Makino a500Z

$500,000 - $750,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Y Travel

750 mm (29.5 in)

Z Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Max Spindle

14,000 RPM (12K high-torque / 20K high-speed optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 (std.) / 133, 218, 313 (opts.)

Overview

The Makino a500Z is a 5-axis horizontal machining center that combines the proven a-series HMC platform with a trunnion-style tilting table for full 5-axis simultaneous machining. Unlike the a500iR's tilting spindle head approach, the a500Z moves the workpiece through the A-axis tilt, providing higher rotary stiffness during heavy 5-axis cutting operations. This design philosophy makes it particularly well-suited for aggressive material removal in titanium and other hard aerospace alloys.

Axis travel runs 730 x 750 x 700 mm (28.7 x 29.5 x 27.6 in) on X/Y/Z, providing a generous work envelope for medium-sized 5-axis components. The A-axis tilts from +30 to -120 degrees while the C-axis provides full 360-degree continuous rotation on the trunnion table. The 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) pallet supports workpieces up to 630 mm (24.8 in) diameter with a 500 kg (1,102 lb) load capacity.

The standard spindle runs at 14,000 RPM with an HSK-A63 taper delivering 22 kW (29.5 hp) continuous power and 303 Nm of torque. Core-cooled spindle technology maintains thermal stability across long production runs. Optional 12,000 RPM high-torque and 20,000 RPM high-speed spindles are available for different material requirements.

Cross-roller guides on all linear axes provide the rigidity needed for maintaining accuracy during aggressive 5-axis cutting. The dual direct-drive motors on the trunnion assembly eliminate twist and torsion, providing consistent accuracy across the full tilt range. Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on all axes with 1G acceleration.

The a500Z weighs approximately 16,500 kg (36,376 lb) and runs on Makino's Professional 6 control with SGI.5 contouring. The 60-tool standard ATC supports complex aerospace jobs. It integrates with MMC2 for automated production cells. Competitors include the DMG Mori DMU 65 monoBLOCK and Hermle C 32 in the mid-size 5-axis horizontal segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	750 mm (29.5 in)
Z-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -120° (150° total, dual direct drive)
C Axis Range	360° (continuous, direct drive)
Max Spindle Speed	14,000 RPM (12K high-torque / 20K high-speed optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (29.5 hp) continuous
Spindle Torque	303 Nm (224 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	60 (std.) / 133, 218, 313 (opts.)
Pallet Size	500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in)
Number Of Pallets	2 standard
Max Workpiece Diameter	630 mm (24.8 in)
Pallet Load Capacity	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	2,362 ipm
Axis Acceleration	1G
Machine Weight	~16,500 kg (36,376 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6, SGI.5)
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Metric	English
Pallet	19.7"
B Axis	360° (unlimited) – Direct Drive
C Axis	180° - Direct Drive
Spindle Rpm	14,000 (std.) / 20,000 (opt.)
Cutting Feedrate	1,968 ipm
Maximum Workpiece	Ø 24.9” x 19.7” High
Maximum Payload	880 lbs
Tool To Tool	0.9 sec
Maximum Tool Diameter	6.7"
Maximum Tool Weight	26.4 lbs

Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Dual direct-drive trunnion motors eliminate twist and torsion for consistent 5-axis accuracy during aggressive cutting at off-center positions
Cross-roller guides on all axes provide superior rigidity compared to linear guides, enabling heavy cutting in titanium and other hard alloys
Horizontal spindle orientation ensures excellent chip evacuation during 5-axis machining of deep pockets and complex cavities
SGI.5 contouring algorithm reduces cycle times up to 40% on complex 3D surfaces compared to standard servo control
60 m/min rapids with 1G acceleration deliver fast positioning between features for competitive cycle times
303 Nm spindle torque provides enough cutting force for productive titanium machining without sacrificing speed for aluminum work
MMC2 compatibility enables automated 5-axis production cells for high-value aerospace component manufacturing

Limitations

Trunnion-table design reduces effective load capacity at extreme tilt angles as gravity shifts the workpiece mass off-center
500 x 500 mm pallet limits workpiece size compared to larger 5-axis horizontal platforms in Makino's lineup
Premium pricing ($500K-$750K) requires high-value 5-axis work to justify over more affordable trunnion VMCs
Makino's service network is smaller than DMG Mori or Mazak, potentially impacting support availability
14,000 RPM standard spindle speed is lower than some competitors' base offerings for high-speed aluminum work

Best For

Aerospace production shops machining complex titanium and aluminum structural components requiring 5-axis access with maximum rigidity Defense manufacturers producing mission-critical components in hard alloys where cutting stiffness and accuracy are non-negotiable Medical device manufacturers machining complex orthopedic implants and instruments in titanium and cobalt-chrome Precision industrial manufacturers producing turbine components, impellers, and complex housings requiring simultaneous 5-axis contouring Shops building automated 5-axis production cells with MMC2 for high-volume, tight-tolerance aerospace work

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino a500Z cost?

New a500Z machines typically price between $500,000 and $750,000. A base machine with 14K RPM spindle, 60-tool ATC, and 2-pallet APC starts around $500,000. Adding high-torque or high-speed spindle options, expanded tool magazines, high-pressure coolant, and MMC2 automation pushes toward $650,000-$750,000. Used a500Z machines from 2015-2020 trade between $250,000 and $400,000.

02 How does the a500Z compare to the a500iR?

The a500Z uses a trunnion table (workpiece tilts) while the a500iR uses a tilting spindle head. The a500Z provides higher rotary axis stiffness for aggressive cutting at tilted angles — better for heavy titanium work. The a500iR maintains full load capacity at all angles since the workpiece stays flat — better for heavy parts. Both share the horizontal spindle advantage of superior chip evacuation.

03 What spindle should I choose for the a500Z?

The standard 14,000 RPM / 303 Nm spindle covers most mixed-material production. The 12,000 RPM high-torque option provides more aggressive cutting in titanium and Inconel. The 20,000 RPM option suits shops focused on high-speed aluminum aerospace work. All use HSK-A63 and Makino's core-cooled design. Most aerospace shops go with the standard or high-torque option.

04 Is the a500Z better than a trunnion VMC like the D500?

The a500Z is a horizontal machine, the D500 is vertical. The horizontal orientation provides better chip evacuation — critical for deep pockets in aluminum and for cutting titanium where chip re-cutting damages tools. The D500 has more Y-travel (1,000 vs 750 mm) and is better for mold work where vertical spindle access to cavities is preferred. For aerospace production, the a500Z is typically the better choice.