Mazak VARIAXIS i-300

$350,000 - $550,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.78 in)

Y Travel

550 mm (21.65 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.08 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (18K / 25K / 30K RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS BT40 (HSK-A63 / HSK-F63 optional)

Tool Capacity

145 tools standard (expandable to 505)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 AWC is a compact simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center built around unattended production of small, complex parts. Where most 5-axis machines require an operator standing by between setups, the i-300 ships with an integrated Auto Work Changer that holds up to 32 workpieces (expandable to 40), cycling parts in and out while the spindle keeps cutting.

Travel sits at 350 x 550 x 510 mm (13.8 x 21.7 x 20.1 in) on the linear axes. That is a compact envelope by 5-axis standards, but it covers the sweet spot for medical implants, aerospace fittings, watch components, and automotive sensor housings. The trunnion table tilts -120 to +30 degrees on the A-axis and rotates 360 degrees continuous on C, indexing in 0.0001-degree increments on both rotary axes. Table load capacity is 65 kg (143 lb) including the HSK-A100 work holder.

The standard spindle runs 12,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) at 40% ED and 72 Nm (53 ft-lb) of torque through a BIG-PLUS BT40 taper. Three optional spindles push the range further: an 18,000 RPM high-torque unit producing 35 kW (47 hp) and 134 Nm (99 ft-lb), a 25,000 RPM HSK-A63 high-speed spindle at 23 kW (31 hp), and a 30,000 RPM HSK-F63 variant for aluminum and composites. Built-in motor construction with temperature-controlled coolant circulating around the bearings keeps thermal growth in check during extended unmanned runs.

Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X, Y, and Z with 0.7G acceleration, and the rotary axes move at 56 m/min. That is fast repositioning for a machine in this footprint. The standard tool magazine holds 145 tools in a stacked drum configuration, expandable through additional drums to 205, 265, 325, 385, 445, or 505 tools. The drum design saves 35.6% floor space compared to Mazak's rack-type Tool Hive system while still giving shops enough tool capacity to run diverse part mixes overnight without intervention.

The MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC runs the show. The optional Smooth Ai Spindle feature uses a vibration sensor and AI adaptive control to detect and suppress chatter automatically, adjusting machining conditions in real time. Smooth AWC software handles scheduling, setup instructions, and system monitoring through a 19-inch touchscreen, making it straightforward to queue different parts with different fixtures across the 32-position stocker.

Direct competitors include the Makino DA300 (tighter tolerances, faster spindle options), Hermle C 250 (higher rigidity, German build quality), and Matsuura MX-330 (similar compact automation concept). The VARIAXIS i-300 differentiates on tool capacity and the integrated AWC system at a price point that undercuts most European alternatives. For shops running lights-out production of small complex components in batches of 10 to 500, this machine delivers serious throughput per square foot. Specs sourced from Mazak Corporation published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.78 in)
Y-Axis Travel	550 mm (21.65 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.08 in)
A Axis Tilt	-120° to +30° (150° total)
C Axis Rotation	360° continuous
Rotary Indexing	0.0001° increments (A and C axes)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (18K / 25K / 30K RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS BT40 (HSK-A63 / HSK-F63 optional)
Spindle Drive	Built-in motor
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW / 30 hp (40% ED); 15 kW continuous
Spindle Torque	72 Nm (53 ft-lb) @ 40% ED
High Torque Spindle Option	35 kW / 47 hp, 134 Nm (99 ft-lb) @ 18,000 RPM
Tool Capacity	145 tools standard (expandable to 505)
Tool Shank	BT-40
Awc Capacity	32 workpieces (expandable to 40)
Max Workpiece Diameter	350 mm (13.78 in)
Max Workpiece Height	315 mm (12.40 in)
Max Table Load	65 kg (143 lb) including work holder
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X, Y, Z
Rotary Rapid Traverse	56 m/min (A and C axes)
Acceleration	0.7G
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC
Machine Dimensions	4,930 x 3,430 x 2,968 mm (194.1 x 135.0 x 116.9 in)
Coolant Capacity	1,100 L (290 gal)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated 32-position Auto Work Changer enables true lights-out production without bolting on third-party automation
145-tool standard magazine expandable to 505 tools in stacked drum configuration, covering diverse part mixes without operator intervention
60 m/min rapids with 0.7G acceleration keep non-cutting time low during complex 5-axis repositioning moves
Four spindle options from 12K to 30K RPM let shops configure for heavy steel cutting or high-speed aluminum finishing
Smooth Ai Spindle with vibration sensor and AI adaptive control automatically suppresses chatter, reducing reliance on operator skill
MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC with 19-inch touchscreen and Smooth AWC scheduling software simplifies multi-part queue management
Compact footprint of 4.9 x 3.4 m delivers high throughput per square foot compared to larger 5-axis cells with external automation

Limitations

65 kg table load including work holder limits this machine to small parts; anything over roughly 50 kg net part weight won't fit
350 mm X-axis travel is tight for shops that occasionally need to machine larger components; the work envelope restricts part size
AWC and multi-drum tool magazine add mechanical complexity with 3 transfer stations and 5 belts that require careful maintenance
Sensor sensitivity in the AWC system can cause false stops from excess light, shiny tool bodies, or coolant mist per user reports
Requires consistent high-volume small-part work to justify the automation investment; underutilized AWC capacity wastes capital

Best For

Medical device manufacturers running lights-out production of implants, surgical instruments, and orthopedic components Aerospace shops machining small aluminum and titanium fittings, brackets, and sensor housings in batch quantities Automotive suppliers producing complex sensor housings, turbocharger components, and small precision parts Watch and precision instrument manufacturers requiring simultaneous 5-axis contouring on small workpieces Job shops seeking unattended overnight and weekend production of diverse small-part mixes without dedicated automation cells Shops transitioning from manual pallet loading to integrated automation on compact 5-axis work

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 AWC cost?

New VARIAXIS i-300 AWC machines typically fall in the $350,000 to $550,000 range depending on spindle selection, tool magazine size, and AWC configuration. The high-speed 25K or 30K RPM spindle options and expanded tool drums add significant cost over the base 12K RPM configuration. Used 2018-2019 units have appeared on the market in the $180,000-$250,000 range depending on hours and condition.

02 How many parts can the AWC run unattended?

The standard Auto Work Changer holds 32 workpieces on HSK-A100 holders, expandable to 40 positions. Combined with up to 505 tools in the expanded drum magazine, this gives shops the capacity to run diverse part batches overnight or over a full weekend. The Smooth AWC software handles scheduling and sequencing different programs across the stocker positions.

03 Is the VARIAXIS i-300 rigid enough for steel and titanium?

With the 18,000 RPM high-torque spindle producing 35 kW and 134 Nm of torque, the i-300 handles steel and titanium at moderate depths of cut. The dual-support trunnion table and roller guides provide good rigidity for a machine this size. However, the 65 kg table load and compact travels mean it is best suited for small titanium and steel parts rather than heavy roughing operations.

04 How does the i-300 compare to the Makino DA300?

Both target the same compact 5-axis automation niche. The DA300 is widely regarded as having tighter out-of-box accuracy and a stiffer spindle platform, making it the pick for ultra-precision work. The VARIAXIS i-300 counters with significantly higher tool capacity (145-505 vs. the DA300's 60-313), more AWC positions, and the SmoothAi control with AI chatter suppression. For shops where part variety and tool count matter more than last-micron accuracy, the i-300 has the edge.

05 What spindle should I choose for the i-300?

The standard 12,000 RPM BT40 spindle at 22 kW covers general-purpose work across steel, aluminum, and plastics. For steel-heavy shops, the 18,000 RPM high-torque option at 35 kW and 134 Nm is the pick. For aerospace aluminum and composites, the 25,000 RPM HSK-A63 or 30,000 RPM HSK-F63 spindles deliver the surface speeds needed for productive high-speed machining. Most shops running mixed materials go with the 18K high-torque as the best all-around option.

06 How reliable is the AWC system in practice?

Users on Practical Machinist report that the AWC system takes 2-3 months to dial in for reliable all-night operation and several more months for full weekend runs. Sensor sensitivity to ambient light, coolant mist, and reflective tool bodies can trigger unexpected stops early on. Once calibrated and maintained, the system runs consistently, but shops should budget for a learning curve. Having a dedicated operator who understands the AWC during the ramp-up period is recommended.