Hurco BM500U
Image: hurco.com, Hurco
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
How much does the Hurco BM500U cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Hurco BM500U that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Hurco BM500U is a five-axis machining center with a 500 mm (19.7 in) × 500 mm (19.7 in) table and 850 mm (33.46 in) of X travel over 500 mm (19.7 in) of Y and 500 mm (19.7 in) of Z. Its CAT 40 spindle runs to 15,000 rpm with 11 kW (14.8 hp) and 70 Nm (51.6 ft-lb), and all three linear axes rapid at 35 m/min (1,377 ipm).
The rotary axes are a B axis that tilts from -110° to +30° and a C axis with 360° of rotation, both rated at 33 rpm. The tilt is asymmetric, with most of its range on the negative side, so the part orientation and the fixture height should be planned around that side before the first program is written. Spindle nose to table distance runs over 100-600 mm (3.94-23.62 in); with tools up to 300 mm (11.8 in) long in the spindle, tall parts on a riser use up that window quickly.
The long X axis is what sets this machine apart from its Hurco neighbours. The VC600i has a bigger 600 mm (23.62 in) × 600 mm (23.62 in) table and 820 mm (32.28 in) of X, but its spindle stops at 12,000 rpm. The BX40Ui reaches 950 mm (37.4 in) of X and a 20,000 rpm HSK-63A spindle, on a smaller 398 mm (15.7 in) × 398 mm (15.7 in) table. The BM500U sits between them with a square half-metre table, a 40-taper holder and a spindle that favours speed over torque.
The magazine holds 40 tools as standard, with 60 or 96 pockets listed as options, and tool-to-tool time is 2.5 sec. Tools may be up to 75 mm (2.95 in) in diameter and 7 kg (15.4 lb) in weight. Table load is 250 kg (550 lb), and the machine itself weighs 7,520 kg (16,578 lb), which is the figure to give the rigger and the floor engineer. Like every Hurco, it runs the WinMax control, which takes conversational programs as well as G-code.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| B Axis Speed | 33 rpm |
| C Axis Speed | 33 rpm |
| Rapid Traverse X | 35 m/min / 1,377 ipm |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 35 m/min / 1,377 ipm |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 35 m/min / 1,377 ipm |
| Max Table Load | 250 kg (550 lb) |
| Spindle Nose to Table | 100-600 mm (3.94-23.62 in) |
| Machine Weight | 7,520 kg (16,578 lb) |
| X-Axis Travel | 850 mm (33.46 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| B Axis Range | -110° / +30° |
| C Axis Range | 360° |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (14.8 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 70 Nm (51.6 ft-lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 15,000 rpm |
| Spindle Taper | CAT 40 |
| Tool Capacity | 40 (60/96 optional) tools |
| Tool to Tool Time | 2.5 sec |
| Max Tool Diameter (full magazine) | 75 mm (2.95 in) |
| Max Tool Length | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 7 kg (15.4 lb) |
| Table Size | 500 mm (19.7 in) × 500 mm (19.7 in) |
Specifications sourced from hurco.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 850 mm (33.46 in) of X travel on a 500 mm (19.7 in) × 500 mm (19.7 in) table, longer than the 820 mm (32.28 in) of the VC600i
- 15,000 rpm CAT 40 spindle keeps standard 40-taper holders while giving room for small cutters
- 35 m/min (1,377 ipm) rapids on X, Y and Z
- 40-tool magazine as standard, with 60 or 96 pockets available as options
- B axis from -110° to +30° and 360° C axis, both rated at 33 rpm
Limitations
- 11 kW (14.8 hp) and 70 Nm (51.6 ft-lb) limit heavy roughing in steel; the VC600i lists 17 kW (22.8 hp) and 107.2 Nm (79.1 ft-lb)
- Table load is 250 kg (550 lb), so heavy fixtures and vises eat into the part weight
- The B axis reaches only +30° on the positive side against -110° on the other
- Tools are limited to 75 mm (2.95 in) in diameter, which rules out large face mills
- The larger 60 and 96 tool magazines are options, not standard
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
X travel is 850 mm (33.46 in), Y is 500 mm (19.7 in) and Z is 500 mm (19.7 in). The table measures 500 mm (19.7 in) × 500 mm (19.7 in) and is rated for 250 kg (550 lb). Spindle nose to table distance ranges from 100-600 mm (3.94-23.62 in).
02
The B axis tilts from -110° to +30° and the C axis rotates through 360°. Both are rated at 33 rpm. Because the B range is mostly on the negative side, check that your fixture and part clear the spindle at the angles the program actually uses.
03
A CAT 40 spindle running to 15,000 rpm, rated 11 kW (14.8 hp) and 70 Nm (51.6 ft-lb). That is a speed-oriented rating: it suits small and medium cutters in aluminium better than heavy roughing in steel, where a spindle such as the 107.2 Nm (79.1 ft-lb) unit of the VC600i has more to give.
04
40 as standard, with 60 or 96 tool magazines listed as options. Tool-to-tool time is 2.5 sec. Each tool may be up to 75 mm (2.95 in) in diameter, 300 mm (11.8 in) long and 7 kg (15.4 lb).
05
The BX40Ui has more X travel, 950 mm (37.4 in), and a 20,000 rpm HSK-63A spindle with 35 kW (47 hp), but a smaller 398 mm (15.7 in) × 398 mm (15.7 in) table and 30 tools. Both carry 250 kg (550 lb). The BM500U offers a larger table, CAT 40 holders and a 40-tool magazine.
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