Hurco Showcases BM500U Five-Axis Machining Center with Automated Pallet Changer at IMTS 2026!
Hurco Companies is presenting its BM500U five-axis machining center at IMTS 2026, demonstrating a machining solution designed to improve the efficient production of complex components while supporting greater automation and unattended manufacturing. Displayed alongside a new eight-station automatic pallet changer, the BM500U combines simultaneous five-axis machining, high-speed spindle technology and flexible automation to help manufacturers increase productivity, reduce setup times and maximise machine utilisation. The integrated solution is aimed at industries producing intricate precision components where accuracy, flexibility and continuous production are critical.
As manufacturers face increasing pressure to produce more complex parts with shorter lead times, five-axis machining has become an essential technology for reducing multiple setups and improving machining efficiency. By allowing access to multiple faces of a component in a single operation, five-axis machining reduces repositioning errors, shortens production cycles and enhances dimensional accuracy. The BM500U has been developed to address these requirements while providing the flexibility needed for both prototype manufacturing and high-mix production environments.
At the heart of the machine is Hurco’s integrated trunnion table design, engineered to improve machining accuracy while increasing usable Z-axis clearance. Unlike conventional table configurations, the trunnion design enhances rigidity and provides better accessibility for cutting tools when machining complex workpieces. This configuration also contributes to the machine’s high work-envelope-to-floor-space ratio, allowing manufacturers to process larger components without increasing the overall machine footprint on the shop floor.
The BM500U features a 500 mm (19.7-inch) rotary tilt table combined with generous axis travels of 850 mm in X-axis, 500 mm in Y-axis and 500 mm in Z-axis. The spacious machining envelope allows manufacturers to process a wide range of precision components while maintaining the flexibility required for multi-sided machining operations. This capability makes the machine well suited for industries such as aerospace, medical, die and mould, energy and general precision engineering.
The machining centre supports both simultaneous five-axis machining and 3+2 positional machining, providing manufacturers with greater flexibility depending on component complexity and machining strategy. Simultaneous five-axis capability enables continuous movement across all axes for highly complex geometries, while 3+2 machining allows fixed-angle operations that simplify programming for many applications. This versatility enables manufacturers to optimise machining performance while reducing production costs across different component types.
Powering the machine is a 15,000 rpm Big Plus direct-drive spindle delivering 11 kW of power, enabling both high-speed finishing operations and efficient material removal during rough machining. The direct-drive spindle design improves rigidity, reduces vibration and supports consistent cutting performance across a variety of materials. High spindle speeds also contribute to superior surface finishes and shorter machining cycles, particularly when processing complex three-dimensional surfaces.
To ensure exceptional machining precision, the BM500U incorporates absolute linear encoders with a resolution of 0.050 microns, providing highly accurate axis positioning and repeatability. These precision feedback systems help maintain dimensional accuracy throughout extended machining operations while supporting the production of components requiring extremely tight tolerances.
Tool management has also been designed to maximise productivity. The BM500U includes a 60-position automatic tool changer as standard, allowing manufacturers to perform multiple machining operations without manual intervention. For applications requiring larger tool inventories, an optional 96-tool automatic tool changer is available, supporting extended unattended production and reducing machine downtime associated with tool changes.
A key highlight of the IMTS demonstration is the integration of the BM500U with Hurco’s new rotary-style eight-station automatic pallet changer. Designed to support unattended machining, the system allows operators to load and unload workpieces while machining continues on another pallet, significantly reducing idle time and increasing spindle utilisation. The pallet system uses 320 mm (12.6-inch) pallets capable of accommodating components up to 450 mm in diameter and 400 mm in height, making it suitable for a wide range of precision machining applications.
The BM500U is further equipped with numerous productivity-enhancing features supplied as standard. These include linear scales for improved positioning accuracy, a spindle cooling system for enhanced thermal stability, through-spindle air and coolant delivery, flood coolant for efficient chip evacuation and an air mist collector to maintain a cleaner working environment. Together, these integrated features improve machining reliability while reducing maintenance requirements and supporting consistent production performance.
By combining advanced five-axis machining capabilities with intelligent automation, precision motion control and comprehensive standard equipment, the Hurco BM500U provides manufacturers with a versatile platform for producing complex components efficiently. At IMTS 2026, Hurco is demonstrating how the integration of high-performance machining and automated pallet handling can help manufacturers increase productivity, reduce setup times and achieve higher levels of operational efficiency in modern precision manufacturing environments.
