2008 HARDINGE VMC700 VERTICAL MACHINING CENTER

Technical Description

The 2008 Hardinge VMC700 is a 3-axis vertical machining center built on the Hardinge Conquest VMC-700 platform, engineered for mid-size precision milling, drilling, boring, and tapping. The machine offers a 28-inch X-axis, 18-inch Y-axis, and 22-inch Z-axis work envelope, served by a 40-inch by 19-inch T-slotted worktable with a maximum workpiece load capacity of 1,650 pounds. The 20 HP AC digital spindle motor drives a CAT-40 taper spindle to 10,000 RPM, providing strong cutting performance across a wide range of materials including hardened steels, aluminum, and titanium alloys. The GE Fanuc 18-M CNC control system supports comprehensive G-code programming, rigid tapping, canned drilling and boring cycles, and fourth-axis wiring provisions for rotary table integration. A 20-position swing-arm automatic tool changer with random bi-directional selection enables complex multi-operation programs with a tool change time of approximately 2.5 seconds. Rapid traverse rates of 984 IPM in X and Y minimize non-cutting cycle time. Hardinge's robust cast-iron construction provides the structural rigidity and thermal stability required for consistent tight-tolerance output across extended production runs. Linear guideways on all axes deliver smooth motion and long-term positioning repeatability. The integrated coolant system, chip management provisions, and organized electrical cabinet support sustained production uptime with minimal maintenance effort. The VMC700's balanced work envelope and spindle capability make it well-suited to aerospace, medical, automotive, and general precision component manufacturing.