Hurco VM10HSi

$60,000 - $80,000 (new) | $30,000 - $50,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

660 mm (26 in)

Y Travel

356 mm (14 in)

Z Travel

356 mm (14 in)

Max Spindle

15,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Hurco VM10HSi is the high-speed variant of the VM10i, built specifically for shops that need fast spindle speeds and rapid chip-to-chip times in a compact package. The 'HS' designation means this machine trades low-end torque for top-end RPM, targeting aluminum, brass, graphite, and other free-machining materials.

Travels match the standard VM10i at 660 x 356 x 356 mm (26 x 14 x 14 in), but the spindle is the star. It runs a 15,000 RPM inline direct-drive unit through a Big Plus CAT 40 taper, producing 11.2 kW (15 hp). The direct-drive design eliminates belts, reducing vibration and thermal drift at high speeds. For small endmill work in aluminum — 1/4" and 3/8" carbide at 10,000+ RPM — the VM10HSi produces noticeably better surface finish than a belt-driven 12K spindle.

The 20-tool swing-arm ATC is the same proven unit from the standard VM series. Table is 760 x 356 mm (30 x 14 in) with a 500 kg (1,100 lb) load capacity. Rapids run 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) on all axes. Machine weight is approximately 3,200 kg (7,055 lb), slightly heavier than the VM10i due to the direct-drive spindle assembly.

WinMax conversational control is standard, giving the same at-the-machine programming capability as every other Hurco. For shops doing small aluminum parts, prototypes, and electronics enclosures, the VM10HSi lets one operator handle programming, setup, and machining without a separate CAM station.

The tradeoff with the high-speed spindle is reduced torque at low RPM. If you're drilling 3/4" holes in steel or face milling with large inserted cutters, the standard VM10i's belt-driven spindle is the better choice. The VM10HSi is purpose-built for high-RPM, light-cut work.

Pricing runs $60,000-$80,000 new, a modest premium over the standard VM10i. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade in the $30,000-$50,000 range. For shops that specialize in aluminum and non-ferrous work, the spindle upgrade is worth the price difference.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	660 mm (26 in)
Y-Axis Travel	356 mm (14 in)
Z-Axis Travel	356 mm (14 in)
Max Spindle Speed	15,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus
Spindle Motor Power	11.4 hp (8.5 kW)
Spindle Torque	4.0 ft-lbs @1500 rpm (5.4 Nm @ 1500 rpm)
Spindle Type	Inline direct-drive
Tool Capacity	20
Table Size	30 x 16 in (762 x 406 mm)
Max Table Load	500 kg (1,100 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	26.02 x 16.02 x 20 in (660 x 406 x 508 mm)
T Slot Size	3 x .71 in (3 x 18 mm)
Max Weight On Table	3,300 lbs (1,500 kg)
Spindle Nose To Table	4.0 in (102 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	20,000 rpm
Tool Changertool Type	BT30
Max Tool Diameter	3.15 in (80 mm)
Max Tool Length	9.8 in (250 mm)
Max Tool Weight	6.6 lb (3.0 kg)
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	1,102 in/min (28 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	1,102 in/min (28 m/min)
Required Floor Space	126.1 x 133.7 in (3,204 x 3,395 mm)
Machine Height	101.0 in (2,564 mm)
Machine Weight	6,746 lb (3,060 kg)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

15,000 RPM inline direct-drive spindle delivers superior surface finish in aluminum and non-ferrous materials
Direct-drive design eliminates belt vibration and thermal drift, improving accuracy at high spindle speeds
Compact footprint fits into tight shop spaces while delivering real production capability
WinMax conversational programming speeds up setup for one-off and short-run aluminum parts
Big Plus CAT 40 taper provides better tool rigidity than standard V-flange at high RPM
Same compact footprint as the VM10i makes it a drop-in upgrade for shops needing more spindle speed

Limitations

Reduced low-end torque compared to belt-driven VM10i makes it poorly suited for heavy steel roughing
356 mm (14 in) Y and Z travel limits workpiece size significantly
20-tool ATC can feel constrained on complex multi-operation parts
15K RPM is fast for a 40-taper but slower than the 20-30K RPM HSM machines from Makino or Röders
Hurco's limited dealer network may create service challenges depending on location

Best For

Aluminum part production shops running small to medium components at high spindle speeds Prototype shops and R&D labs producing one-off aluminum and brass parts quickly Electronics enclosure and heatsink machining where surface finish matters Graphite electrode machining for EDM shops that need a compact dedicated machine Medical device shops cutting aluminum, titanium, and PEEK at high speeds Shops upgrading from a VM10i that need better finish quality in non-ferrous materials

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco VM10HSi cost?

New base price starts around $60,000, roughly $5-10K more than the standard VM10i. Configured with through-spindle coolant and probing, expect $70,000-$80,000. Used VM10HSi machines from 2016-2021 sell for $30,000-$50,000.

02 What's the difference between the VM10i and VM10HSi?

The VM10HSi swaps the belt-driven 12K RPM spindle for a 15K RPM inline direct-drive unit. The direct-drive produces less torque at low RPM but runs smoother at high speeds with less vibration and thermal drift. Travels, table, and ATC are identical. Choose the HSi for aluminum, the standard for steel.

03 Can the VM10HSi cut steel?

Yes, but it's not optimized for it. The direct-drive spindle has less low-end torque than the belt-driven VM10i, so heavy roughing in steel is limited. Light steel work — drilling, tapping, finishing passes — is fine. If steel is more than 30% of your work, consider the standard VM10i instead.

04 Is 15,000 RPM enough for high-speed machining?

For most aluminum job shop work with 40-taper tooling, 15K RPM is the practical sweet spot. You can run 1/2" endmills at optimal SFM and smaller tools efficiently. True HSM (20-30K+ RPM) requires a different spindle platform like a Makino or Röders. The VM10HSi is fast for its class, not an HSM machine.

05 What does 'inline direct-drive' mean for the spindle?

Instead of using belts or gears to transfer motor power to the spindle, the motor is coupled directly to the spindle shaft. This eliminates belt harmonics, reduces heat generation, and provides smoother rotation at high RPM. The tradeoff is less mechanical torque multiplication at low speeds.