Hardinge XR-1500 HPD
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Overview
The Hardinge XR-1500 HPD is the largest and most powerful member of the XR high-speed vertical machining center series, featuring the HPD (High Performance Drive) designation that signals enhanced axis drive technology for superior dynamic response and contouring accuracy. With X/Y/Z travels of 1,500 x 700 x 560 mm (59.1 x 27.6 x 22.0 in), the XR-1500 HPD brings high-speed precision milling to large workpieces that exceed the capacity of the XR-1000.
The spindle delivers 22 kW (30 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 machining. The HPD drive system uses high-resolution encoders and advanced servo tuning to maintain tight contouring accuracy at the fast feed rates the XR series demands. The direct-drive spindle design eliminates belt vibration for the surface finish quality that defines the XR platform across all sizes.
The work table measures 1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in) with a maximum load of 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), providing the clamping area and load capacity needed for large aerospace structural components, mold bases, and multi-part production fixtures. A 30-tool arm-type ATC with 1.8-second tool-to-tool changes and 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) rapid traverse rates on all axes maintain the fast cycle time character of the XR series even across the extended travels.
The XR-1500 HPD runs on a Fanuc 31i-B5 control with nano-smoothing, NURBS interpolation, and advanced look-ahead processing. The HPD servo system provides enhanced acceleration and deceleration profiles that minimize cycle time on complex tool paths without sacrificing surface quality. New XR-1500 HPD machines price between $195,000 and $295,000. The machine competes with the Makino F5, DMG Mori DMF 260/11, and Hurco VMX60SRTi in the large high-speed VMC segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,500 mm (59.1 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 700 mm (27.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Table Size | 1,700 x 700 mm (66.9 x 27.6 in) |
| Max Table Load | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Spindle Taper | BT 40 |
| Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM (20,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22 kW (30 hp) |
| Spindle Drive | Direct drive (HPD) |
| Tool Capacity | 30 |
| Tool Change Time | 1.8 sec (tool-to-tool) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.004 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-B5 |
| Machine Weight | 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,500 mm X-travel is the largest in the XR series, enabling machining of large mold bases, aerospace panels, and structural components
- 22 kW direct-drive spindle provides sufficient power for productive material removal across the large work envelope
- HPD servo system delivers enhanced acceleration profiles for faster cycle times on complex contoured tool paths
- 1,200 kg table load supports heavy mold bases and multi-part production fixtures without restriction
- 48 m/min rapids and 1.8-second tool changes maintain fast cycle time character despite the extended travels
- Fanuc 31i-B5 with nano-smoothing maintains surface quality at high feed rates on large contoured surfaces
Limitations
- BT 40 taper limits heavy roughing capability on a machine of this size; some competitors offer CAT 50 at comparable travels
- Large footprint and 12,000 kg weight require substantial floor space and foundation planning
- Higher price point compared to standard production VMCs with similar travels that lack the high-speed spindle
- Hardinge's service network is smaller than Mazak, DMG Mori, or Okuma, which is a factor at this investment level
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New XR-1500 HPD machines price between $195,000 and $295,000. Base configurations with 15,000 RPM spindle and Fanuc 31i-B5 start near $195,000. Full configurations with 20,000 RPM spindle, through-spindle coolant, probing, high-pressure coolant, 4th axis, and chip management approach $295,000.
02
HPD stands for High Performance Drive. The HPD designation indicates enhanced axis drive technology using high-resolution encoders and advanced servo tuning that provides superior dynamic response, faster acceleration/deceleration, and tighter contouring accuracy compared to standard drive configurations.
03
The XR-1500 HPD steps up with 1,500 mm vs 1,020 mm X-travel, 700 vs 610 mm Y-travel, 560 vs 510 mm Z-travel, 22 kW vs 18.5 kW spindle power, and 1,200 vs 800 kg table load. The HPD drive system provides enhanced dynamic response. Both share 15,000 RPM spindle speed, 48 m/min rapids, and 30-tool ATC.
04
The BT 40 taper is optimized for the XR-1500 HPD's high-speed precision machining mission. For high-speed aluminum, graphite, and precision finishing work, BT 40 is appropriate and enables the 15,000-20,000 RPM speeds that define the XR series. Shops primarily doing heavy roughing in steel or titanium on large parts should consider a CAT 50 platform instead.
