Hurco TM6i

$55,000 - $80,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

165 mm (6.5 in)

Z Travel

305 mm (12 in)

Max Spindle

3,500 RPM

Spindle Taper

A2-5

Tool Capacity

12 Stations

Weight

2,300 kg (5,070 lb)

Overview

The Hurco TM6i is the smallest turning center in Hurco's TM lineup, built for shops that need a compact, capable CNC lathe for small-diameter work without eating up floor space. With a 6-inch chuck, 42 mm bar capacity, and 3,500 RPM spindle, it handles the quick-turn jobs that keep job shops profitable — pins, bushings, adapters, and small fittings in steel, aluminum, and brass.

The main spindle delivers 11.2 kW (15 hp) through a poly-V belt drive optimized for turning. That's enough power for most work within the machine's 254 mm (10 in) maximum turning diameter, though aggressive roughing in stainless will push it. Maximum turning length is 305 mm (12 in) with travels of 165 mm (6.5 in) in X and 305 mm (12 in) in Z. The 12-station turret indexes quickly via servo drive and handles standard OD and ID tooling.

Construction follows Hurco's standard approach: Meehanite cast iron base, precision linear guideways, pre-tensioned double-nut ball screws, and Yaskawa servo drives with absolute encoders on all axes. The 30-degree slant bed provides good chip evacuation and ergonomic access to the work zone. Machine weight comes in at approximately 2,300 kg (5,070 lb), which is solid for this size class.

The WinMax conversational control is the defining feature that separates every Hurco from its competitors at similar price points. Operators can program parts at the machine in conversational mode, import G-code from CAM, or blend both. For shops running one-offs and small batches where setup time dominates cycle time, this is a genuine competitive advantage. The TM6i competes with the Haas ST-10, Doosan Lynx 2100, and Mazak Quick Turn 200 in the compact turning center segment.

For shops that need a reliable, easy-to-program small lathe that won't sit idle waiting for CAM programs, the TM6i delivers. It's not a production powerhouse — that's what the TMX series is for — but for the high-mix, low-volume work that defines most job shops, the TM6i earns its keep every day.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Chuck Size	6 in (152 mm)
Bar Capacity	42 mm (1.65 in)
Max Turning Diameter	12.44 in (316 mm )
Max Turning Length	13.39 in (340 mm)
Swing Over Bed	410 mm (16.1 in)
X-Axis Travel	165 mm (6.5 in)
Z-Axis Travel	305 mm (12 in)
Max Spindle Speed	3,500 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	15.42 hp (11.5 kW)
Spindle Nose	A2-5
Turret Stations	12
Rapid Traverse Rate	20 m/min (787 ipm)
Tailstock	Standard
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Machine Weight	2,300 kg (5,070 lb)
Travels Capacitydistance Between Centers	15.85 in (402.5 mm)
Swing Over Bed Diameter	15.94 in (405 mm)
Swing Over Cross Slide Diameter	9.45 in (240 mm)
Max Bar Capacity	1.75 in (45 mm)
X Z Axis Travel	7,14 in (176, 356 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	6,000 rpm
Max Torque High Gear	74.3 ft lbs @ 1,090 rpm (100.7 Nm @ 1,090 rpm)
Spindle Taper	A2-5
Chuck Diameter	6.0 in (170 mm)
Turrettool Type	Slotted Disc
Tool Capacity	12 Stations
Turret Index Time Adjacent	1.3 seconds
Turret Index Time Furthest	2.6 seconds
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xz Axis	1,181, 1,181 in/min (30, 30 m/min)
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	148.08 x 114.96 in (3,761 x 2,920 mm)
Machine Height	84.41 in (2,144 mm)
Machine Weight	7,121 lb (3,180 kg)
Parts Catcher Dimensions	5.3 x 4.2 x 2.6 in (135 x 106 x 65 mm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint fits tight shop floors while providing genuine CNC turning capability for parts up to 254 mm diameter
WinMax conversational control eliminates CAM dependency for straightforward turned parts — program at the machine in minutes
42 mm bar capacity covers common small-diameter bar stock for bar-fed production with a magazine feeder
Meehanite cast iron construction provides thermal stability and vibration damping beyond what you'd expect at this price point
Absolute encoders on all axes eliminate homing on startup — power on and start cutting immediately
12-station servo turret indexes fast enough that tool changes don't dominate cycle time on multi-tool jobs

Limitations

15 hp spindle limits aggressive roughing in stainless and harder materials — fine for finishing but slow on heavy cuts
305 mm maximum turning length is short — shaft work over 12 inches requires a larger TM or TMX machine
3,500 RPM spindle speed is modest for small-diameter aluminum work where higher RPM improves surface finish
No live tooling option — any milling, drilling, or tapping requires a secondary operation on a VMC
Hurco's dealer network is smaller than Haas or Mazak, affecting service availability in some regions

Best For

Job shops running high-mix, low-volume small turned parts where setup time matters more than cycle time Shops adding a compact second or third lathe for overflow work and quick-turn jobs Operators stepping up from manual lathes who value conversational programming without learning G-code Medical device and connector manufacturers producing small precision components under 10 inches diameter Prototype and R&D departments needing fast turnaround on small turned parts without CAM bottlenecks Educational institutions teaching CNC turning with an intuitive conversational control system

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco TM6i cost?

A new Hurco TM6i typically sells in the $55,000 to $80,000 range depending on options like tailstock, chip conveyor, and tooling packages. Used TM6i machines from 2018-2023 trade in the $30,000 to $50,000 range depending on hours and condition.

02 What is the difference between the TM6i and TM8i?

The TM8i steps up to an 8-inch chuck, larger spindle bore (51 mm bar capacity), more turning length (455 mm vs 305 mm), and a more powerful spindle (18 hp vs 15 hp). If your parts regularly exceed 6 inches in diameter or 12 inches in length, the TM8i is worth the step up. For small parts under those limits, the TM6i saves money and floor space.

03 Can the TM6i run unattended with a bar feeder?

Yes. The 42 mm through-spindle bore accepts standard bar feeders. Paired with a magazine bar feeder and WinMax's part counting features, the TM6i can run unattended for extended periods on bar stock within the 42 mm diameter limit.

04 How does the TM6i compare to the Haas ST-10?

The Haas ST-10 offers similar capacity at a lower base price with a larger dealer network. The Hurco TM6i's advantage is WinMax conversational programming, which is faster for at-the-machine programming without CAM. For shops that value ease of programming over lowest purchase price, the TM6i is the better choice.

05 What materials can the TM6i handle?

The TM6i handles mild steel, 4140, aluminum, brass, copper, and plastics comfortably. It will cut 304/316 stainless and tool steels but at reduced feeds and depths due to the 15 hp spindle. For heavy stainless work, the TM8i or TMX series with more spindle power is a better fit.