Hwacheon Hi-Eco 21
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
max turning diameter
max bar capacity
spindle torque
Overview
The Hwacheon Hi-Eco 21 is an 8-inch chuck precision slant-bed CNC turning center from the Korean manufacturer Hwacheon Machinery, positioned as a high-value production lathe for shops requiring reliable performance at a competitive price point. The Hi-Eco series represents Hwacheon's foundational turning center line — machines built on proven slant-bed architecture with Hwacheon's characteristic attention to build quality and thermal stability, targeting job shops, Tier 2 suppliers, and production facilities running medium-volume part families.
The Hi-Eco 21 accommodates workpieces up to 420 mm (16.5 in) in swing over the cross slide with an 8-inch (200 mm) chuck standard, covering the majority of general manufacturing turned parts including shafts, flanges, bushings, and fittings. Maximum turning length of 525 mm (20.7 in) handles shaft work within the most common production range. The 15 kW (20 hp) spindle runs at up to 4,000 RPM with 350 Nm (258 ft-lb) of torque, providing adequate power for steel turning at production feed rates.
Hwacheon's slant-bed design on the Hi-Eco 21 uses hardened and ground box ways for vibration damping — a construction choice more commonly found on Japanese machines at higher price points. This guideway choice improves surface finish and dimensional stability during interrupted cuts and heavy roughing compared to the linear-guide alternatives common on entry-level lathes. The 12-station turret offers tool indexing times under 0.3 seconds and accommodates optional live tooling for C-axis milling and drilling.
The Hi-Eco 21 runs on Fanuc 0i-TF as standard, with Siemens 828D available as an option for shops with European control preferences. Hwacheon's CUFOS operator interface overlays the Fanuc platform with simplified setup screens and machine monitoring. Competing against the Haas ST-20, DN Solutions Lynx 2100, and Doosan Puma 2100, the Hi-Eco 21 is priced between $65,000 and $100,000 depending on configuration, offering Hwacheon's reputation for quality at competitive Korean pricing.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 22.83 in |
| Max Turning Length | 15.74 in |
| Max Bar Capacity | 52 mm (2.05 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 350 Nm (258 ft-lb) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-6 |
| Chuck Size | 200 mm (8 in) standard |
| Turret Stations | 12 stations |
| Turret Index Time | 0.3 sec |
| Rapid Traverse X | 24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) |
| Guideway Type | Box ways (hardened and ground) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF (Siemens 828D optional) |
| Machine Weight | 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) approx. |
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| Swing Over Bed | 22.83 in |
| Machining Length | 15.74 in |
Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Box-way construction on an 8-inch chuck lathe at this price range is uncommon — competitors at similar pricing typically use linear guides, making the Hi-Eco 21's rigidity a genuine differentiator
- Hwacheon's 75+ years of machine tool manufacturing experience is reflected in build quality details that entry-level Korean and Taiwanese lathes often overlook
- 12-station turret with sub-0.3-second indexing provides good tool capacity and fast change times for multi-tool turning programs
- CUFOS operator interface simplifies setup and monitoring for operators less familiar with raw Fanuc screens
Limitations
- 52 mm bar passage limits bar-fed production to smaller diameters — shops regularly running 65 mm or larger bar stock should consider the Hi-Tech series instead
- Hwacheon's North American dealer and service network is smaller than Haas, Mazak, or DN Solutions, which may affect service response in some regions
- 4,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is lower than some competitors at this price point — shops cutting small-diameter features extensively may prefer a higher-speed spindle option
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Hi-Eco series is Hwacheon's value-oriented turning line focused on cost-effective production turning. The Hi-Tech series is Hwacheon's premium turning line with larger capacities, more power, and higher-precision builds for demanding aerospace and automotive applications. The Hi-Eco 21 is appropriate for general job shop turning; the Hi-Tech 450B and similar models serve more demanding requirements.
02
Yes, live tooling is an optional addition to the Hi-Eco 21 turret, enabling milling, drilling, and tapping at C-axis positions. The C-axis is also optional and required for live-tool operations. With live tooling, the Hi-Eco 21 can perform cross-drilling, slot milling, and keyway cutting without a second machine setup, though Y-axis capability is not available on the Hi-Eco 21.
03
The Haas ST-20 and Hi-Eco 21 are direct competitors in the 8-inch chuck lathe segment. The Haas ST-20 benefits from Haas's enormous North American service network and lower new-machine pricing. The Hi-Eco 21 counters with box-way construction (the Haas uses linear guides) for better vibration damping, and Hwacheon's precision manufacturing reputation. For shops where service access is critical, the Haas wins. For shops that prioritize rigidity and can access Hwacheon service, the Hi-Eco 21 is worth evaluating.
04
The Hi-Eco 21 accommodates an 8-inch (200 mm) chuck as standard on the A2-6 spindle nose. A 10-inch (250 mm) chuck option may be available depending on the specific model variant. For larger chuck requirements (12-inch and above), Hwacheon's Hi-Tech series with larger spindle noses is the appropriate machine.
05
Yes, with a 52 mm bar passage, the Hi-Eco 21 handles bar diameters up to 52 mm with a compatible bar feeder. Standard bar feeder interfaces from LNS, IEMCA, and similar brands connect to the Fanuc control. For shops regularly running 65 mm or larger bar stock, the Hi-Tech series with larger bar passages is more appropriate.
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