Matsuura MX-520T

$300,000 - $425,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Y Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (optional 15,000 / 20,000 RPM)

Spindle Taper

BT40 / CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional)

Tool Capacity

60 standard (90, 120 optional)

Overview

The Matsuura MX-520T adds turning capability to the proven MX-520 5-axis platform, creating a true mill-turn machine that can handle both milling and turning operations in a single setup. The T designation signifies a high-speed rotary C-axis that doubles as a turning spindle, enabling the machine to turn round features, thread, and perform facing operations without moving the part to a lathe. For shops producing parts with both prismatic and rotational features, this eliminates a second operation and the associated fixturing, handling, and tolerance stack-up.

The machining envelope matches the standard MX-520: 630 x 560 x 510 mm (24.8 x 22.0 x 20.1 in) on X/Y/Z with an A-axis tilt from +10 to -125 degrees. The C-axis provides full 360-degree continuous rotation and can spin at speeds up to 1,500 RPM for turning operations, with direct-drive motor technology providing smooth, vibration-free rotation. The standard milling spindle is a BT40 at 12,000 RPM with 7.5/11 kW (10/15 hp), with 15,000 and 20,000 RPM options available.

The MX-520T retains all the milling capabilities of the standard MX-520 — the turning functionality is additive, not a compromise. The trunnion-style table accepts workpieces up to 520 mm diameter by 350 mm tall (20.5 x 13.8 in) with a 200 kg (440 lb) load capacity. The tool magazine holds 60 tools standard (90, 120 optional), and tool-to-tool change time is 1.1 seconds.

The G-Tech 31i control supports both milling and turning G-code within the same program, and CAMplete TruePath provides mill-turn simulation. The MX-520T weighs approximately 9,500 kg (20,944 lb) with a footprint of roughly 3,900 x 2,300 mm. It competes with machines like the DMG Mori DMU 50 with mill-turn table, Hermle C 250 MT, and Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 with turning. For shops that regularly need to combine milling and turning on the same part, the MX-520T eliminates an entire secondary operation.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
A Axis Range	+10° to -125°
C Axis Range	360° (continuous, up to 1,500 RPM turning)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (optional 15,000 / 20,000 RPM)
Spindle Taper	BT40 / CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	7.5 / 11 kW (10 / 15 hp)
Turning Speed	Up to 1,500 RPM (C-axis direct drive)
Tool Capacity	60 standard (90, 120 optional)
Table Diameter	300 mm (11.8 in) standard; 500 mm (19.7 in) optional
Max Workpiece Size	520 mm dia x 350 mm H (20.5 x 13.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	200 kg (440 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	40 m/min (1,575 ipm)
Tool Change Time	1.1 sec (tool-to-tool)
Machine Weight	9,500 kg (20,944 lb)
Floor Space Required	3,900 x 2,300 mm
CNC Control	Matsuura G-Tech 31i (FANUC 31i-B5 based, touch screen, mill-turn capable)
Mx Series	MAM72 Series
Mx 330mx 330 Pc10mx 420 Pc10mx 520mx 520 Pc4mx 520tmx 850mx 850 Pc4	MAM72-35VMAM72-42VMAM72-52VMAM72-70VMAM72-100H
Max Work Sizemm	Ø520 x H350 (Ø20.47 x H13.77) Table \| Ø520 x H330 (Ø20.47 x H12.99) Pallet
Spindle Speedrpm	12,000Standard\| 12,000 TorqueUpOption\| 15,000Option\| 20,000Option
Travel Mm	630/560/510 \| (24.80/22.04/20.07)
Industriesaerospace And Defense Automotive And High Performance Die Mold Medical	Technology5-Axis Vertical/Horizontal Machining Center ›

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Mill-turn capability eliminates secondary lathe operations for parts with both prismatic and rotational features, reducing setups and improving accuracy
Direct-drive C-axis at up to 1,500 RPM provides smooth, vibration-free turning without compromising 5-axis milling performance
Same proven MX-520 machining platform — all milling specs carry over unchanged, so turning is purely additive capability
G-Tech 31i control supports mixed milling and turning G-code in a single program for seamless operation transitions
CAMplete TruePath includes mill-turn simulation for complete program verification before cutting
Compact footprint of 3.9 x 2.3 m is barely larger than the standard MX-520, keeping floor space requirements minimal

Limitations

1,500 RPM turning speed limits the range of turning operations compared to a dedicated lathe running at 4,000+ RPM
BT40 milling spindle limits cutting force for heavy roughing — the turning capability does not compensate for this limitation
Mill-turn programming requires CAM software with mill-turn post-processor support, adding software complexity and cost
Turning operations generate different chip types than milling, which can complicate chip management in unattended runs

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers producing parts with both milled pockets and turned diameters — turbine housings, actuator bodies, and valve components Medical device shops machining implants that require both complex 5-axis contours and turned cylindrical features Job shops wanting to reduce setup count and improve tolerances by completing milling and turning in a single fixturing Mold and die shops that need occasional turning of round inserts and core pins alongside 5-axis cavity machining Precision engineering firms where part-to-part tolerance stack-up from multiple setups is a quality concern

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Matsuura MX-520T cost?

New MX-520T pricing typically ranges from $300,000 to $425,000, a modest premium over the standard MX-520 ($250,000-$350,000). The premium covers the direct-drive turning spindle, upgraded control software, and enhanced C-axis motor. The cost savings from eliminating secondary lathe operations often pays back the premium within the first year for shops with appropriate part mixes.

02 Can the MX-520T replace a dedicated lathe?

For light-to-medium turning operations on parts that also require 5-axis milling, yes. The 1,500 RPM C-axis handles OD turning, ID boring, facing, threading, and grooving at moderate parameters. It cannot replace a dedicated lathe for high-speed turning of long shafts, heavy bar stock, or production turning operations. Think of it as adding turning capability to a 5-axis mill, not replacing a lathe with a mill.

03 How does the MX-520T compare to the DMG Mori DMU 50 with mill-turn?

Both machines offer similar mill-turn capability on compact 5-axis platforms. The MX-520T has more X-axis travel (630 vs 500 mm) and faster tool changes (1.1 vs ~3.5 sec). The DMU 50 offers higher turning speed options and Siemens/Heidenhain control choices. The DMG Mori service network is larger in North America. Both are capable mill-turn platforms; the choice often comes down to control preference and existing machine fleet.

04 What CAM software supports the MX-520T's mill-turn operations?

Major CAM platforms including Mastercam, hyperMILL, NX, and CATIA support mill-turn programming with appropriate post-processors. CAMplete TruePath, included standard with the machine, provides mill-turn simulation and verification. Matsuura works with CAM vendors to provide validated post-processors for the MX-520T. The programming complexity is moderate — shops already doing 5-axis work will find the turning additions manageable.