Hurco VMX42SWi

$200,000 - $270,000 (new) | $110,000 - $180,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,067 mm (42 in)

Y Travel

610 mm (24 in)

Z Travel

610 mm (24 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Hurco VMX42SWi is a swivel-head 5-axis machine without a rotary table, providing 4+1 axis machining capability. The B-axis swivel head tilts +/-92 degrees while the workpiece sits on a large, rigid fixed table. There's no C-axis rotary — what you get instead is maximum table capacity and simplicity for shops that need angular spindle access but don't require full 5-axis rotation.

Travels are 1,067 x 610 x 610 mm (42 x 24 x 24 in) with a 1,270 x 610 mm (50 x 24 in) fixed table rated for a massive 1,750 kg (3,850 lb). That's more table capacity than any other 42-inch Hurco, including the SRT models. Without a rotary table adding complexity and weight limits, the VMX42SWi is all about putting heavy parts under an angled spindle.

The spindle runs 12,000 RPM through a CAT 40 / Big Plus taper, delivering 36 kW (48 hp) of peak power with 120.2 Nm (88.7 ft-lbs) of torque at 2,900 RPM. That's the highest power output in any 42-inch Hurco — matched to the machine's heavy-part mission. The 40-tool ATC handles standard tooling with 76 mm max diameter and 249 mm max length.

Rapids hit 38 m/min (1,496 ipm) on X/Y and 32 m/min (1,260 ipm) on Z. B-axis rapid runs at 50 RPM. The spindle-to-table clearance ranges from 152 to 762 mm (6 to 30 in), providing excellent room for tall parts and fixtures.

At 7,130 kg (15,686 lb), the VMX42SWi is lighter than the SRT variants (no rotary table mechanism). Floor space is 4,598 x 3,718 mm (181 x 146 in) and power draw is 56 KVA. WinMax control is standard.

New pricing runs $200,000-$270,000. This machine is ideal for shops that need angular spindle access on heavy workpieces but don't need full simultaneous 5-axis capability.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,067 mm (42 in)
Y-Axis Travel	610 mm (24 in)
Z-Axis Travel	610 mm (24 in)
B Axis Range	+/- 92°
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus
Spindle Motor Power	48 hp (36 kW)
Spindle Torque	88.7 ft. lbs @ 2,900 rpm (120.2 Nm @ 2,900 rpm)
Tool Capacity	40
Table Size	50 x 24 in (1,270 x 610 mm)
Max Table Load	1,750 kg (3,850 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	38 m/min (1,496 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	32 m/min (1,260 ipm)
Rotary Axis Rapid B	50 RPM
Max Tool Diameter	3.0 in (76 mm)
Max Tool Length	9.8 in (249 mm)
Max Tool Weight	15.4 lbs (7 kg)
Machine Weight	7,130 kg (15,686 lb)
Floor Space	4,598 x 3,718 mm (181 x 146 in)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	42.01 x 24.02 x 24.02 in (1,067 x 610 x 610 mm)
B Axis Travel	+/-92°
Spindle Nose To Table	6 / 30 in (152 / 762 mm)
Max Weight On Table	3,850 lbs (1,750 kg)
T Slot Size	5 x .71 in (5 x 18 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	12,000 rpm
Tool Changertool Type	CAT, BT, DIN 40
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	1,496, 1,496, 1,260 in/min (38, 38, 32 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	1,260 in/min (32 m/min)
Rapid Traverse B Axis	50 rpm
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	181.0 x 146.4 in (4,598 x 3,718 mm)
Machine Height	124 in (3,149 mm)
Machine Weight	15,686 lbs (7,130 kg)
Electricalpower Rating Full Load Kva	56 KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,750 kg (3,850 lb) table load is the highest in any 42-inch Hurco — handles the heaviest steel parts without compromise
36 kW (48 hp) spindle is the most powerful in the VMX42 family, driving aggressive cuts on heavy workpieces
No rotary table means simpler mechanics, lower maintenance costs, and fewer potential failure points
610 mm Z-axis with 762 mm max spindle-to-table clearance accommodates tall parts and fixtures
B-axis swivel provides angular access from +/-92 degrees for undercuts and steep-wall machining
Lower cost than full SRT models while still providing 4+1 axis capability for many 5-sided applications

Limitations

No C-axis rotary table means no full 5-axis simultaneous machining — limited to 4+1 indexed operations
Parts requiring machining on more than 5 sides must be manually repositioned between operations
B-axis-only angular access is less flexible than full B/C swivel-head rotary table configurations
56 KVA power draw requires adequate electrical infrastructure
Swivel-head B-axis mechanism adds complexity and maintenance compared to standard 3-axis VMCs

Best For

Heavy steel part manufacturers needing angled spindle access on workpieces exceeding 1,000 kg Die and mold shops machining large die blocks from multiple angles without full rotary capability Energy sector shops cutting large valve bodies and manifolds requiring angled features Shops doing primarily 3+1 indexed work where a full rotary table would add cost without value Bridge production between 3-axis and full 5-axis — adding angular capability at lower investment Heavy equipment manufacturers machining large castings and forgings needing undercut features

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco VMX42SWi cost?

New pricing runs $200,000-$270,000, positioned below the VMX42SRTi ($250-330K) due to the omission of the rotary table. Used machines sell for $110,000-$180,000 depending on age and condition.

02 What's the difference between SWi and SRTi?

The SRTi adds a C-axis rotary table (23.6" diameter, 360-degree rotation) for full 5-axis capability. The SWi has only the B-axis swivel head — no rotary table. Choose the SWi when you need 4+1 angular access on heavy parts. Choose the SRTi when you need full simultaneous 5-axis or indexed C-axis rotation.

03 Can the VMX42SWi do 5-sided machining?

It can machine up to 4 sides plus the top in a single setup using the B-axis to access angled features. For true 5-sided machining with bottom access, you would need to flip the part. A rotary table (SRTi) provides the C-axis rotation needed for continuous-rotation applications.

04 Why choose the SWi over a standard 3-axis VMC?

The B-axis swivel head lets you machine angled holes, undercuts, and steep walls without compound angle fixtures. This eliminates custom fixture costs and reduces setup time. For parts with features at angles to the main surfaces, the SWi saves significant time compared to repositioning on a 3-axis machine.

05 Is the 3,850 lb table capacity enough for my parts?

At 1,750 kg, this is one of the highest table capacities in any 40-taper 5-axis machine. It handles large steel billets, heavy castings, and substantial fixturing combinations. For even heavier parts, consider the VMX60SWi (2,000 kg capacity) or the HM1700Ri horizontal (2,000 kg rotating).