Hurco’s introduction of a 60‑station tool‑changer for the VMX42SRTi aligns with the company’s MACH 2026 theme, “Smarter CNC for Smarter Shops,” and reflects a broader engineering strategy to increase tool capacity to support higher levels of unattended machining and integrated automation.
The new configuration extends the automation-readiness of one of Hurco’s most widely deployed 5‑axis machining platforms.
While the standard 40‑station carousel meets the requirements of many general 5‑axis applications, more complex geometries frequently demand 20 or more tools for a single setup. When automation is introduced, particularly robot loading for extended unattended shifts, additional stations are required for sister tooling to complete multiple queued jobs. The 60-tool-pocket option addresses these constraints, enabling longer continuous operation without manual intervention.
The SRTi machining center series employs a torque‑motor, direct‑drive configuration for both the B‑axis (spindle swivel) and C‑axis (rotary table). This architecture eliminates the mechanical complexity and inertia associated with traditional trunnion systems. As the workpiece rotates on a horizontal, 600mm rotary table, the machine only needs to support vertical loading. This improves dynamic response and allows the machine to accommodate heavier and larger components. The limiting factor becomes the internal working volume rather than the rotary mechanism.
A key engineering advantage of the SRTi configuration is its dual‑mode capability. When simultaneous 5‑axis machining is not required, the machine functions as a full‑capacity, 3‑axis, vertical machining center, utilising the entire work envelope. This flexibility is particularly valuable in mixed‑production environments where machine utilisation must remain high across various job types.
The VMX42SRTi is a high‑performance machining center, with a standard specification that reflects this: 12 000rpm, 36.5kW motor‑spindle with integrated chiller, 20‑bar through‑spindle coolant, linear scales in all axes for thermally stable positioning accuracy, spindle coolant ring, full enclosure washdown system and swarf conveyor for continuous chip evacuation.
Certain applications, such as engine porting or specific oil‑and‑gas machining operations, benefit from an A‑axis rotary configuration rather than a C‑axis table. For these cases, Hurco offers the VMX42SWi and VMX60SWi models, which utilise a static table and allow integration of a user‑selected rotary unit. This modularity enables shops to tailor the kinematics to their process requirements.
The 60‑station tool‑changer option is not limited to the SRTi series. Hurco has extended the capability to the larger DCX double‑column machining centres and to the more compact VMX42Ui and VMX30Ui trunnion‑style, 5‑axis machines. The expansion indicates a shift towards higher tool capacities across the product line, driven by the increasing prevalence of automation and multi‑operation workflows.
For further details contact TH Machine Tools on TEL: 012 259 1375/0122 or visit www.thmachinetools.co.za or www.hurco.com
