Machine Comparison
Brother Speedio HU550Xd1 vs Makino a500iR
Brother Industries vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Brother Speedio HU550Xd1 and the Makino a500iR are both five-axis machining centers, and the Makino is ahead on every row of the table. The Brother is a compact 30-taper machine with 550 x 500 x 400 mm of travel and a 200 kg (441 lb) load. The Makino offers 900 x 750 x 800 mm of travel and 400 kg (880 lb.).
The Makino's standard spindle runs to 14,000 rpm against 12,000 rpm, with 20,000 and 24,000 rpm as extra-cost options against the Brother's optional 20,000 rpm. It changes tools in 1.0 sec against 1.3 sec, carries 90 tools as standard against 30, with 133, 218 and 311 tools as options, and rapids at 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) against 50 / 56 / 56 m/min. It uses a CAT40 taper, with HSK-A63 required for the faster spindles, against BT30.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Brother Speedio HU550Xd1 | Makino a500iR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 550 mm (21.7 in) | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) | 750 mm (29.5 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 200 kg (441 lb) | 400 kg (880 lb.) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm (10,000 high-torque, 20,000 rpm optional) | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) ▲ |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | BT30 (7/24 taper No. 30) | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) |
| Tool Capacity | 30 tools | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) ▲ |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 1.3 sec | 1.0 sec ▲ |
| Rapid Traverse | 50 / 56 / 56 m/min (1,969 / 2,205 / 2,205 ipm) | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) ▲ |
Advantages
Brother Speedio HU550Xd1
- Compact horizontal five-axis machine for parts that fit within 550 x 500 x 400 mm of travel
- Layout aimed at chip evacuation on deep-cavity aerospace aluminum and medical parts
Makino a500iR
- 900 x 750 x 800 mm of travel against 550 x 500 x 400 mm
- 400 kg (880 lb.) workpiece load against 200 kg (441 lb)
- 14,000 rpm standard spindle, with 24,000 rpm as an option, against 12,000 rpm
- 90 tools standard (up to 311 tools as an option) and 1.0 sec tool changes, against 30 tools and 1.3 sec
Verdict
The Makino a500iR is the choice when parts are larger, heavier or need many tools: 900 mm of X travel, a 400 kg load, 90 standard tools and an optional 24,000 rpm spindle for structural aluminum, plus a B axis that tilts past vertical for undercuts. The Brother Speedio HU550Xd1 fits shops whose five-axis parts are small aluminum or medical components within 550 x 500 x 400 mm and a 200 kg load, where a compact 30-taper machine is enough.