Hurco VMX64i

The Hurco VMX64i is a large-format 40-taper vertical machining center with 1,626 x 508 x 508 mm (64 x 20 x 20 in) of travel. At 64 inches of X-axis travel, it enters territory traditionally dominated by 50-taper machines while keeping the cost advantages of CAT 40 tooling.

The spindle is the same 12,000 RPM Big Plus CAT 40 used across the VMX i-series, producing 13.4 kW (18 hp) and 213 Nm (157 ft-lbs) of torque. On a machine this size, the 40-taper is a deliberate choice — it keeps tooling costs low and spindle speed high for aluminum-heavy work. For shops cutting primarily aluminum extrusions, structural components, and long fixture plates, the VMX64i delivers massive travel without the expense of 50-taper tooling.

Table dimensions are 1,829 x 508 mm (72 x 20 in) with a 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) max load. That's a six-foot table, enough for serious multi-part setups or very long individual workpieces. The 40-tool arm-type ATC maintains fast tool changes across the full travel range.

Construction follows the VMX hybrid guide design — roller linear guides on X and Y, box way on Z. Rapids are 32 m/min (1,260 ipm) on X and Y, 27 m/min (1,063 ipm) on Z. At 64 inches of travel, those rapids translate to reasonable repositioning times even when the spindle needs to move from one end of the table to the other.

At approximately 8,800 kg (19,401 lb), the VMX64i is a heavy machine that demands a proper concrete foundation. The one-piece base casting spans the full travel without joints, which is critical for maintaining geometric accuracy over 64 inches. Any thermal warping or foundation settling shows up as positional error across the full envelope.

WinMax conversational control is standard, though most shops running parts this long are using CAM software. Pricing runs $140,000-$180,000 new. The 50-taper variant (VMX64i-50T) adds $10-15K. Used machines from 2015-2020 trade in the $75,000-$120,000 range.