Hardinge Elite 42M
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
chuck size
Overview
The Hardinge Elite 42M is a precision CNC turning center with live tooling capability, designed for complete part processing of small-diameter precision components. The M designation indicates milling capability through the machine's live tooling turret and C-axis spindle indexing. The Elite 42M builds on Hardinge's legendary 42mm bar platform, adding the multi-tasking capability needed to produce fully finished parts in a single setup.
The main spindle delivers 11 kW (15 HP) continuous power through an A2-5 spindle nose at speeds up to 6,000 RPM. Hardinge's precision angular-contact bearing arrangement with controlled preload maintains concentricity of 2.5 microns TIR or better at the collet face. The collet-ready spindle accepts 5C and 16C collets natively for bar stock up to 42mm. The C-axis provides 0.001-degree indexing resolution for precisely positioned milling, drilling, and tapping operations.
X-axis travel is 165 mm (6.50 in) and Z-axis travel is 350 mm (13.78 in). The 12-station VDI turret accommodates both static and live tool holders, with live tool speeds up to 5,000 RPM for cross-drilling, flat milling, slot cutting, and thread milling. The machine features hardened and ground box ways on both axes for vibration damping and surface finish quality.
The Elite 42M runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control and weighs 3,300 kg (7,275 lb). New Elite 42M machines typically price between $95,000 and $145,000 depending on configuration. The machine competes with the DMG Mori CLX 350, Okuma LB2000 EX III MY, and Haas ST-10Y in the precision turning-milling segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 6 inch (165 mm) hydraulic |
| Max Turning Diameter | 260 mm (10.24 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 350 mm (13.78 in) |
| Bar Capacity | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-5 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (15 HP) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 119 Nm (88 ft-lb) |
| C Axis | 0.001-degree resolution |
| X-Axis Travel | 165 mm (6.50 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.78 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 IPM) |
| Turret | 12-station VDI (live tooling) |
| Live Tool Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Collet System | 5C / 16C collet-ready |
| Collet Tir | 2.5 microns (0.0001 in) or better |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 3,300 kg (7,275 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Live tooling with C-axis enables complete part processing including cross-drilling, milling flats, and threading without secondary operations on a machining center
- Hardinge's collet-ready spindle with 2.5 micron TIR delivers precision turning that exceeds standard chuck-based lathes, critical for medical and aerospace parts
- 6,000 RPM main spindle speed enables efficient high-speed finishing on small-diameter precision parts
- Hardened and ground box ways provide vibration damping that improves both turning surface finish and milled feature quality
- 12-station VDI turret accommodates a mix of static and live tools, providing enough positions for most complex small-part cycles
- Compact footprint enables installation in tight precision shop layouts without sacrificing capability
Limitations
- 42mm bar capacity and 165mm chuck swing limit the machine to small parts; shops with larger work need the Elite 51 MS or GS-250
- 350mm Z-axis travel restricts turning length for parts with long features
- Live tool speed of 5,000 RPM may be insufficient for high-speed milling operations on aluminum and softer materials
- Hardinge's contracted service network means potentially longer response times for repair and parts compared to larger OEMs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Hardinge Elite 42M turning centers typically price between $95,000 and $145,000 depending on configuration. The M configuration includes live tooling and C-axis as standard. Options that increase price include sub-spindle, bar feeder, high-pressure coolant, and parts catcher. Used Elite 42M machines from 2015-2022 trade between $50,000 and $85,000.
02
The M designation indicates the machine includes live tooling capability and C-axis spindle indexing. The standard Elite 42 is a pure turning machine without driven tools. The 42M adds cross-drilling, milling, and tapping capability, enabling complete part processing without secondary operations. The M configuration adds approximately $15,000-$25,000 to the base price.
03
Live tool spindle speed is up to 5,000 RPM, which is adequate for most cross-drilling, milling, and tapping operations in steel, stainless steel, and titanium. For high-speed milling in aluminum, some shops prefer machines with higher live tool speeds. VDI live tool holders are available from multiple suppliers with various reduction ratios.
04
For parts where the milling content is moderate — cross-holes, flats, slots, threads, and simple pocketing — the Elite 42M can eliminate the need for a secondary machining center operation. For parts with heavy milling content, complex 3D contours, or many milled features, a dedicated machining center may still be more efficient. The 42M excels at turning-dominant parts with incidental milling features.
Videos
MachineryValues Inc
MachinesUsed
Resell CNC
Iverson Company
