Machine Comparison
Makino a500iR vs Makino a500Z
Makino vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino a500iR and the Makino a500Z are both five-axis machining centers in Makino's 500 mm pallet class. They share a 400 kg load limit, 750 mm (29.5 in) of Y travel, a 14,000 rpm standard spindle with a 20,000 rpm option, and 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) rapids. The differences lie in reach, tooling and spindle options.
The a500iR has more travel: 900 mm (35.4 in) of X against 730 mm (28.7 in), and 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z against 500 mm - 700 mm. It carries 90 tools as standard against 60, and adds a 24,000 rpm spindle option. The a500Z changes tools slightly faster, 0.9 sec against 1.0 sec, and its largest optional magazine holds 313 tools against 311.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino a500iR | Makino a500Z |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ | 730 mm (28.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ | 500 mm - 700 mm (19.7 in - 27.6 in) |
| Pallet Size | 500 mm x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 400 kg (880 lb.) | 400 kg (880 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 (optional) |
| Tool Capacity | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) ▲ | 60 (standard) / 133, 218, 313 (optional) |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 1.0 sec | 0.9 sec ▲ |
| Rapid Traverse | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) |
Advantages
Makino a500iR
- 900 mm (35.4 in) X travel against 730 mm (28.7 in)
- 800 mm (31.5 in) Z travel against 500 mm - 700 mm
- 90 tools standard against 60
- 24,000 rpm spindle option for structural aluminum, beyond the shared 20,000 rpm option
Makino a500Z
- 0.9 sec tool-to-tool change against 1.0 sec
- Largest optional magazine holds 313 tools against 311
- Suited to multi-face production parts finished in one fixture on its B/C table
Verdict
Both machines share the same load, standard spindle speed and rapid rates, so the choice rests on part size and tooling. The Makino a500iR suits larger parts and undercut features, with 900 mm of X travel, 800 mm of Z and 90 tools as standard, plus a 24,000 rpm option for aluminum. The Makino a500Z suits five-axis production of parts within 730 mm of X, where its 0.9 sec tool change trims cycle time.