Hardinge Quest 6/42
Key Specifications
Chuck Size
Maximum Bar Capacity
Maximum Turning Diameter
Maximum Turning Length
Spindle Speed (Max)
Spindle Power
Overview
The Hardinge Quest 6/42 is a super-precision CNC turning center that represents the pinnacle of Hardinge's collet-based turning technology. The Quest series is Hardinge's premium production lathe line, designed for shops where single-digit micron tolerances and sub-0.4 Ra surface finishes are standard requirements rather than aspirational targets. The 6/42 designation indicates a 6-inch chuck capacity with 42 mm bar bore, positioning this machine for precision small-part production.
The main spindle is the heart of the Quest 6/42's precision advantage. Built around Hardinge's proprietary bearing preload system and collet-ready nose, the spindle delivers concentricity of 2.5 microns TIR or better at the collet face. The 5C and 16C collet systems seat directly in the precision-ground spindle bore without adapters, maximizing workholding accuracy. The spindle runs to 6,000 RPM with 11 kW (15 hp) of continuous power and approximately 120 Nm of torque, providing productive cutting capability across the full range of turning materials.
The Quest 6/42 is built on a one-piece cast iron slant bed with hardened and ground box ways on both X and Z axes. Box ways provide superior vibration damping compared to linear guideways, which translates directly to better surface finish and dimensional consistency, particularly on interrupted cuts and when machining hardened materials. X-axis travel of 165 mm and Z-axis travel of 350 mm define a compact turning envelope optimized for small precision parts.
The 12-station turret accepts VDI or BMT tooling with optional live tooling capability. Live tools extend the Quest 6/42 into mill-turn territory, enabling cross-drilling, milling, and tapping without removing the part. The Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control provides reliable CNC operation with conversational programming support. The Quest 6/42 competes with the Citizen Miyano BNA-42DHY, DMG Mori CLX 350, and Okuma LB2000 EX III in the precision sub-spindle turning center market.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 6 in (152 mm) |
| Maximum Bar Capacity | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Maximum Turning Diameter | 220 mm (8.66 in) |
| Maximum Turning Length | 350 mm (13.78 in) |
| Spindle Speed (Max) | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Power | 11 kW (15 hp) |
| Spindle Torque (Max) | 120 Nm (88 ft-lb) |
| Spindle Concentricity | 2.5 microns TIR at collet face |
| Spindle Bore | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Travel X | 165 mm (6.50 in) |
| Travel Z | 350 mm (13.78 in) |
| Turret Stations | 12 (VDI/BMT) |
| Live Tooling | Optional |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) |
Specifications sourced from hardinge.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Hardinge's super-precision spindle delivers 2.5-micron TIR at the collet face, providing best-in-class concentricity for small precision parts
- Hardened and ground box ways on both axes provide superior vibration damping for excellent surface finish on precision turning operations
- 5C and 16C collet-ready spindle seats directly in the bore without adapters, maximizing workholding accuracy and repeatability
- 12-station turret with optional live tooling provides mill-turn capability for complete part processing in a single setup
- One-piece cast iron slant bed construction ensures long-term geometric accuracy and thermal stability
- 6,000 RPM spindle speed supports high-speed finishing on small-diameter features in aluminum and brass
Limitations
- 42 mm bar capacity limits the machine to small-diameter work; shops needing larger bar must step up to the Quest 8/51 or 10/65
- Box way construction means slower rapid traverse than linear-guideway machines, adding non-cutting time on high-volume parts
- Compact 350 mm Z-travel restricts turning length for shaft-type parts requiring longer engagement
- Hardinge's corporate restructuring may affect service response and spare parts availability in some regions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Quest series represents Hardinge's super-precision tier, with tighter spindle specifications, premium bearing systems, and box way construction optimized for the best possible surface finish and dimensional accuracy. The Quest machines are specified for applications where single-digit micron tolerances are mandatory, while the Talent and Cobra series serve broader production turning needs.
02
Yes, the Quest 6/42's spindle nose accepts both Hardinge collet systems (5C and 16C for bar stock up to 42 mm) and hydraulic chucks (up to 6-inch/152 mm). The collet-ready design provides the best precision for bar work, while chucks accommodate irregular shapes and second operations. Changeover between collet and chuck typically takes 15-30 minutes.
03
The Quest 6/42 is a newer-generation platform with updated spindle technology and control. The Conquest T42SP includes a sub-spindle in its base configuration, while the Quest 6/42 offers sub-spindle as an option. Both deliver Hardinge-level precision, but the Quest typically offers tighter spindle specs and more modern features.
04
The Quest 6/42 regularly achieves surface finishes of Ra 0.2-0.4 microns on precision turned features in steel and stainless steel, with sub-Ra 0.2 possible on aluminum and brass with appropriate tooling and parameters. The box way construction and precision spindle contribute to consistent surface finish quality across production runs.
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