Hurco VMX30UHSi

$200,000 - $260,000 (new) | $120,000 - $170,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

762 mm (30 in)

Y Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Z Travel

520 mm (20.5 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Hurco VMX30UHSi is the high-speed, high-performance variant of the VMX30U platform. It pairs a 20,000 RPM direct-drive spindle with the same mid-size trunnion table, creating a machine that can rough aggressively in steel and finish at aerospace-grade surface quality in aluminum — all in the same setup.

Travels remain 762 x 508 x 520 mm (30 x 20 x 20.5 in) with the 248 mm (9.8 in) trunnion table rated for 200 kg (440 lb). A-axis tilts +30/-110 degrees, C-axis rotates 360 degrees. But the spindle is where this machine separates itself from the standard Ui variant.

The 20,000 RPM spindle delivers 29 kW (38.9 hp) of peak power and 99.3 Nm (73.2 ft-lbs) of torque at 1,500 RPM. That's nearly triple the power of the standard VMX30Ui (11 kW) with more than enough torque for serious material removal. The combination of high speed and high power means you can rough steel efficiently at moderate RPM and switch to high-speed aluminum finishing without changing setups. Rapids jump to 45 m/min (1,771 ipm) on X/Y and 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) on Z — significantly faster than the Ui's 38/32 m/min.

The 40-tool ATC runs the same arm-type changer as the standard model. Max tool diameter is 76 mm (3.0 in) with 300 mm (11.8 in) max length and 7 kg (15.4 lb) max weight. The CAT 40 / Big Plus taper provides compatibility with the vast library of existing tooling.

At 5,990 kg (13,178 lb), the UHSi weighs about 1,050 kg more than the standard Ui — that extra mass comes from the beefier spindle motor and reinforced headstock. Floor space is essentially identical at 3,940 x 4,054 mm (155 x 160 in). Power draw is 48 KVA, more than triple the standard Ui's 14 KVA.

New pricing runs $200,000-$260,000. This machine competes with the DMG MORI DMU 50 and Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 at the high-performance end of the mid-size 5-axis market.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	762 mm (30 in)
Y-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Z-Axis Travel	520 mm (20.5 in)
A Axis Range	+30° / -110°
C Axis Range	360°
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus
Spindle Motor Power	29 kW (38.9 hp) peak
Spindle Torque	73.2 ft lbs @ 1500 rpm (99.3 Nm @1500 rpm)
Tool Capacity	40
Rotary Table Diameter	248 mm (9.8 in)
Max Table Load	200 kg (440 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	45 m/min (1,771 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	40 m/min (1,575 ipm)
Rotary Axis Rapid	25 RPM
Max Tool Diameter	3.0 in (76 mm)
Max Tool Length	11.8 in (300 mm)
Max Tool Weight	15.4 lb (7 kg)
Machine Weight	5,990 kg (13,178 lb)
Floor Space	3,940 x 4,054 mm (155 x 160 in)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	30 x 20 x 20.5 in (762 x 508 x 520 mm)
A Axis Travel	+30°/-110°
C Axis Travel	360°
Spindle Nose To Table	3.5 in / 24 in (90 mm / 610 mm)
Table Diameter	9.8 in (248 mm)
Max Weight On Table	440 lbs (200 kg)
T Slot Size	6 x .48 in x 60° (6 x 12 mm x 60°)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	20,000 rpm
Peak Spindle Motor	38.9 hp (29 kW)
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	1,771,1,771, 1,575 in/min (45,45, 40 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	1,575 in/min (40 m/min)
A C Axis Max Rpm	25 rpm
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	155.1 x 159.6 in (3,939.5 x 4,053.8 mm)
Machine Weight	13,178 lb (5,990 kg)
Electricalpower Rating Full Load Kva	48 KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

20,000 RPM spindle with 29 kW (38.9 hp) bridges the gap between roughing power and high-speed finishing capability
45 m/min rapid traverse is 18% faster than the standard Ui, reducing non-cutting time on complex 5-axis jobs
99.3 Nm torque at 1,500 RPM handles aggressive steel roughing that lesser spindles can't manage
Same 40-tool ATC and trunnion table as the standard Ui — compatible tooling and fixtures across the VMX30U family
WinMax conversational 5-axis programming remains standard, keeping the CAM-free workflow advantage
5,990 kg machine weight provides excellent vibration damping for high-speed finishing operations

Limitations

48 KVA power requirement is more than triple the standard Ui and may require electrical panel upgrades
$200K+ price tag puts it in direct competition with established players like DMG MORI and Mazak
248 mm trunnion table remains the limiting factor for part size regardless of the upgraded spindle
High-speed spindle generates more heat, making a spindle chiller essential rather than optional
Premium pricing over the standard Ui ($50-60K more) is hard to justify unless your work demands 20K RPM

Best For

Aerospace shops machining aluminum structural components requiring both heavy roughing and fine finishing Medical implant manufacturers needing high-speed finishing for superior surface quality on titanium and CoCr Job shops running mixed material work (steel roughing + aluminum finishing) that need one machine to do both Mold and die shops requiring high-speed 5-axis contouring for complex cavity surfaces Production shops where cycle time reduction from 20K RPM justifies the premium over standard 12K machines Shops upgrading from a standard VMX30Ui that need more spindle speed and power for evolving work mix

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco VMX30UHSi cost?

New pricing runs $200,000-$260,000 depending on options. That's a significant premium over the standard VMX30Ui ($150-200K) and puts it in the same territory as the DMG MORI DMU 50 and Mazak VARIAXIS i-300. Used machines are uncommon due to lower production volume.

02 How does the UHSi spindle compare to the standard Ui?

The UHSi delivers 20,000 RPM vs 12,000 RPM, 29 kW vs 11 kW, and 99.3 Nm vs 213.3 Nm torque. The Ui actually has more low-end torque at 600 RPM, making it better for heavy steel roughing. The UHSi's torque peak at 1,500 RPM is still substantial but optimized for higher-speed material removal.

03 Does the 20K RPM spindle affect maintenance costs?

High-speed spindles require more attention to bearing preload, lubrication, and thermal management. Plan on a spindle chiller and more frequent vibration monitoring. Spindle rebuild costs are typically $8,000-$15,000 depending on the failure mode, compared to $5,000-$10,000 for a standard 12K spindle.

04 Is the VMX30UHSi worth the premium over the standard Ui?

Only if your work demands it. If you're cutting aluminum at high speeds or need fine surface finishes on contoured 5-axis parts, the 20K RPM and 29 kW pay for themselves in reduced cycle times and eliminated secondary finishing. For general job shop work with mostly steel and moderate RPM, the standard Ui is the better value.

05 What toolholding system does the UHSi use?

CAT 40 / Big Plus taper, same as the standard Ui. At 20,000 RPM, balanced toolholders are critical. Shrink-fit or precision collet chucks rated for high-speed operation are recommended over standard ER collet holders. Budget $200-$400 per holder for quality high-speed toolholding.