Haas EC-500 Horizontal Machining Center
Key Specifications
Repeatability
Pallet Size
X / Y / Z Travel
Spindle Speed
Spindle Taper
Spindle Motor
Overview
The Haas EC-500 is a 500 mm pallet horizontal machining center bringing four-sided part access, chip evacuation, and twin-pallet automation to job shops at an accessible price. With a 500 mm pallet and a 26 x 26 x 26 in work cube, it handles prismatic parts from automotive brackets and pump housings to aerospace structural components.
The machine uses a 50-taper 7,500 RPM spindle rated at 50 HP, with a 10,000 RPM geared-head option. The twin-pallet design lets operators load and unload one pallet while the other is cutting, dramatically increasing spindle utilization compared to a VMC. A 40-pocket tool changer is standard with the Haas NGC control.
The EC-500 competes with Japanese and German horizontals at a lower price, making it a common first horizontal for shops transitioning from vertical-only operations. Rigid cast-iron construction, box ways, and the 50-taper spindle provide good rigidity for steel and cast iron work.
Shops considering the EC-500 should note it is an entry-level horizontal. High-volume automotive or aerospace environments may eventually need larger capacity available from Mazak, Makino, or DMG Mori. For shops making the move from VMCs to horizontals, the EC-500 is an excellent starting point.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallet Size | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) |
| X / Y / Z Travel | 26 x 26 x 26 in (660 x 660 x 660 mm) |
| Spindle Speed | 7,500 RPM standard (10,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | 50-taper (CT50 / BT50) |
| Spindle Motor | 50 HP (37.3 kW) vector drive |
| Rapid Traverse (X/Y/Z) | 1,200 / 1,200 / 1,200 IPM (30 m/min) |
| Tool Changer Capacity | 40-pocket umbrella ATC |
| B-Axis Resolution | 0.001 degree (full 360 degrees) |
| Max Workpiece Weight Per Pallet | 1,500 lb (680 kg) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 (twin-pallet standard) |
| Control | Haas NGC (Next Generation Control) |
| Machine Weight | approx. 35,000 lb (15,876 kg) |
| Travels | S.A.E |
| X Axis | 32.00 in |
| Y Axis | 25.00 in |
| Z Axis | 28.00 in |
| Spindle Centerline To Pallet | 1.10 in |
| Spindle | S.A.E |
| Max Rating | 30.0 hp |
| Max Speed | 8100 rpm |
| Max Torque | 90.0 ft-lbf @ 2000 rpm |
| Drive System | Inline Direct-Drive |
| Taper | CT40 | BT40 | HSK-A63 |
| Bearing Lubrication | Air / Oil Injection |
| Cooling | Air Cooled |
| Integrated 4th Axis | S.A.E |
| 90 Rotation Time | 3 sec |
| Max Weight On Platter | 880 lb |
| Rotational Torque | 575 Nm |
| Backlash | 30 arc-sec |
| Gear Ratio | 106:1 |
| Brake Torque | 2500 ft-lbf |
| Min Resolution | 0.001 ° |
| Indexing Accuracy | ± 15 arc-sec |
| Repeatability | 10 arc-sec |
| Rapids On B | 150 °/sec |
| Feedrates | S.A.E |
| Max Cutting | 833 ipm |
| Rapids On X | 1400 ipm |
| Rapids On Y | 1400 ipm |
| Rapids On Z | 1400 ipm |
| Axis Motors | S.A.E |
| Max Thrust X | 3380 lbf |
| Max Thrust Y | 2810 lbf |
| Max Thrust Z | 3380 lbf |
| Pallet Changer | S.A.E |
| Pallet Quantity | 2 |
| Pallet Length | 19.69 in |
| Pallet Width | 19.69 in |
| Max Pallet Load | 880 lb |
| Max Part Diameter | 29.5 in |
| Max Part Height | 36.5 in |
| Pallet Change Time | 15 s |
| General | S.A.E |
| Coolant Capacity | 95 gal |
| Tool Changer | S.A.E |
| Type | SMTC |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Max Tool Diameter | 2.5 in |
| Max Tool Diameter Large | 5.0 in |
| Max Tool Length | 12.00 in |
| Max Tool Weight | 12.0 lb |
| Tool To Tool | 2.80 s |
| Chip To Chip | 3.60 s |
| Air Requirements | S.A.E |
| Air Required | 9 scfm @ 100 psi |
| Inline Air Hose | 1/2 in |
| Coupler | 1/2 in |
| Air Pressure Min | 100 psi |
| Electrical Specification | S.A.E |
| Spindle Speed Max | 8100 rpm |
| Spindle Power | 30.0 hp |
| Input Ac Voltage Low | 220 VAC |
| Full Load Amps Low | 70 A |
| Input Ac Voltage High | 440 VAC |
| Full Load Amps High | 35 A |
| Dimensions Shipping | S.A.E |
| Domestic Pallet | 202.0 in x 100.0 in x 111.0 in |
| Export Pallet | 197.0 in x 91.5 in x 101.0 in |
| Machine Weight | 20120 lb |
| Axis Travels | 813 x 635 x 711 mm |
| Maximum Optional Spindle Speed | 15,000 rpm |
| Tool Changer Capacity | 30+1 |
| Optional Tool Changer Capacity | 50+1, 100+1 |
| Rapids | 35.6 m/min |
| Maximum Feedrate | 21.2 m/min |
| Maximum Weight On Pallet | 400 kg |
Specifications sourced from haascnc.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Twin-pallet design enables load/unload during cutting, dramatically improving spindle utilization
- 50-taper spindle with box ways provides excellent rigidity for steel and cast-iron machining
- Four-sided part access with tombstone fixtures reduces setups and total cycle time
- Haas NGC control simplifies the transition for operators familiar with Haas VMCs
- Most affordable new-build 500 mm horizontal machining center available in North America
Limitations
- 7,500 RPM base spindle speed limits aluminum high-speed performance without the optional upgrade
- 40-pocket tool changer is smaller than high-volume production horizontals offering 60-80+ tool options
- Chip conveyor and coolant options are more basic than those on premium Japanese and German horizontals
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The EC-500 uses a 500 mm pallet versus the EC-400 400 mm pallet with more workpiece envelope and payload. The EC-500 uses a 50-taper spindle versus the EC-400 40-taper for better rigidity on heavier cuts.
02
Haas offers a pallet pool option beyond the standard two pallets. For full FMS integration with robotic pallet handling, more advanced horizontals from Makino, Mazak, or DMG Mori are typically better suited.
03
The EC-500 provides 26 inches of Y-axis travel. Practical workpiece height above the pallet is typically 20-22 inches depending on tombstone and fixture design.
04
Yes, through-spindle coolant is an available option. Given the horizontal orientation, TSC is strongly recommended for most applications to ensure chip evacuation and tool life.
05
The EC-500 features full 360-degree B-axis pallet rotation with 0.001-degree resolution. The B-axis is servo-driven and locks for machining.
Videos
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