The Hurco VMX-42i is a 3-axis CNC vertical machining center from Hurco's VMX-i series, a line known for the rigidity and operator-friendly control that have made Hurco a trusted name in die/mold, production, and one-off machining. This 2016 example delivers travels of 42 in. X by 24 in. Y by 24 in. Z over a 50 in. x 24 in. table rated for 3,000 lbs, with a 12,000 RPM CAT40 BIG-PLUS dual-contact spindle producing 24 HP peak power and 175 ft-lbs of peak torque for confident cutting in steel, aluminum, and mold tooling. A 30-station side-mount swing-arm tool changer handles tools up to 3.1 in. diameter, 11.8 in. long, and 15.4 lbs, while a standard scraper-belt chip conveyor, spindle chiller, and heavy roller guideways on all three axes keep the machine accurate and productive. At its heart is the Hurco WinMax MAX5 dual-screen control with UltiMotion and full conversational plus ISO/G-code programming, equally at home running shop-floor conversational jobs and CAM-posted programs.
Compared to the earlier Hurco VMX42 (the pre-i generation), the VMX-42i is a meaningful step up rather than a simple refresh. The i generation introduced the dual-screen MAX5 control with a faster processor and 10,000-block look-ahead in place of the older single-screen Ultimax/WinMax console, added Hurco's UltiMotion for smoother, faster surface finishing, and upgraded to a dual-wound 12,000 RPM spindle that delivers more torque at lower base speeds without a gearbox. Heavier roller ways on all three axes, ceramic hybrid spindle bearings with lifetime grease, and BIG-PLUS dual-contact tooling further improve rigidity and tool life over the prior model. For a shop choosing between a used VMX42 and this VMX-42i, the i brings current-generation control technology and a more capable spindle to the floor at a used-machine price.