Hurco VMX42UHSi

$230,000 - $300,000 (new) | $140,000 - $200,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,067 mm (42 in)

Y Travel

610 mm (24 in)

Z Travel

520 mm (20.5 in)

Max Spindle

18,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK 63

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Hurco VMX42UHSi is the high-speed flagship of Hurco's mid-size trunnion 5-axis platform. It pairs a blistering 18,000 RPM HSK 63 spindle with the full 42-inch X travel of the VMX42U series, creating a machine purpose-built for high-speed aluminum machining and precision surface finishing.

Travels are 1,067 x 610 x 520 mm (42 x 24 x 20.5 in) with a 348 mm (13.7 in) trunnion table rated for 250 kg (550 lb). A-axis tilts +30/-110 degrees, C-axis rotates 360 degrees. The slightly smaller trunnion diameter compared to the standard Ui's 399 mm reflects the different design priorities of this high-speed variant.

The 18,000 RPM HSK 63 spindle produces 35 kW (47 hp) of peak power with 119 Nm (88 ft-lbs) of torque at 720 RPM. HSK 63 toolholding provides superior rigidity and repeatability at high speeds compared to CAT 40 — the face-contact design eliminates taper loosening under centrifugal force. This matters when you're running at 15-18K RPM with long-reach endmills.

Rapids jump to 45 m/min (1,771 ipm) on X/Y and 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) on Z — the fastest in the VMX42 family. Combined with the 40-tool ATC, this machine minimizes non-cutting time during complex multi-surface 5-axis programs. Rotary axes rapid at 25 RPM.

At 7,200 kg (15,840 lb), the UHSi matches the standard Ui's weight despite the higher-performance spindle. Floor space is 4,570 x 3,770 mm (179 x 149 in). Power draw is 50 KVA — plan on adequate electrical infrastructure.

WinMax control with full simultaneous 5-axis support, 3D DXF import, and NC/Conversational Merge handles everything from simple indexed work to complex CAM-driven contouring.

New pricing runs $230,000-$300,000. This machine competes directly with high-speed 5-axis platforms from Hermle, Mazak, and DMG MORI.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,067 mm (42 in)
Y-Axis Travel	610 mm (24 in)
Z-Axis Travel	520 mm (20.5 in)
A Axis Range	+30° / -110°
C Axis Range	360°
Max Spindle Speed	18,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK 63
Spindle Motor Power	35 kW (47 hp) peak
Spindle Torque	88 ft. lbs @ 2800 rpm (119 Nm @ 720 rpm)
Tool Capacity	40
Rotary Table Diameter	348 mm (13.7 in)
Max Table Load	250 kg (550 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	2.95 in (75 mm)
Max Tool Length	11.8 in (300 mm)
Max Tool Weight	15.4 lb (7 kg)
Machine Weight	7,200 kg (15,840 lb)
Floor Space	4,570 x 3,770 mm (179 x 149 in)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	42 x 24 x 20.5 in (1067 x 610 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	13.7 in (348 mm)
Max Weight On Rotary Trunnion Table	550 lbs (250 kg)
T Slot Size	6 x .56 in x 60° (6 x 14 mm x 60°)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	18000 rpm
Peak Spindle Motor	47 hp (35 kW)
Tool Changertool Type	HSK 63
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	1771, 1771, 1575 in/min (45, 45, 40 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	1575 in/min (40 m/min)
Rapid Traverse A C Axis	25 rpm
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	179 x 148.5 in (4,570 x 3,770 mm)
Machine Height	117.75 in (2,991 mm)
Machine Weight	15,840 lbs (7,200 kg)
Electricalpower Rating Full Load Kva	50 KVA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

18,000 RPM HSK 63 spindle delivers exceptional surface finish on high-speed aluminum and alloy machining
35 kW (47 hp) of power handles both aggressive roughing and high-speed finishing in the same setup
HSK 63 face-contact taper provides superior rigidity and repeatability at high speeds versus CAT 40 pull-stud
45 m/min rapid traverse minimizes non-cutting time on complex multi-surface 5-axis programs
42-inch X travel accommodates mid-size production parts that smaller 5-axis machines can't reach
WinMax conversational 5-axis programming is standard, keeping the Hurco programming speed advantage

Limitations

50 KVA power draw may require electrical infrastructure upgrades in older shops
$230-300K pricing puts it in the same territory as established high-speed platforms from Hermle and DMG MORI
HSK 63 tooling ecosystem is smaller and more expensive than CAT 40, increasing toolholding investment
348 mm trunnion table is slightly smaller than the standard Ui's 399 mm, limiting max part diameter
High-speed spindle maintenance and rebuild costs are significantly higher than standard 12K RPM units

Best For

Aerospace shops producing aluminum structural components requiring high-speed roughing and mirror-finish surfaces Medical implant manufacturers machining titanium and CoCr parts needing fine surface quality Mold and die shops running high-speed 5-axis contouring on hardened tool steel cavities Production shops where cycle time reduction from high spindle speed directly impacts profitability Shops machining complex contoured surfaces where HSK rigidity reduces tool deflection and improves accuracy Contract manufacturers serving aerospace primes that specify surface finish requirements below Ra 0.8

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco VMX42UHSi cost?

New pricing runs $230,000-$300,000 depending on options. The HSK 63 spindle and higher-performance drives add $50-60K over the standard VMX42Ui. Used machines are limited in the secondary market due to lower production volume, but expect $140,000-$200,000 for 2017-2022 models.

02 Why HSK 63 instead of CAT 40?

HSK 63 provides face-and-taper contact rather than CAT 40's taper-only contact. At speeds above 12,000 RPM, CAT 40 tapers can loosen due to centrifugal force, causing runout and vibration. HSK maintains its grip at high RPM, delivering better accuracy, surface finish, and tool life. The trade-off is higher tooling cost — budget $250-$500 per HSK holder.

03 Can I run steel on the VMX42UHSi?

Absolutely. The 119 Nm of torque at 720 RPM handles steel roughing effectively, and 35 kW of power gives you material removal rates comparable to dedicated steel machines. The high-speed spindle is optimized for aluminum finishing, but the machine's overall performance handles a mixed workload well.

04 How does the UHSi compare to a Hermle C 400?

The Hermle C 400 is a premium European 5-axis with exceptional thermal stability and accuracy, priced at $350-500K. The Hurco offers comparable travel and spindle speed at a significantly lower price point, plus conversational programming. The Hermle wins on build quality and long-term accuracy; the Hurco wins on value and programming speed.

05 What spindle maintenance does the 18K RPM unit require?

A spindle chiller is essential (not optional). Plan on vibration analysis every 2,000-3,000 hours, bearing preload checks annually, and lubrication monitoring. Spindle rebuilds typically cost $12,000-$20,000 and are needed every 15,000-25,000 hours depending on duty cycle.