Machine Comparison
Makino a120nx vs Makino MCD2018
Makino vs Makino · Horizontal Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino a120nx and the Makino MCD2018 are both horizontal machining centers from Makino. The a120nx is a current 50-taper machine with 1,900 x 1,600 x 1,700 mm of X/Y/Z travel, a 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm pallet (1,250 x 1,000 mm optional) and a CAT50 spindle rated 8,000 rpm, with 20,000 rpm as an option. The MCD2018 is mostly met on the used market, and its listed travel, pallet and spindle rows are not reliable enough to compare here.
On the rows that can be compared, the a120nx is the quicker machine: 2.2 sec tool-to-tool (3.3 sec with a 35 kg tool) against 18 sec, and 54,000 mm/min rapid traverse against 630 IPM. Tool capacity depends on configuration: the a120nx carries 204 tools, while the MCD2018 starts at 30 with listed options from 60 up to 399.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino a120nx | Makino MCD2018 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,900 mm (74.8 in) ▲ | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) ▲ | 550 mm (21.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,700 mm ▲ | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Pallet Size | 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm (Optional 1,250 x 1,000 mm) (39.4 in x 39.4 in (Optional 49.2 in x 39.4 in)) | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 rpm (Optional 20,000) | 20,000 RPM ▲ |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | CAT50 (HSK-A100 optional) | HSK-A63 |
| Tool Capacity | 204 ▲ | 30 (60, 99, 120, 180, 280, 399 opt) |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 2.2 sec (12kg) / 3.3 sec (35kg) ▲ | 18 sec |
| Rapid Traverse | 54,000 mm/min ▲ | 630 IPM |
Advantages
Makino a120nx
- 2.2 sec tool-to-tool change against 18 sec on the MCD2018
- 54,000 mm/min rapid traverse against 630 IPM
- 204 tools against 30 tools standard on the MCD2018
Makino MCD2018
- Optional magazines listed up to 399 tools, beyond the a120nx's 204 (extra-cost options)
- A used-market option for shops already running Makino Pro 6 controls
Verdict
The Makino a120nx is the documented choice: its travel, pallet, spindle and 2.2 sec tool change are all published, and it suits large castings and high-mix work on a 204-tool magazine. The Makino MCD2018 makes sense mainly as a used purchase for shops already on Makino Pro 6 controls, and only after the buyer has confirmed its travels, pallet and spindle on the actual machine, since those listed figures cannot be relied on here.