Hardinge VMC puts the emphasis on versatility.

Say "VMC" and one thinks of vertical machining centers. Hardinge Inc also wants everyone to think of versatile machining centers.

To underscore that point, the Elmira, NY, manufacturer has introduced three VMCs designed to complement its line of CNC lathes, grinders, and electrical discharge machines.

The VMC600II, VMC800II, and VMC1000II are also designed to be affordable as well as versatile, providing cost-effective milling, drilling, and rigid tapping operations on a wide variety of work-piece materials.

The standards on this new line are extensive. Here's just a sampling:

* High performance spindle with a quad-set of angular contact bearings and rear-tapered roller bearings for extended machine life;

* 8000-rpm, 15-hp/llkW Vector spindle drive (4000-rpm H-torque available);

* 40 Taper CAT-V or BT spindle;

* Positioning accuracy of [plus or minus]0.0002"/[plus or minus]0.005mm;

* Repeatability of 0.0001"/0.0025mm--each axis;

* X-travels: 40.16" on 1000II, 31.50" on 800II, and 23.62" on 600II;

* Y- and Z-axis travel of 20.08" on all models;

* 3-sec tool-to-tool change time; and

* 15401b/700kg table load capacity

The machines also feature spindle taper cleaning, surround tool coolant, rigid tapping, manual pulse generator, three linear guideways with five guide trucks on the X and Y axes, and two linear guideways with six guide trucks on the Z axis.

The pendant-mounted Fanuc 0-MD CNC unit offers many standard features, including canned cycles and helical interpolation.

The machines are produced to comply with ANSI/ASME b5.54 standards. Fully compliant CE/EMC versions of each model are available for distribution in European markets.