Machine Comparison
Mazak VARIAXIS i vs Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO
Yamazaki Mazak vs Yamazaki Mazak · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Mazak VARIAXIS i and Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO are both from Yamazaki Mazak's 5-axis machining centers lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Yamazaki Mazak ecosystem. The Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO leads in x travel (730 mm (28.7 in) [i-700 NEO] vs 510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 900 mm (35.4 in) [i-1050]). The Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO shows specification advantages in 6 categories, though the Mazak VARIAXIS i may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a 5-axis machining center.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Mazak VARIAXIS i | Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 900 mm (35.4 in) [i-1050] | 730 mm (28.7 in) [i-700 NEO] ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) [i-500] to 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [i-1050] | 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [i-700 NEO] ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 750 mm (29.5 in) [i-1050] | 600 mm (23.6 in) [i-700 NEO] ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM [i-500], 18,000 RPM [i-700T], 10,000 RPM [i-800T/i-1050] | 12,000 RPM [i-600], 18,000 RPM [i-700], 10,000 RPM [i-800] |
| Spindle Power | 22 kW / 30 hp [No.40], 30 kW / 40 hp [No.50] | 22 kW / 30 hp [i-700 NEO] |
| Tool Capacity | 30 standard (40, 80, 120 optional) | 30 standard (40, 80, 120 optional) |
| Control | MAZATROL Matrix 2 | MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC |
| Models Available | i-500, i-1050, i-700T, i-800T, i-1050T | i-600 NEO, i-700 NEO, i-800 NEO ▲ |
| A Axis Range | +30 to -120 degrees | +30 to -120 degrees |
| C Axis Range | 360 degrees continuous | 360 degrees continuous |
| Rotary Indexing | 0.0001 degree increments | 0.0001 degree increments (A and C axes) |
| Spindle Taper | BIG-PLUS No.40 [i-500], CAT No.40 [i-700T], CAT No.50 [i-800T/i-1050] | BT40 [i-600], BIG-PLUS No.40 [i-700], BIG-PLUS No.50 [i-800] |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 500 mm (19.7 in) [i-500] to 1,250 mm (49.2 in) [i-1050] | 700 mm (27.6 in) [i-600], 850 mm (33.5 in) [i-700], 1,000 mm (39.4 in) [i-800] ▲ |
| Max Workpiece Height | 350 mm (13.8 in) [i-500] to 900 mm (35.4 in) [i-1050] | 450 mm (17.7 in) [i-600], 500 mm (19.7 in) [i-700], 415 mm (16.3 in) [i-800] ▲ |
| Price Range | $300,000 - $700,000 ▲ | $375,000 - $650,000 |
Advantages
Mazak VARIAXIS i
- More competitive pricing at $300,000 - $700,000 compared to $375,000 - $650,000
- Backed by Yamazaki Mazak's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Aerospace manufacturers machining complex structural parts requiring simultaneous 5-axis
Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO
- Greater x travel of 730 mm (28.7 in) [i-700 NEO] accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [i-700 NEO] accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 600 mm (23.6 in) [i-700 NEO] accommodates larger workpieces
- Superior models available at i-600 NEO, i-700 NEO, i-800 NEO vs i-500, i-1050, i-700T, i-800T, i-1050T
- Superior max workpiece diameter at 700 mm (27.6 in) [i-600], 850 mm (33.5 in) [i-700], 1,000 mm (39.4 in) [i-800] vs 500 mm (19.7 in) [i-500] to 1,250 mm (49.2 in) [i-1050]
Verdict
The Mazak VARIAXIS i NEO edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in X Travel and Y Travel. However, the Mazak VARIAXIS i remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.