Machine Comparison
DMG Mori CMX 50 U vs Makino a500iR
DMG Mori vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The DMG Mori CMX 50 U and the Makino a500iR are both 5-axis machining centers, but they sit in different size classes and serve different jobs. The DMG Mori CMX 50 U is a compact machine with 500 x 450 x 400 mm of X/Y/Z travel and a 200 kg (440.9 lb) load limit. The Makino a500iR offers 900 x 750 x 800 mm and 400 kg (880 lb.).
The Makino leads every row that has a winner: 14,000 rpm standard against 12,000 RPM, 90 tools standard against 30, a 1.0 sec tool change against 3.0 sec, and 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) rapids against 30 m/min (1,181 ipm). The DMG Mori takes CAT 40 / BBT 40 tooling; the Makino takes CAT40 as standard, with HSK-A63 required on its optional 20,000 and 24,000 rpm spindles.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | DMG Mori CMX 50 U | Makino a500iR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 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 (440.9 lb) | 400 kg (880 lb.) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional) | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) ▲ |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | CAT 40 / BBT 40 | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) |
| Tool Capacity | 30 tools standard (60 optional) | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) ▲ |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 3.0 sec tool-to-tool | 1.0 sec ▲ |
| Rapid Traverse | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) ▲ |
Advantages
DMG Mori CMX 50 U
- Sized for small five-sided parts, with 500 x 450 x 400 mm of travel
- Takes CAT 40 / BBT 40 tooling, with no HSK-A63 requirement listed
- Aimed at buyers looking at a used compact 5-axis machine
Makino a500iR
- 900 x 750 x 800 mm of travel against 500 x 450 x 400 mm
- 400 kg (880 lb.) table load against 200 kg (440.9 lb)
- 90 tools standard (up to 311 optional) against 30 tools standard
- 1.0 sec tool change and 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) rapids against 3.0 sec and 30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Verdict
These machines serve different jobs. Choose the DMG Mori CMX 50 U for small 5-axis parts and fixtures within 200 kg (440.9 lb), typically aluminum and light steel, where 12,000 RPM is enough. Choose the Makino a500iR for larger parts up to 400 kg (880 lb.), undercut features, or high-mix work that needs 90 or more tools, a 1.0 sec tool change and the optional 24,000 rpm spindle for structural aluminum.