Machine Comparison
Makino a500iR vs Mazak HCR
Makino vs Yamazaki Mazak · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino a500iR and the Mazak HCR are both 5-axis machining centers, but the published table for the HCR is short, so this comparison covers pallet, spindle and control only. The a500iR works on a 500 mm x 500 mm pallet; the HCR lists a Φ24.8″ round table.
The a500iR spindle runs to 14,000 rpm as standard with 20,000 and 24,000 rpm options, against 12,000 rpm on the HCR. The Makino uses a CAT40 taper as standard, with HSK-A63 optional and required for the 20,000 and 24,000 rpm spindles; the Mazak uses BIG-PLUS No.40. The a500iR runs Makino Professional 6, the HCR the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino a500iR | Mazak HCR |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 900 mm (35.4 in) ▲ | 29 in (737 mm) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) | 29 in (737 mm) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ | 29 in (737 mm) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 400 kg (880 lb.) | 1,102 lb (500 kg) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) ▲ | 12,000 rpm |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) | CAT No.40 |
| Tool Capacity | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) ▲ | 40 tools |
| Rapid Traverse | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) | 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) |
Advantages
Makino a500iR
- 14,000 rpm standard spindle against 12,000 rpm
- 20,000 and 24,000 rpm spindle options
- 500 mm x 500 mm pallet suited to pallet-changing automation
Mazak HCR
- MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC for shops already programming on Mazatrol
- BIG-PLUS No.40 spindle taper
Verdict
The Makino a500iR suits aerospace and defense shops machining structural parts and brackets on 500 mm pallets, where the 14,000 rpm standard spindle and options to 24,000 rpm cover both titanium and aluminum. The Mazak HCR suits smaller, complex parts such as medical implants, mold inserts and heatsinks, and shops already standardized on MAZATROL. Confirm travel and load figures with Mazak, as the table does not list them.