Machine Comparison
Haas EC-500 Horizontal Machining Center vs Makino a61nx
Haas Automation vs Makino · Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)
Summary
The Haas EC-500 Horizontal Machining Center and the Makino a61nx are both 40-taper horizontals with 500 x 500 mm pallets, so the fixtures are the same size. The difference is pace: the Makino a61nx has the faster spindle, tool changer and axes, and the larger standard magazine.
The Makino runs to 14,000 rpm as standard against 8,100 rpm, changes tools in 0.9 sec against 2.8 s (2.5 sec chip-to-chip against 3.6 s), rapids at 60,000 mm/min against 1,400 ipm (35.6 m/min) and holds 60 tools against 30+1. It also has more Y and Z travel, 730 mm (28.7 in) and 800 mm (31.5 in) against 25 in (635 mm) and 28 in (711 mm). The Haas is wider in X: 32 in (813 mm) against 730 mm (28.7 in).
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Haas EC-500 Horizontal Machining Center | Makino a61nx |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 32 in (813 mm) ▲ | 730 mm (28.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 25 in (635 mm) | 730 mm (28.7 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 28 in (711 mm) | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Pallet Size | 19.69 × 19.69 in (500 × 500 mm) | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,100 rpm | 14,000 rpm (20,000) ▲ |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | CT40 / BT40 / HSK-A63 | CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional) |
| Tool Capacity | 30+1 | 60 tools (optional 133, 218, 313) ▲ |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 2.8 s | 0.9 sec ▲ |
| Chip-to-Chip Time | 3.6 s | 2.5 sec ▲ |
| Rapid Traverse | 1,400 ipm (35.6 m/min) | 60,000 mm/min ▲ |
Advantages
Haas EC-500 Horizontal Machining Center
- 32 in (813 mm) of X travel against 730 mm (28.7 in)
- BT40 listed alongside CT40 and HSK-A63; the Makino is listed with CAT40 and HSK-A63 as an option
Makino a61nx
- 14,000 rpm standard spindle against 8,100 rpm
- 0.9 sec tool-to-tool and 2.5 sec chip-to-chip against 2.8 s and 3.6 s
- 60,000 mm/min rapid traverse against 1,400 ipm (35.6 m/min)
- 60 tools as standard against 30+1, with larger magazines optional
Verdict
For automotive-volume production in cast iron and steel, with many tapped holes and frequent tool changes, the Makino a61nx is the machine: its 0.9 sec tool change, 60,000 mm/min rapids and 60 tools shorten every cycle. The Haas EC-500 Horizontal Machining Center fits a shop running aluminum housings and manifolds on tombstones at lower volumes, where 8,100 rpm and 30+1 tools cover the job and the extra X travel helps with wide parts.