Machine Comparison
Hurco BX40Ui vs Makino a500iR
Hurco vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Hurco BX40Ui and the Makino a500iR are 5-axis machining centers with similar X travel, 950 mm (37.4 in) against 900 mm (35.4 in), but different working zones. The Makino has more Y and Z travel, 750 mm (29.5 in) and 800 mm (31.5 in) against 550 mm (21.65 in) and 500 mm (19.68 in), and carries 400 kg (880 lb.) against 250 kg (550 lb).
The Hurco runs a 20,000 rpm HSK-63A spindle as standard, against 14,000 rpm on the Makino, which offers 20,000 and 24,000 rpm spindles as options. The Makino leads on tooling: 90 tools as standard against 30, with 133, 218 or 311 tools as options, and a 1.0 sec tool change against 1.5 sec.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Hurco BX40Ui | Makino a500iR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 950 mm (37.4 in) ▲ | 900 mm (35.4 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 550 mm (21.65 in) | 750 mm (29.5 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.68 in) | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 250 kg (550 lb) | 400 kg (880 lb.) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 rpm ▲ | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | HSK-63A | 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) | 1.5 sec | 1.0 sec ▲ |
Advantages
Hurco BX40Ui
- 950 mm (37.4 in) of X travel against 900 mm (35.4 in)
- 20,000 rpm spindle as standard against 14,000 rpm
Makino a500iR
- 750 mm (29.5 in) Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) Z travel against 550 mm (21.65 in) and 500 mm (19.68 in)
- 400 kg (880 lb.) table load against 250 kg (550 lb)
- 90 tools standard against 30, with up to 311 as an option
- 1.0 sec tool change against 1.5 sec
Verdict
The Hurco BX40Ui suits high-speed 5-axis contouring of aluminum parts, mold cavities and implants that are long rather than tall, using its 950 mm (37.4 in) of X travel and standard 20,000 rpm spindle. The Makino a500iR suits taller, heavier parts up to 400 kg (880 lb.) and jobs with many tools, where 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z, 90 tools standard and a 1.0 sec tool change count most.