups. A 30-tool arm-type ATC delivers tool-to-tool change times of approximately 1.8 seconds. Rapid traverse rates of 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) on all three axes keep non-cutting time minimal even across the extended travels.
The XR-1000 runs on a Fanuc 31i-B5 control with nano-smoothing, NURBS interpolation, and advanced look-ahead processing for maintaining surface quality at high feed rates. The thermally symmetric machine structure incorporates thermal compensation for dimensional stability during long production runs. New XR-1000 machines price between $145,000 and $225,000. The machine competes with the Makino PS105, DMG Mori CMX 110U, and Hurco VMX42HSi in the mid-to-large high-speed VMC segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,020 mm (40.2 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 610 mm (24.0 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 510 mm (20.1 in) |
| Table Size | 1,200 x 600 mm (47.2 x 23.6 in) |
| Max Table Load | 800 kg (1,764 lb) |
| Spindle Taper | BT 40 |
| Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM (20,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 18.5 kW (25 hp) |
| Spindle Drive | Direct drive |
| Tool Capacity | 30 |
| Tool Change Time | 1.8 sec (tool-to-tool) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-B5 |
| Machine Weight | 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,020 mm X-travel provides the largest work envelope in the XR series while retaining full high-speed capability at 48 m/min rapids
- 18.5 kW direct-drive spindle delivers more power than the XR-760, maintaining cutting performance across the larger envelope
- 30-tool ATC with 1.8-second changes supports complex programs without tool capacity becoming a bottleneck
- Optional 20,000 RPM spindle enables dedicated high-speed aluminum and graphite electrode machining at optimal surface speeds
- Fanuc 31i-B5 with nano-smoothing and NURBS delivers smooth surface finishes at high feed rates for precision finishing operations
- 800 kg table load supports heavy production fixtures, large mold bases, and multi-part setups
Limitations
- BT 40 tooling limits heavy roughing capability in steel and titanium; shops doing aggressive heavy-metal work may prefer a CAT 50 platform
- Higher acquisition cost than standard GX-series VMCs with similar travels reflects the high-speed spindle and control premium
- Hardinge's smaller dealer network compared to Haas, Mazak, or DMG Mori is a consideration at this investment level
- Machine footprint is substantially larger than the XR-760, requiring more floor space in shops with limited real estate
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New XR-1000 machines price between $145,000 and $225,000. Base configurations with 15,000 RPM spindle and Fanuc 31i-B5 start near $145,000. Adding the 20,000 RPM spindle, through-spindle coolant, 4th axis, probing, high-pressure coolant, and extended tool capacity pushes prices toward $225,000.
02
The XR-1000 steps up from the XR-760 with 1,020 mm vs 760 mm X-travel, 610 vs 510 mm Y-travel, 510 vs 460 mm Z-travel, 18.5 kW vs 15 kW spindle power, 30 vs 24 tool capacity, and 800 vs 600 kg table load. Both share the same 15,000 RPM spindle speed, 48 m/min rapids, and 1.8-second tool changes.
03
For shops primarily machining aluminum and graphite, the 20,000 RPM spindle is a significant productivity upgrade. At 20,000 RPM with a 12 mm end mill, surface speed reaches 754 m/min, optimal for aluminum alloys. For shops primarily machining steel, titanium, or stainless, the standard 15,000 RPM spindle is more appropriate.
04
Yes, the 18.5 kW spindle handles moderate roughing in steel effectively. However, the BT 40 taper and high-speed spindle design are optimized for lighter, faster cuts rather than heavy hogging. For aggressive steel roughing, a GX-series machine with higher torque or a dedicated production VMC would be better suited.
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