Hurco DCX22i

$250,000 - $350,000 (new) | $120,000 - $200,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

2,200 mm (86.6 in)

Y Travel

1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Z Travel

750 mm (29.5 in)

Spindle Taper

CAT 50

Tool Capacity

Table Size

82.7 x 63 in (2,100 x 1,600 mm)

Overview

The Hurco DCX22i is the entry point into Hurco's double-column bridge-style VMC lineup, and it punches well above what most shops expect from a 2-meter class machine. The double-column, bridge-type construction gives this machine a rigidity advantage that conventional C-frame VMCs simply cannot match at this size. If you're cutting molds, dies, or large aerospace components and you've been fighting deflection on your existing VMC, the DCX22i is the kind of machine that makes you wonder why you didn't go double-column sooner.

The travels tell the story: 2,200 mm (86.6 in) in X, 1,700 mm (66.9 in) in Y, and 750 mm (29.5 in) in Z, all riding on a rigid bridge structure that keeps the spindle centered over the work regardless of table position. The table measures 2,400 x 1,500 mm (94.5 x 59.1 in) and handles workpieces up to 6,000 kg (13,228 lb). That's serious payload capacity for a machine in this class, and it means you can fixture heavy steel mold blocks or large aluminum aerospace panels without worrying about table sag.

The CAT 50 spindle runs up to 6,000 RPM with 30 kW (40 HP) of continuous power. It's not going to win any speed contests against HSK machines, but CAT 50 at 30 kW gives you the torque and rigidity to hog material in steel and cast iron all day long. The 40-tool automatic tool changer keeps things moving between operations without constant operator intervention.

What truly sets the DCX22i apart from other double-column machines in this price range is the WinMax control. Hurco's conversational programming system means you don't need a dedicated CAM programmer to run this machine productively. An experienced machinist can program complex 3D surfacing operations right at the control using conversational input, or import G-code from any CAM system. That dual-path capability — conversational plus NC — is something no other double-column manufacturer offers at this level.

The machine's thermal stability design includes a temperature-controlled spindle head and box-way construction on all linear axes. Box ways are the right choice for this class of machine where cutting forces are high and damping matters more than rapid traverse speed. Rapids of 15 m/min (590 IPM) in X and Y reflect the box-way design — not blazing fast, but smooth and reliable.

Pricing for a new DCX22i typically falls in the $250,000-$350,000 range depending on options. That's competitive against comparable double-column machines from Taiwanese builders, and you get Hurco's US-based service network and the WinMax control advantage. Used units from 2015-2022 trade in the $120,000-$200,000 range when they appear, though they don't hit the market often.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	2,200 mm (86.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Z-Axis Travel	750 mm (29.5 in)
Table Size	82.7 x 63 in (2,100 x 1,600 mm)
Max Table Load	6,000 kg (13,228 lb)
Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 50
Spindle Motor Power	24 hp @ 900 rpm (18 kW @ 900 rpm)
Rapid Traverse Xy	15 m/min (590 IPM)
Rapid Traverse Z	12 m/min (472 IPM)
Tool Capacity	40
Guideway Type	Box ways (all axes)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Machine Weight	44,000 lbs (21,000 kg)
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	86.6 x 66.9 x 29.5 in (2,200 x 1,700 x 750 mm)
Spindle Nose To Table	6 / 35.5 in (152 / 902 mm)
Max Weight On Table	13,228 lb (6,000 kg)
T Slot Size	9 x 0.87 in (9 x 22 mm)
Distance B W Columns	68.9 in (1,750 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	12,000 rpm
Spindle Torque	175 ft lbs @ 720 rpm (237 Nm @ 720 rpm)
Tool Changertool Type	CAT 40 (CAT/BT 40)
Max Tool Diameter	2.95 in (75 mm)
Max Tool Length	11.8 in (300 mm)
Max Tool Weight	15.4 lb (7 kg)
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	945 in/min (24 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	945 in/min (24 m/min)
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	283.9 x 226.9 in (7,210 x 5,765 mm)
Machine Height	153.1 in (3,889 mm)
Electricalpower Rating Full Load Kva	48 KVA

Specifications sourced from hurco.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Double-column bridge construction delivers outstanding rigidity for heavy cutting in steel and cast iron — virtually eliminates the deflection issues common in C-frame VMCs at this size
WinMax conversational control lets experienced machinists program complex 3D parts at the machine without CAM software, a unique advantage among double-column VMCs
2,400 x 1,500 mm table with 6,000 kg capacity handles large mold blocks, die plates, and aerospace structural components without fixturing compromises
CAT 50 spindle at 30 kW provides serious torque for face milling and heavy roughing operations that would stall smaller-taper machines
Box-way construction on all axes provides superior vibration damping and long-term accuracy retention compared to linear-guide alternatives
US-based Hurco service network with direct factory support — a significant advantage over offshore double-column builders with limited North American presence

Limitations

6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed limits productivity in aluminum and non-ferrous materials where 10,000-15,000 RPM is preferred for high-speed finishing
15 m/min rapid traverse is slow by modern standards — adds up on large-travel moves across the 2.2-meter X-axis during tool changes and positioning
40-tool magazine may feel limiting for complex mold work requiring 60+ tools — no option for larger magazine on this model
Box-way construction requires more diligent maintenance and way lubrication compared to linear-guide machines
Significant floor space and foundation requirements — double-column machines need substantial concrete pads and crane access for installation

Best For

Mold and die shops machining large mold bases and die plates that exceed the capacity of standard C-frame VMCs Aerospace manufacturers cutting large aluminum structural panels, wing ribs, or titanium forgings requiring rigid, stable machining Job shops processing heavy steel and cast iron weldments, fixtures, and machine bases up to 6,000 kg Tool and die makers who value the ability to program complex contours conversationally at the WinMax control without dedicated CAM seats Shops replacing gantry mills or aging bridge machines that want modern CNC capability in a proven double-column platform Energy sector manufacturers machining large valve bodies, pump housings, and turbine components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco DCX22i cost new and used?

New Hurco DCX22i machines typically price between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on spindle options, probing packages, and tooling configuration. Used DCX22i units from 2015-2022 trade in the $120,000-$200,000 range, though availability is limited as owners tend to keep these machines. Factor in foundation costs of $10,000-$20,000 for the concrete pad and rigging/installation of $5,000-$15,000 depending on your location.

02 How does the DCX22i compare to Taiwanese double-column machines?

The DCX22i is priced competitively with machines from Kao Ming, Awea, and Hartford in the same travel class. Where the Hurco stands out is the WinMax control — no other double-column builder offers conversational programming at this level. Build quality is comparable, but Hurco's US service infrastructure is significantly stronger than most Taiwanese brands. If you're purely CAM-driven and price-sensitive, the Taiwanese options may save 15-20%, but you'll sacrifice the conversational programming advantage and domestic support.

03 Can the DCX22i handle 5-axis work?

The DCX22i is a 3-axis machine. For 5-axis double-column capability, Hurco offers the DCX3226HT 5Si which adds a trunnion-mounted rotary table. However, you can add a standalone 4th-axis rotary table to the DCX22i for indexing operations, and the WinMax control supports 4th-axis programming natively.

04 What foundation does the DCX22i require?

At approximately 22,000 kg, the DCX22i requires a reinforced concrete foundation typically 300-400 mm thick with rebar, isolated from the surrounding floor to minimize vibration transmission. Hurco provides a foundation drawing with the machine order. The installation footprint is approximately 6 x 5 meters including chip conveyor and operator access. Plan for overhead crane access of at least 10 tons for installation.

05 Is the WinMax control hard to learn?

WinMax is widely considered one of the easiest CNC controls to learn. Experienced machinists often become productive within a few days using conversational mode, and Hurco's built-in help system and graphical verification make the learning curve gentle. The control also accepts standard G-code, so existing programs from CAM systems run without modification. Hurco offers training at their Indianapolis headquarters or on-site at your facility.

06 What spindle options are available for the DCX22i?

The standard DCX22i comes with a 6,000 RPM CAT 50 spindle producing 30 kW continuous power. This is optimized for steel and cast iron work. For shops primarily cutting aluminum, the spindle speed is the main limitation — consider the DCX22i 50T variant which offers 8,000 RPM with the same CAT 50 taper for improved aluminum finishing performance.