Hurco VMX50i-50T

$135,000 - $175,000 (new) | $70,000 - $115,000 (used) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,270 mm (50 in)

Y Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Z Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Max Spindle

10,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 50 / Big Plus

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Hurco VMX50i-50T is the 50-taper version of Hurco's large-envelope VMX50i, upgrading the spindle to a CAT 50 Big Plus for shops that need serious material removal capability across a 50-inch travel range. When 40-taper tooling can't keep up with heavy steel roughing on long parts, the 50T is the answer.

Travels are identical to the standard VMX50i at 1,270 x 508 x 508 mm (50 x 20 x 20 in). The key difference is the spindle: a 10,000 RPM Big Plus CAT 50 producing 18.5 kW (25 hp) and 358 Nm (264 ft-lbs) of torque. That's nearly double the torque of the 40-taper version, which translates directly to faster material removal with large face mills and inserted roughing cutters. A 4-inch face mill that would stall a 40-taper spindle runs comfortably in the 50T.

Table dimensions match the standard VMX50i at 1,524 x 508 mm (60 x 20 in) with a 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) max load — slightly higher than the 40-taper version due to the heavier spindle assembly's counterbalancing. The 40-tool arm-type ATC handles CAT 50 tooling, which is physically larger and heavier than CAT 40.

The machine uses roller linear guides on X and Y with a box way on Z, consistent with the VMX i-series design philosophy. Rapids are 32 m/min (1,260 ipm) on X and Y, 27 m/min (1,063 ipm) on Z — slightly slower than the 40-taper version due to the heavier spindle head mass.

At approximately 8,200 kg (18,078 lb), the 50T is about 700 kg heavier than the 40-taper VMX50i. The additional mass comes from the larger spindle cartridge and heavier column casting needed to support the CAT 50 spindle. WinMax conversational control is standard, operating identically to every other Hurco.

Pricing runs $135,000-$175,000 new, a $10-15K premium over the 40-taper VMX50i. Used machines from 2015-2020 trade in the $70,000-$115,000 range. The 50T competes with machines like the Haas VF-6/50 and Okuma GENOS M660-V-e in the large-envelope 50-taper category.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,270 mm (50 in)
Y-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Z-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Max Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 50 / Big Plus
Spindle Motor Power	29.7 hp (22.2 kW)
Spindle Torque	260 ft. lbs @ 600 rpm (353 Nm @ 600 rpm)
Tool Capacity	30
Table Size	59 x 26 in (1,500 x 660 mm)
Max Table Load	2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	32 m/min (1,260 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	27 m/min (1,063 ipm)
Machine Weight	8,200 kg (18,078 lb)
CNC Control	Hurco WinMax
Travels Capacityx Y Z Axis Travel	50 x 26 x 24 in (1,270 x 660 x 610 mm)
T Slot Size	6 x .71 in (6 x 18 mm)
Max Weight On Table	4,410 lbs (2,000 kg)
Spindle Nose To Table	4.0 in (101 mm)
Spindlemax Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Tool Changertool Type	CAT 50 (CAT/BT 50)
Max Tool Diameter	4.92 in (125 mm)
Max Tool Length	11.8 in (300 mm)
Max Tool Weight	33 lb (15 kg)
Feedratesrapid Traverse Xyz Axis	1,260, 1,260, 944 in/min (32, 32, 24 m/min)
Max Programmable Feedrate	944 in/min (24 m/min)
Sizemax Operating Floor Space	199.4 x 176.6 in (5,066 x 4,485 mm)
Machine Height	128.1 in (3,254 mm)
Machine Weight	20,636 lbs (9,360 kg)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

CAT 50 Big Plus spindle delivers 358 Nm (264 ft-lbs) of torque for aggressive roughing with large cutters
1,270 mm (50 in) X-travel handles long parts and multi-part fixture setups
50-taper tooling provides superior rigidity for heavy face milling and boring operations
40-tool ATC supports complex jobs without frequent changeover, even with larger CAT 50 tools
8,200 kg machine weight ensures stability during heavy cutting across the full travel envelope
WinMax conversational control adds flexibility for simpler programming tasks alongside CAM work

Limitations

10,000 RPM max spindle speed limits surface speed with small-diameter tools in aluminum
CAT 50 tooling is significantly more expensive than CAT 40 — expect 30-50% higher tool costs
508 mm (20 in) Y and Z travel feel modest for a machine this heavy and expensive
Slower rapids than the 40-taper version due to heavier spindle head mass
At $135-175K, competes with more established 50-taper platforms from Haas and Mazak

Best For

Heavy steel roughing on long parts that exceed 40-taper spindle torque limits Aerospace shops machining structural steel and titanium components up to 50 inches long Mold and die shops working on long mold bases that need aggressive roughing and precision finishing Job shops that already run CAT 50 tooling and want to standardize on one taper size Shops cutting cast iron, Inconel, and other tough materials that demand high spindle torque Production environments running large face mills and inserted roughing cutters continuously

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Hurco VMX50i-50T cost?

New base price starts around $135,000, roughly $10-15K more than the 40-taper VMX50i. Fully configured with through-spindle coolant, probing, and options, expect $155,000-$175,000. Used machines from 2015-2020 sell for $70,000-$115,000.

02 When should I choose the 50T over the standard 40-taper VMX50i?

Choose the 50T if more than 50% of your work involves heavy roughing in steel, cast iron, or tougher materials with cutters larger than 2 inches. The 264 ft-lbs of torque lets you push large face mills and inserted cutters much harder. If you're mainly cutting aluminum, the 40-taper version is faster and cheaper to tool.

03 How much more expensive is CAT 50 tooling?

Expect 30-50% higher costs for CAT 50 holders compared to CAT 40. A typical CAT 50 ER32 collet chuck runs $80-120 vs $50-75 for CAT 40. Shell mill holders, boring heads, and specialty tooling show even larger price gaps. The ongoing tooling cost difference adds up significantly over time.

04 Can I run aluminum efficiently on the 50T?

Yes, but the 10K RPM limit is a constraint. For aluminum work with small endmills (under 1/2 inch), you can't reach optimal surface speeds. For face milling and large-diameter work, the 50T is fine. If aluminum is your primary material, the 40-taper VMX50i with its 12K RPM spindle is the better choice.

05 What's the advantage of Big Plus CAT 50 over standard CAT 50?

Big Plus provides dual-contact between the toolholder and spindle — both the taper and face contact simultaneously. This increases rigidity by 2-3x compared to standard V-flange contact, reduces runout, and improves finish quality. Most premium VMC builders now offer Big Plus as standard.