What to Look for When Buying a Used M.S. Machining Systems HMC
M.S. Machining Systems horizontal machining centers are large, heavily built American machines made for years of hard stock removal. Most used units are big, high-table-load HMCs, so inspection focuses on the wear items that matter on heavy machines. Here is what to check.
Inspect the spindle and #50 taper. Check spindle runout, bearing noise across the 0 to 3000 RPM range, and drawbar clamping force. The #50 taper is built for heavy cuts, so look for fretting or wear in the taper and confirm tools seat cleanly on each change. On high-torque-spindle machines, verify the gearbox or motor shifts and holds torque under load.
Check the ways, travels, and geometry. These machines carry long travels, up to 160 inches in X on the HMC 400, so way and slide wear over that distance matters. Look for scoring and uneven lube on the X, Y, and Z axes, and check ballscrew backlash on each axis. Ask for a recent geometry report, since re-leveling and alignment are essential after a machine this heavy is moved.
Verify the rotary table, pallet changer, and tooling. Confirm the 4th-axis table indexes accurately and holds position under cut, and test any full-contouring rotary or A-axis trunnion. Cycle the 48- or 76-tool changer through every pocket, and run any multi-station pallet changer through a full exchange. Check tool clamping and that the magazine handles the heavy, large-diameter tools these spindles are built for.
Confirm the Fanuc control and parts. M.S. Machining Systems HMCs run Fanuc CNC controls, so confirm the control powers up, holds parameters, and that the drives, boards, and operator panel are serviceable. Fanuc's broad support base keeps parts and service straightforward, and an older control can still be an excellent value or a candidate for a retrofit.
M.S. Machining Systems HMC Series
HMC 40, 60 & 80 (Compact to Mid-Size)
The HMC 40 is the compact end of the line, with a 28-inch square pallet, 40 x 30 x 28-inch travels, a #50 spindle, and a 4,000-pound table load in a roughly 28,000-pound machine. The HMC 60 and HMC 80 step up pallet size and travels for larger parts while keeping the same rigid, over-built design. These classes suit shops that want heavy-duty horizontal capability without a huge footprint.
HMC 100 & 200 (Mid to Large)
The HMC 100 is a common workhorse: a 39-inch square table, 72 x 40 x 40-inch travels, a 30 hp #50 spindle at 0 to 3000 RPM, a 10,000-pound table load, and a 50,000-pound machine weight. The HMC 200 extends range and mass again for bigger, heavier jobs. Both carry the standard 360-degree 4th-axis table and a 48-tool magazine, with 76 tools optional.
HMC 300 & 400 (Large & Heavy)
The HMC 300 handles the biggest jobs with a 48-inch square table, 120 x 72 x 58-inch travels, a 15,000-pound table load, and a machine weight near 97,500 pounds. The flagship HMC 400 pushes to a 48-by-60-inch table, 160 x 90 x 70-inch travels, a 40 hp #50 spindle, and a Fanuc i-series control. These are true large-envelope machines for oversized structural, energy, and heavy-equipment parts.
Standard Features & Options
Every M.S. Machining Systems HMC includes a 360-degree indexing 4th axis and a 48-tool chain as standard. Options include a half-degree index, a full contouring rotary B-axis, a 5th-axis rotary or A-axis trunnion, a 76-tool magazine, right-angle tooling, probing, programmable chip conveyors, machine enclosures, 4- to 6-station pallet changers, custom milling stations, and duplex dual-spindle builds.
How to Sell Your Used M.S. Machining Systems HMC
M.S. Machining Systems HMCs hold value because they are heavy, American-built machines with big table loads, #50 spindles, and Fanuc controls that buyers in aerospace, energy, and heavy industry actively seek. Because these are lower-volume, specialized machines, a clean used HMC often draws strong interest.
Resell CNC buys used M.S. Machining Systems machines: every model, every generation, nationwide.
- Contact us: call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal with no obligation, based on real market demand.
- Accept the offer and we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used M.S. Machining Systems Machines
What is M.S. Machining Systems, and are the machines American-made?
M.S. Machining Systems, Inc. is a horizontal machining center builder based in Howell, Michigan, designing and building HMCs since the late 1970s. The machines are American-made and engineered for heavy stock removal on large parts, which is why they turn up in aerospace, oil and gas, and heavy-equipment shops.
Are used M.S. Machining Systems HMCs reliable?
Yes. These are heavily built machines with rigid castings, #50 spindles, and Fanuc controls, designed to run for years under demanding cuts. As with any used machine, reliability comes down to maintenance history and the condition of the spindle, ways, and control, so a careful inspection matters.
What CNC control do M.S. Machining Systems machines use?
M.S. Machining Systems HMCs use Fanuc CNC controls, including recent Fanuc i-series units on the larger machines. Fanuc's wide support network makes programming, parts, and service straightforward, and older controls can be retrofitted if needed.
What sizes and models does M.S. Machining Systems offer?
The HMC line runs from the compact HMC 40 (28-inch pallet, 4,000-pound load) through the HMC 60, 80, 100, and 200 up to the large HMC 300 and HMC 400, which reach a 48-by-60-inch table, 160 inches of X travel, and a 15,000-pound table load. Larger classes are built for oversized, heavy workpieces.
What should I inspect before buying a used HMC?
Focus on the spindle and #50 taper, way and slide wear across the long travels, ballscrew backlash, and the accuracy of the 4th-axis rotary table and any pallet changer. Cycle the tool changer through every pocket, confirm the Fanuc control holds parameters, and budget for professional rigging and re-leveling after the move.
Can I still get parts and support for M.S. Machining Systems machines?
In most cases, yes. M.S. Machining Systems still operates in Michigan, and because the machines use Fanuc controls and common #50 tooling, spindles, drives, and control components are widely available through the aftermarket.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used M.S. Machining Systems machines?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options to help your shop acquire the equipment it needs. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used M.S. Machining Systems HMC?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every M.S. Machining Systems model nationwide, handle all rigging and transport, and provide a fast, free appraisal.