Mazak VARIAXIS i-500

$275,000 - $400,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.69 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.75 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.08 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS No.40

Tool Capacity

30 (40, 80, 120 optional)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i-500 is the compact entry point in Mazak's VARIAXIS i-Series lineup of full simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining centers. Designed for shops that need genuine 5-axis contouring on smaller parts, the i-500 delivers the same roller gear cam drive technology and rigid trunnion table construction found in the larger i-700T and i-800T, but in a smaller footprint with a 500 mm (19.69 in) diameter pallet.

Axis travels measure 500 x 400 x 510 mm (19.69 x 15.75 x 20.08 in) on X, Y, and Z. The trunnion table tilts from -120 to +30 degrees on A and rotates 360 degrees continuously on C, both driven by Mazak's roller gear cam system that eliminates backlash without the maintenance burden of worm gear designs. Maximum workpiece size is 500 mm (19.69 in) diameter by 350 mm (13.78 in) height with a table load capacity of 400 kg (882 lb).

The standard spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) through a BIG-PLUS No.40 taper, as confirmed by Mazak's published product specifications. Optional high-speed spindles push to 18,000 RPM for aluminum-heavy applications. The compact spindle nose design maximizes Z-axis clearance for longer tools and deeper cavity access. A 30-tool ATC is standard, with 40, 80, and 120-tool magazines available for complex multi-feature parts.

Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X/Y and 56 m/min (2,205 ipm) on Z via the MX Hybrid Roller Guide System. The MAZATROL Matrix 2 control handles both conversational Mazatrol programming and full ISO/G-code. At roughly 11,000 kg (24,251 lb), the i-500 provides good vibration damping without requiring an oversized foundation.

The VARIAXIS i-500 competes directly with the DMG Mori DMU 50, Hermle C 250, and Makino D200Z. It is a strong fit for medical device shops, aerospace component suppliers, and job shops stepping up from 3+2 to full simultaneous 5-axis. Pricing typically runs $275,000 to $400,000 depending on spindle and automation options.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.69 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.75 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.08 in)
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees (continuous)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS No.40
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Tool Capacity	30 (40, 80, 120 optional)
Max Tool Diameter	100 mm (3.94 in)
Max Tool Length	300 mm (11.81 in)
Table Size	500 x 400 mm (19.69 x 15.75 in)
Max Workpiece Size	Φ49.21″ × 35.43″
Table Load Capacity	400 kg (882 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	56 m/min (2,205 ipm)
Machine Weight	11,000 kg (24,251 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL Matrix 2
Pallet Size	Φ41.34″
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	10000 mm-1(rpm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint delivers full simultaneous 5-axis capability without consuming the floor space of larger VARIAXIS models
Roller gear cam drive on both rotary axes provides backlash-free positioning with lower maintenance than worm gear designs
BIG-PLUS No.40 taper with dual-contact interface improves rigidity and tool life compared to standard CAT 40
60 m/min rapid traverse via MX Hybrid Roller Guide System minimizes non-cutting time on positioning moves
400 kg table load capacity handles the vast majority of small-to-mid-size 5-axis work including heavy fixtures
MAZATROL Matrix 2 supports both conversational and ISO programming, reducing the learning curve for operators new to 5-axis

Limitations

500 x 400 mm X/Y travel limits the machine to smaller parts — shops needing to machine brackets longer than 400 mm should look at the i-700T
Standard 12,000 RPM spindle is adequate but not exceptional for high-speed aluminum work; the 18K option adds cost
Standard 30-tool magazine fills quickly on complex multi-feature parts; upgrading to 80+ tools is an expensive but often necessary option
Mazak proprietary control means no Siemens or Heidenhain option for shops standardized on those platforms

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing implants, surgical instruments, and orthopedic components requiring simultaneous 5-axis contouring Aerospace component suppliers machining small brackets, fittings, and connectors in aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel Job shops stepping up from 3+2 machining on vertical mills to full simultaneous 5-axis on a manageable platform Mold and die shops machining small-to-mid-size cores and cavities with complex 3D surfaces Production shops needing a compact 5-axis cell that integrates with PALLETECH automation for lights-out runs

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak VARIAXIS i-500 cost?

New VARIAXIS i-500 pricing typically runs $275,000 to $400,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, and automation options. Base machines with 30-tool ATC and 12K spindle sit at the lower end. Adding the 18K spindle, 80-tool magazine, and two-pallet changer pushes toward $400,000. Used i-500 machines appear on the secondary market around $120,000-$200,000 depending on year and condition.

02 How does the VARIAXIS i-500 compare to the DMG Mori DMU 50?

Both are competitive compact 5-axis machines. The DMU 50 offers Siemens and Heidenhain control options and slightly larger Y-axis travel at 520 mm. The i-500 counters with roller gear cam drives (vs worm gear on DMU 50), BIG-PLUS taper, and PALLETECH automation compatibility. Both handle similar part sizes. The DMU 50 is generally priced 10-15% lower at base configuration.

03 Can the i-500 machine titanium?

Yes, within its work envelope. The 22 kW spindle and rigid trunnion construction handle titanium finishing well. For heavy Ti roughing, the No.40 taper is the limiting factor — you will not match material removal rates of No.50 machines like the i-800T. For small titanium parts (medical implants, aerospace fittings), the i-500 is a capable and cost-effective platform.

04 What automation options are available?

The i-500 accepts a two-pallet changer for basic unattended operation and integrates with Mazak's PALLETECH flexible manufacturing system for multi-pallet, multi-machine automation. Upgrading to the 80 or 120-tool magazine extends unattended runtime. Robot loading integration is also available through Mazak's automation interfaces.