Hurco VM30i

$75,000 - $100,000 (new) | $35,000 - $60,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

762 mm (30 in)

Y Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Z Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Hurco VM30i is the largest machine in Hurco's VM series, bridging the gap between the compact VM line and the heavier VMX performance machines. With travels of 762 x 508 x 508 mm (30 x 20 x 20 in), it covers the same X-Y envelope as the VMX30i but in a lighter, more affordable package.

The spindle is a 12,000 RPM Big Plus CAT 40 producing 11.2 kW (15 hp). The torque curve delivers around 119 Nm (88 ft-lbs) at low RPM, which is adequate for general-purpose steel work but not in the same league as the VMX30i's 213 Nm. If you're primarily cutting aluminum and mild steel, the VM30i's spindle won't be a bottleneck. For heavy roughing in tool steel or Inconel, look at the VMX series.

Table dimensions are 1,020 x 508 mm (40 x 20 in) with a 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) max load. That's enough for two 6-inch Kurt vises side by side, which is the standard setup for most job shop work. The 20-tool swing-arm ATC is the same unit used across the VM series — functional and reliable, but shops running complex parts may wish for the VMX30i's 40-tool capacity.

The WinMax control is the same across all Hurco machines, so the VM30i gives you the full conversational programming experience. For shops that value at-the-machine programming, the VM30i offers the largest work envelope in the VM series before stepping up to the heavier, more expensive VMX line. Rapids hit 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) on all axes.

At approximately 4,200 kg (9,259 lb), the VM30i is lighter than the VMX30i by about 1,000 kg. It uses linear guides on all three axes rather than the VMX30i's hybrid roller/box way design, which makes it faster but slightly less rigid under heavy cuts. For most job shop work this tradeoff is acceptable.

Pricing runs $75,000-$100,000 new, sitting between the VM10i ($55-75K) and VMX30i ($90-120K). Used VM30i machines from 2015-2020 trade in the $35,000-$60,000 range. It's the Goldilocks machine in Hurco's lineup for shops that need 30x20 travel without paying VMX prices.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	762 mm (30 in)
Y-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Z-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus
Spindle Motor Power	20 hp (15.0 kW)
Spindle Torque	60.7 ft-lbs @ 1,740 rpm (82.3 Nm @ 1,740 rpm)
Tool Capacity	24
Table Size	52 x 20 in (1,321 x 508 mm)
Max Table Load	1,200 kg (2,646 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Machine Weight	4,200 kg (9,259 lb)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	50 x 20 x 20 in (1,270 x 508 x 508 mm)
T Slot Size	5 x .71 in (5 x 18 mm)
Max Weight On Table	3,970 lbs (1,800 kg)
Spindle Nose To Table	4.0 in (102 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	12,000 rpm
Tool Changertool Type	CAT 40 / Big Plus® (CAT/BT 40)
Max Tool Diameter	3.1 in (80 mm)
Max Tool Length	9.8 in (250 mm)
Max Tool Weight	15.4 lb (7 kg)
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	1,102 in/min (28 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	1,102 in/min (28 m/min)
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	160.9 x 130.4 in (4,086 x 3,312 mm)
Machine Height	100.1 in (2,543 mm)
Machine Weight	9,524 lbs (4,320 kg)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

30x20" travel matches the VMX30i at a significantly lower price point, ideal for budget-conscious job shops
WinMax conversational control eliminates CAM costs and speeds up programming for short-run work
12,000 RPM Big Plus spindle handles aluminum efficiently and manages light to moderate steel work
1,020 x 508 mm table fits dual vise setups for increased throughput on small parts
Lighter weight than VMX30i means lower foundation requirements and easier installation
Linear guides on all axes provide faster rapids and smoother surface finish on contour work

Limitations

15 hp spindle is noticeably weaker than the VMX30i's 18 hp, limiting aggressive roughing capacity
20-tool ATC is half the capacity of the VMX30i's 40 tools, requiring more frequent tool changes on complex jobs
508 mm (20 in) Z-travel is 102 mm less than the VMX30i, limiting tall workpiece and fixture options
All-linear-guide construction sacrifices rigidity compared to the VMX30i's hybrid roller/box way design
Hurco's limited dealer network means service response can lag behind Haas in many regions

Best For

Job shops needing 30x20 travel that can't justify the VMX30i's higher price Shops where operators program at the control rather than using dedicated CAM workstations Small to mid-size shops running 1-50 piece lots across a wide variety of materials Shops upgrading from a VM10i or similar compact VMC that need more travel Production environments cutting primarily aluminum and mild steel where extreme rigidity isn't critical Shops that value fast setup and programming speed over maximum metal removal rate

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco VM30i cost?

New base price starts around $75,000. Fully configured with through-spindle coolant, probing, and other options, expect $90,000-$100,000. Used VM30i machines from 2015-2020 sell for $35,000-$60,000 depending on hours, condition, and installed options.

02 How does the VM30i compare to the VMX30i?

Both have 30x20" X-Y travel, but the VMX30i adds 4 more inches of Z travel (24 vs 20 in), 40 vs 20 tools, 18 vs 15 hp, more torque (157 vs 88 ft-lbs), and hybrid roller/box ways for better rigidity. The VMX30i weighs 1,000 kg more. The VM30i costs roughly $15-20K less and is better for lighter-duty work.

03 Can the VM30i handle mold work?

For small to medium molds in P20 and aluminum, yes. The 12K RPM spindle and Big Plus taper handle semi-finishing and finishing passes well. For heavy roughing of large mold cores and cavities, the VMX series with its higher torque and rigidity is the better choice.

04 What's the difference between VM and VMX series?

VM machines use linear guides on all axes, have 20-tool ATCs, and lighter castings for a lower price. VMX machines add roller guides or hybrid roller/box ways, 40-tool ATCs, more spindle power and torque, and heavier castings for better rigidity. VMX is the performance line, VM is the value line.

05 Is the WinMax control the same on all Hurco machines?

Yes, the same WinMax software runs on every Hurco from the VM10i to the DCX series. The hardware varies (processor speed, screen size), but the programming interface and conversational system are identical. Skills transfer directly between any Hurco machine.