Hurco DCX42i

$550,000 - $750,000 (new) | $300,000 - $500,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

4,200 mm (165.4 in)

Y Travel

2,100 mm (82.7 in)

Z Travel

920 mm (36.2 in)

Spindle Taper

CAT 50

Tool Capacity

Table Size

157.5 x 82.7 in (4,000 x 2,100 mm)

Overview

The Hurco DCX42i is the flagship of Hurco's double-column bridge VMC lineup, a 4-meter class machine built for shops that need to process the largest workpieces in a single setup. With 4,200 mm (165.4 in) of X-travel, 2,100 mm (82.7 in) in Y, and 920 mm (36.2 in) in Z, this machine competes with dedicated gantry mills and planer-type machines while offering the programming ease and modern CNC capability that those older platforms lack.

The table tells the story of what this machine is designed to do: 4,400 x 2,000 mm (173.2 x 78.7 in) of work surface with a 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) load capacity. You can fixture an entire large mold base, a full-length structural beam, or multiple smaller workpieces across that 4.4-meter table and machine them all in a single setup. For shops that have been shuttling work between multiple smaller machines or subcontracting oversize parts, the DCX42i consolidates those operations onto a single platform.

The CAT 50 spindle delivers 30 kW (40 HP) continuous at up to 6,000 RPM, the same proven spindle platform used across the DCX lineup. The consistency across the product line means tooling, programs, and operator knowledge transfer directly from smaller DCX machines. The 40-tool ATC handles standard CAT 50 holders, and the tool change sequence is designed to minimize non-cutting time despite the machine's large footprint.

At approximately 42,000 kg (92,594 lb), the DCX42i is a serious installation project. The double-column bridge structure distributes this mass across four support points, creating a stable platform that resists vibration even during aggressive roughing operations. Box-way guideways on all axes provide the load capacity and damping characteristics essential for a machine of this size and intended workload.

The WinMax control becomes even more valuable on a machine this size. When you're setting up a one-off 4-meter part, the ability to program or modify operations conversationally at the control — without going back to a CAM workstation — saves substantial time. The control's graphic verification lets operators confirm toolpaths on the 19-inch display before committing to a cut on a workpiece that might represent $50,000 in raw material.

New DCX42i machines price in the $550,000-$750,000 range, placing them in competition with gantry mills and used planer-type machines. The total installed cost including foundation, rigging, and electrical work can push the investment past $800,000. Used DCX42i units are rare — production of this model is limited, and owners rarely part with them. When available, expect $300,000-$500,000 for 2015-2022 vintage machines.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	4,200 mm (165.4 in)
Y-Axis Travel	2,100 mm (82.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	920 mm (36.2 in)
Table Size	157.5 x 82.7 in (4,000 x 2,100 mm)
Max Table Load	14,000 kg (30,865 lb)
Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 50
Spindle Motor Power	64 hp (48 kW)
Rapid Traverse Xy	12 m/min (472 IPM)
Rapid Traverse Z	10 m/min (394 IPM)
Tool Capacity	40
Guideway Type	Box ways (all axes)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Machine Weight	98,317 lb (45,000 kg)
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	165.4 x 102.4 x 43.3 in (4,200 x 2,600 x 1,100 mm)
Spindle Nose To Table	6.30 / 49.60 in (160 / 1,260 mm)
Max Weight On Table	35,274 lb (16,000 kg )
T Slot Size	9 x 0.87 in (9 x 22 mm)
Distance B W Columns	100 in (2,540 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	6,000 rpm
Spindle Torque	338 ft lbs @ 1,000 rpm (458 Nm @ 1,000 rpm)
Tool Changertool Type	CAT 50 (CAT/BT 50)
Max Tool Diameter	4.9 in (125 mm)
Max Tool Length	11.8 in (300 mm)
Max Tool Weight	33 lb (15 kg)
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	591, 591, 394 in/min (15, 15, 10 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	394 in/min (10 m/min)
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	486.7 x 277.6 in (12,363 x 6,722 mm)
Machine Height	212.0 in (5,385 mm)
Electricalpower Rating Full Load Kva	100 KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

4,200 mm X-travel is the largest in Hurco's lineup, handling workpieces that would otherwise require a dedicated gantry mill or floor-type boring mill
14,000 kg table capacity accommodates the heaviest mold bases, die blocks, and structural castings found in heavy industry applications
Double-column bridge construction maintains spindle accuracy across the full 4.2-meter travel range — no overhang or deflection issues
WinMax conversational control is a genuine competitive advantage for one-off and low-volume large-part work where CAM programming time can exceed cutting time
Box-way construction provides the load capacity and vibration damping essential for stable cutting at this machine size
Same spindle platform and tooling as the smaller DCX models allows standardization across a fleet of Hurco double-column machines

Limitations

6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is limiting for aluminum aerospace work where 10,000+ RPM is standard for high-speed finishing
40-tool magazine is undersized for a machine of this capability — complex mold and aerospace programs often require 60-100+ tools
12 m/min rapids across 4.2 meters of X-travel results in 21-second full-stroke positioning moves, adding significant non-cutting time
42,000 kg machine weight demands a substantial foundation investment and limits installation to facilities with adequate floor loading and crane access
Entry price of $550,000+ before installation costs makes the financial commitment substantial — ROI requires consistent large-part work

Best For

Mold builders working on the largest automotive and industrial mold bases that exceed 3 meters in any dimension Aerospace manufacturers machining full-length wing skins, fuselage panels, and large structural components in a single setup Energy sector shops processing large turbine casings, generator frames, and power plant components in steel and cast iron Heavy equipment manufacturers that need to machine frames, beds, and chassis components exceeding 4 meters in length Shipbuilding and marine manufacturers machining large propulsion components, valve assemblies, and structural elements Shops replacing aging planer mills or gantry machines that want modern CNC capability with conversational programming

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco DCX42i cost new and used?

New DCX42i machines typically price between $550,000 and $750,000 depending on configuration. Budget an additional $30,000-$50,000 for foundation work, $15,000-$25,000 for rigging and installation, and potential electrical upgrades. Total installed cost can approach or exceed $800,000. Used DCX42i units are rare, but 2015-2022 machines trade in the $300,000-$500,000 range when available.

02 Should I buy a DCX42i or a used gantry mill?

A used gantry mill (Waldrich Siegen, Ingersoll, etc.) may offer more travel and rigidity for the same or lower price, but you'll likely face dated controls, limited parts availability, and higher maintenance costs. The DCX42i offers modern CNC technology, the WinMax conversational control, readily available parts and service, and significantly lower operating costs. If your parts fit within the DCX42i's envelope, it's the more practical choice for most shops.

03 What foundation does the DCX42i require?

At 42,000 kg, the DCX42i requires a heavily reinforced concrete foundation, typically 500-600 mm thick with engineered rebar placement, isolated from the surrounding floor with expansion joints. The pad dimensions typically run 10 x 7 meters minimum. A geotechnical survey of your floor is recommended before ordering. Hurco provides detailed foundation drawings and specifications with each machine order, and foundation work should begin well before the machine delivery date.

04 How does the DCX42i compare to the DCX32i?

The DCX42i adds a full meter of X-travel (4,200 vs. 3,200 mm), a larger table (4,400 vs. 3,400 mm in length), and substantially more table load capacity (14,000 vs. 10,000 kg). Machine weight increases from 32,000 to 42,000 kg. Y and Z travels, spindle specs, and the control are identical. The price premium is significant — approximately $150,000-$200,000 more than the DCX32i. Choose the DCX42i only if your parts genuinely require the extra meter of travel.

05 Can the DCX42i handle 5-axis work?

The DCX42i is a 3-axis machine. Hurco does not offer a 5-axis variant of the 4-meter platform. For 5-axis double-column work, the DCX3226HT 5Si is Hurco's offering, with 3,200 mm X-travel. You can add a standalone rotary table or trunnion to the DCX42i for 4th or 5th axis capability, but this is a custom integration rather than a factory-supported configuration.