Hardinge XR-1000 APC
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Rapid Traverse
Overview
The Hardinge XR-1000 APC is the automation-ready variant of the XR-1000 high-speed vertical machining center, equipped with an integrated automatic pallet changer for lights-out and high-utilization production. The APC system allows one pallet to be machined while the operator loads and fixtures parts on the second pallet outside the machining envelope, virtually eliminating setup time between parts and dramatically increasing spindle utilization.
The machining capability is identical to the standard XR-1000: X/Y/Z travels of 1,020 x 610 x 510 mm (40.2 x 24.0 x 20.1 in) with an 18.5 kW (25 hp) direct-drive spindle rated at 15,000 RPM standard through a BT 40 taper. The 20,000 RPM optional spindle is also available for dedicated high-speed aluminum work. Rapid traverse rates of 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) and 1.8-second tool-to-tool change times ensure fast cycle times once the pallet indexes into position.
The dual-pallet system uses hydraulic clamping with pallet exchange times of approximately 12 seconds. Each pallet mirrors the standard XR-1000 table size of 1,200 x 600 mm (47.2 x 23.6 in) with an 800 kg (1,764 lb) load capacity. The pallet system integrates with the Fanuc 31i-B5 control for automatic program call, pallet management, and scheduling. This makes the XR-1000 APC suitable for unattended production runs where consistent part quality and cycle time predictability are critical.
New XR-1000 APC machines price between $185,000 and $275,000, reflecting the pallet changer premium over the standard XR-1000. The machine competes with the Makino a61nx, DMG Mori CMX 1100V with pallet automation, and Okuma GENOS M560-V-e APC in the automated high-speed VMC segment. The XR-1000 APC is an ideal solution for shops looking to maximize spindle uptime without committing to a full horizontal machining center.
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) |
| Pallet Size | 1,200 x 600 mm (47.2 x 23.6 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 |
| Pallet Change Time | 12 sec |
| Max Pallet 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 | 10,200 kg (22,487 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Dual-pallet APC system virtually eliminates setup time, boosting spindle utilization from typical 50-60% to 85-90% in production environments
- 12-second pallet exchange keeps non-cutting downtime minimal between consecutive parts or fixture setups
- Retains full XR-1000 high-speed capability with 15,000 RPM direct-drive spindle and 48 m/min rapids
- Pallet management integrated into Fanuc 31i-B5 control enables automated scheduling and unattended production runs
- 800 kg pallet load capacity supports heavy production fixtures without compromising the APC system
- More accessible entry point to automated machining than a full horizontal machining center at similar capability
Limitations
- Significantly larger footprint than the standard XR-1000 due to the pallet changer mechanism and loading station
- $40,000-$50,000 price premium over the standard XR-1000 requires sufficient production volume to justify the investment
- BT 40 taper limits heavy roughing capability; the APC premium is harder to justify if cycle times are dominated by light cuts
- Two-pallet system is less flexible than multi-pallet pool systems available on horizontal machining centers
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New XR-1000 APC machines price between $185,000 and $275,000. The APC system adds approximately $40,000-$50,000 over the standard XR-1000. Full configurations with 20,000 RPM spindle, probing, high-pressure coolant, and extended tool capacity approach the upper range.
02
In typical production scenarios, the dual-pallet APC system increases spindle utilization from 50-60% on a standard VMC to 85-90%. The 12-second pallet exchange replaces manual setup times that typically range from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on part complexity. The ROI is most compelling on parts with cycle times under 30 minutes.
03
The XR-1000 APC offers high-speed vertical machining with two-pallet automation at roughly half the cost of a comparably sized HMC. An HMC provides better chip evacuation, four-sided access, and multi-pallet pool options. Choose the XR-1000 APC for top-access parts requiring precision surface finish; choose an HMC for tombstone-style production with heavy chip loads.
04
Yes. The Fanuc 31i-B5 control supports independent program assignment to each pallet. Each pallet can carry a different fixture and run a different program, enabling flexible scheduling of mixed-part production or combining roughing and finishing setups.
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