Hurco TM12i
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
Accuracy
Overview
The Hurco TM12i is a mid-size slant-bed CNC turning center built around a 12-inch chuck and an 813 mm (32 in) maximum turning length. It steps up from the TM8i in both capacity and capability, adding an optional live tooling turret that enables milling, drilling, tapping, and cross-drilling directly on the lathe without moving the part to a secondary machine. This makes the TM12i a genuine productivity multiplier for parts that require both turning and rotary milling features.
The spindle is a 22 kW (30 hp) AC servo unit with a 3,500 RPM maximum speed and an A2-8 spindle nose. Maximum turning diameter is 533 mm (21 in). The 12-station VDI turret (when live tooling is specified) accommodates both fixed and driven tool holders, with driven tools spinning up to 4,000 RPM. Index time is 0.5 seconds for adjacent VDI stations — considerably faster than the bolt-on turret on the TM8i. The bar capacity through the spindle reaches 76 mm (3 in), suitable for most production turning bar stock sizes.
WinMax Turn handles both fixed and live tooling programming conversationally. For live tool operations, the machinist enters the milling operation type (slot, pocket, hole, thread mill) along with angular position on the OD or face, and WinMax generates the C-axis and live tool path. The control synchronizes spindle indexing and turret positioning automatically. G-code programs are also accepted for shops with existing CAM-generated turning programs.
The TM12i is one of Hurco's most versatile single-spindle lathes and competes directly with the Haas ST-20 with live tooling, the Mazak Quick Turn 250MSY, and the Okuma LB3000 EX. Base price without live tooling runs approximately $90,000–$110,000; with live tooling the configuration typically reaches $115,000–$140,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 20.1 in (510 mm) |
| Max Turning Length | 39.4 in (1,000 mm) |
| Chuck Size | 12 in (305 mm) hydraulic |
| Bar Capacity | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,500 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 53.64 hp (40 kW) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-8 |
| Spindle Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Turret Stations | 12-station VDI 40 turret |
| Turret Index Time | 0.5 sec (adjacent station) |
| Live Tool Speed Max | 4,000 RPM (optional live tooling) |
| Live Tool Power | 5.5 kW (7.5 hp) |
| X Axis Travel | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 870 mm (34.3 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| Machine Weight | 16,535 lb (6,686 kg) |
| CNC Control | Hurco WinMax Turn (15.4-in touch-screen, conversational + G-code, C-axis + live tool capable) |
| Coolant Capacity | 225 L (60 gal) |
| Electrical | 230/460 VAC 3-phase, 60 A |
| Travels Capacitydistance Between Centers | 39.6 in (1,006 mm) |
| Swing Over Bed Diameter | 26.77 in (680 mm) |
| Swing Over Cross Slide Diameter | 20.1 in (510 mm) |
| Max Bar Capacity | 4.0 in (102 mm) |
| X Z Axis Travel | 12, 40 in (305, 1,016 mm) |
| Spindlemax Spindle Speed | 2800 rpm |
| Max Torque High Gear | 324.49 ft lbs @ 868 rpm (439.9 Nm @ 868 rpm) |
| Spindle Taper | A2-11 |
| Chuck Diameter | 12 in (315 mm) |
| Turrettool Type | Slotted Disc |
| Tool Capacity | 12 Stations |
| Turret Index Time Adjacent | 0.45 seconds |
| Turret Index Time Furthest | 1.5 seconds |
| Feedratesrapid Traverse Xz Axis | 1,181 in/min (30 m/min) |
| Sizemax Operating Floor Space | 238.98 x 141.4 in (6,070 x 3,592 mm) |
| Machine Height | 90.73 in (2,305 mm) |
| Parts Catcher Dimensions | 9.8 x 6.3 x 4.8 in (250 x 160 x 123 mm) |
Specifications sourced from hurco.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Optional live tooling VDI turret enables OD and face milling, drilling, and tapping in a single setup — eliminating secondary VMC operations for many prismatic features
- VDI 40 turret with 0.5-sec adjacent index time is significantly faster than bolt-on turrets, reducing cycle times in high-tool-count programs
- 12-inch chuck and 533 mm max turning diameter cover the broad majority of industrial turned-part sizes without needing a larger machine
- WinMax Turn handles live tool C-axis programming conversationally, reducing the programming complexity typically associated with milling-on-lathe work
- 76 mm bar capacity through the spindle supports most production bar stock sizes for automated bar-feed turning
Limitations
- 3,500 RPM maximum spindle speed is lower than competing 12-inch lathes from Haas (ST-20 at 4,000 RPM) and Mazak, limiting high-speed finishing on small-diameter parts
- Live tooling option adds significant cost ($25K–$50K) over the base machine — shops that rarely need milling on the lathe may not recover the investment
- No Y-axis option on the TM12i; parts requiring off-center milling operations beyond simple C-axis positioning require a dedicated mill-turn platform
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
No. The TM12i supports C-axis positioning and live tooling for on-center and radial milling, drilling, and threading, but does not offer a Y-axis. For true off-center milling (e.g., eccentric bores, off-axis flats, keyways not on centerline), a Y-axis mill-turn machine like the Hurco HTX series or a dedicated mill-turn from Mazak or DMG Mori is required.
02
The VDI 40 (DIN 69880) turret accepts standard VDI 40 shank fixed holders for OD and ID turning, as well as powered VDI 40 driven holders for live tooling. Common driven tools include ER-collet live centers, slitting saw arbors, and face/angle milling adapters. Driven tools from most major tooling manufacturers (Capto, Kennametal, Sandvik) are available in VDI 40 form.
03
The Haas ST-20 with live tooling starts around $85,000–$95,000, somewhat below the Hurco TM12i at $115,000–$140,000 with live tooling. Both machines cover similar turning envelopes. The Hurco advantages are WinMax conversational control (faster setup), faster turret indexing, and stronger European dealer support. The Haas advantages are lower initial cost, an extremely strong used market, and faster spindle speed (4,000 vs 3,500 RPM).
04
Yes. The TM12i has a spindle bore of 89 mm (3.5 in) and the control includes bar feeder interface capability. Most major bar feeder brands (LNS, Iemca, FMB, Hydromat) offer interface kits for the Hurco TM series. Bar feeder selection depends on bar stock diameter (up to 76 mm), material, and cycle time requirements.
05
Hurco provides a standard 1-year parts and labor warranty on new machines. Extended warranty options are available through Hurco dealers. Service is provided by Hurco's North American service organization and dealer network. Hurco's Indianapolis parts warehouse maintains common spare parts inventory for next-day delivery in most US locations.
Videos
Hurco Europe
Naab Machinery Sales
Hurco Europe
1stmachineryauctions
GLOMACH
Community Discussions
Community discussion — HURCO - CNCzone
Community discussion — HURCO - Page 2 - CNCzone
Options and configuration advice — Adding fourth Axis to Hurco VMC / Options? - CNCzone
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Problem hard drive - CNCzone
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




