Yamazaki Mazak Horizontal Machining Centers

Mazak HCN-Q 500

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

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Y Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

15,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40

Tool Capacity

40 tools standard (60, 80, 120 optional)

Overview

The Mazak HCN-Q 500 is a high-speed, high-value horizontal machining center built on a 500mm pallet platform, positioned as Mazak's production-oriented HMC for shops prioritizing fast cycle times and cost-effective automation. The "Q" designation indicates a streamlined, value-focused specification compared to the premium HCN-5000 NEO.

Axis travels measure 730 x 730 x 800 mm (28.7 x 28.7 x 31.5 in) on 500 x 500 mm pallets, matching the HCN-5000 envelope. The standard twin-pallet APC maintains continuous production capability. Maximum workpiece size reaches 800 mm (31.5 in) diameter by 1,000 mm (39.4 in) height with 500 kg (1,102 lb) load capacity.

The standard spindle runs at 15,000 RPM with 30 kW (40 hp) through a CAT 40 taper, optimized for high-speed production in aluminum and lighter alloys. Rapid traverse reaches 60 m/min (2,362 ipm). The standard ATC holds 40 tools with options up to 120.

The HCN-Q 500 runs on the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC, featuring conversational programming and full G-code capability. While it lacks some of the premium features of the NEO generation (no SmoothAi intelligence), it delivers the core horizontal machining advantages at a more accessible price point. PALLETECH integration is available for scaling into multi-pallet FMS.

Competitors include the Okuma MB-5000HII, Kitamura HX-500iG, and Makino a51. New HCN-Q 500 machines price between $300,000 and $425,000, making them one of the most accessible 500mm HMCs from a major Japanese builder.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Pallet Size	62.99" × 49.21"
Number Of Pallets	2 (standard, PALLETECH expandable)
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
B Axis Indexing	1-degree increments (0.001-degree CNC optional)
Max Spindle Speed	15,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40
Spindle Motor Power	30 kW (40 hp)
Max Workpiece Size	Φ118.11" × 94.49"
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Tool Capacity	40 tools standard (60, 80, 120 optional)
Machine Weight	13,000 kg (28,660 lb) approx.
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
Maximum Speed	3000 rpm
Output	AC 45 kW (60 HP) [40% ED]
Maximum Torque	1849 N・m (188.4 kgf・m) [40% ED]
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	3000 min-1(rpm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Most accessible 500mm HMC from Mazak, offering core horizontal machining advantages at a significantly lower price than the HCN-5000 NEO
15,000 RPM CAT 40 spindle with 30 kW provides fast cycle times on aluminum and non-ferrous production work
60 m/min rapid traverse minimizes non-cutting time for high-throughput production
Twin-pallet APC is standard, providing the spindle utilization advantage that defines horizontal machining
PALLETECH compatibility enables scaling into FMS automation as production volume grows
CAT 40 tooling compatibility leverages existing tool inventories for shops transitioning from VMCs

Limitations

SmoothG control lacks the AI-based optimization features of SmoothAi found on the HCN-5000 NEO
15,000 RPM maximum is lower than the 18,000 RPM on the HCN-5000 NEO, reducing high-speed aluminum capability
No CAT 50 variant limits heavy roughing capability in steel and titanium
500 kg pallet load restricts fixture complexity for heavier tombstone setups

Best For

Shops adding their first 500mm horizontal machining center where value pricing is a priority over premium features Aluminum production environments where 15,000 RPM and 60 m/min rapids deliver competitive cycle times Job shops needing production horizontal capability with plans to scale into PALLETECH as volume justifies Automotive component suppliers running mid-volume production where twin-pallet automation improves part cost Shops upgrading from VMCs to horizontal machining seeking the most cost-effective entry point from a major builder

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak HCN-Q 500 cost?

New HCN-Q 500 machines range from $300,000 to $425,000 depending on ATC capacity, options, and configuration. This is approximately $50,000-$75,000 less than an equivalently configured HCN-5000 NEO.

02 What is the difference between the HCN-Q 500 and HCN-5000 NEO?

The HCN-5000 NEO offers SmoothAi CNC with AI-based optimization, 18,000 RPM spindle, higher tool magazine capacity (up to 348), Intelligent Thermal Shield, and a CAT 50 variant. The HCN-Q 500 uses SmoothG control, 15,000 RPM spindle, smaller ATC options, and CAT 40 only. The Q delivers the core HMC value proposition at a lower price point.

03 Can the HCN-Q 500 machine steel?

Yes. The 30 kW CAT 40 spindle handles production steel cutting at moderate depths and feeds. For heavy steel roughing, the CAT 40 taper is the limiting factor -- shops doing predominantly ferrous work should consider the HCN-5000 NEO with the CAT 50 option.

04 Is the HCN-Q 500 PALLETECH compatible?

Yes. The HCN-Q 500 integrates with PALLETECH for multi-pallet FMS configurations. This provides a cost-effective path to automation: start with the twin-pallet base machine and add PALLETECH as production volume justifies the investment.