Machine Comparison
GROB G150 vs Makino a500iR
GROB vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The GROB G150 and the Makino a500iR are both 5-axis machining centers, but they serve different jobs: the Makino a500iR has 900 mm (35.4 in) of X travel, twice the 450 mm (17.7 in) of the GROB G150. The makers publish few comparable figures for this pair, so the table holds only three rows.
Rapid traverse is the same on both, written as 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) for the GROB G150 and 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) for the Makino a500iR. The tooling differs. The GROB G150 takes HSK-A63 as standard, with HSK-E40 as an extra-cost option. The Makino a500iR comes with CAT40 on its standard spindle; HSK-A63 is an option there and is required on its faster spindle options.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GROB G150 | Makino a500iR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 in) | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | HSK-A63 (HSK-E40 optional) | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) |
| Rapid Traverse | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) |
Advantages
GROB G150
- HSK-A63 as the standard interface, with HSK-E40 optional for small tools
- Sized for small 5-axis parts such as stainless steel medical components
Makino a500iR
- 900 mm (35.4 in) of X travel against 450 mm (17.7 in)
- CAT40 tooling on the standard spindle, with HSK-A63 as an option
- Suits larger five-axis parts, undercut features and heavy fixtures loaded by hand
Verdict
These machines do different jobs, so choose by part size and tooling. The GROB G150 suits small 5-axis parts, such as stainless steel medical components, that fit within 450 mm (17.7 in) of X travel and run on HSK-A63 or the optional HSK-E40. The Makino a500iR suits larger parts that need 900 mm (35.4 in) of X, and shops that want to stay on CAT40 tooling. Both rapid at 60 m/min (2,362 ipm), so speed between cuts does not separate them.