Hurco VMX50i

The Hurco VMX50i is a large-envelope 40-taper vertical machining center built for shops that need serious travel without stepping up to a 50-taper machine. With travels of 1,270 x 508 x 508 mm (50 x 20 x 20 in), it handles long parts that would require two setups on a 30-inch machine.

The spindle runs 12,000 RPM through a Big Plus CAT 40 taper producing 13.4 kW (18 hp) and 213 Nm (157 ft-lbs) of torque. This is the same proven spindle used across the VMX i-series. For a 50-inch-travel machine, the 40-taper keeps tooling costs down compared to 50-taper alternatives, but you sacrifice material removal rate on large face milling operations.

Table dimensions are 1,524 x 508 mm (60 x 20 in) with a 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) max load. That 60-inch table is long enough for serious fixture plates and multi-part setups. The 40-tool arm-type ATC keeps tool changes fast, and at this travel range, having 40 tools loaded saves significant time when running families of parts.

The VMX50i uses the same hybrid guide construction as the rest of the VMX line — roller linear guides on X and Y, box way on Z. Rapids hit 35 m/min (1,378 ipm) on X and Y, 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) on Z. The slightly slower rapids compared to the VMX30i reflect the longer axis travel distances.

At approximately 7,500 kg (16,535 lb), the VMX50i is a serious machine that requires a proper foundation. The one-piece cast iron base spans the full 50-inch travel without a joint, which is critical for geometric accuracy over the full envelope. WinMax conversational control is standard, though at this machine size, most shops are running CAM-generated programs for complex work.

Pricing runs $120,000-$160,000 new. The 50-taper variant (VMX50i-50T) costs an additional $10-15K. Used VMX50i machines from 2015-2020 trade in the $60,000-$100,000 range. It competes with the Haas VF-6 and Mazak VCN-600 in this travel class.