Machine Comparison
Makino a500Z vs Makino a800Z
Makino vs Makino · 5-Axis Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino a500Z and Makino a800Z are two sizes of the same five-axis line. The a800Z is the larger machine: 1,280 mm (50.4 in) of X travel against 730 mm (28.7 in), a 630 mm (24.8 in) pallet against 500 mm (19.7 in), and a 1000 kg (2,200 lb) workpiece load against 400 kg (880 lb).
The a500Z is the faster one. Its spindle runs to 14,000 rpm as standard, with 20,000 rpm as an option, against the a800Z's 10,000 rpm standard spindle and optional 8,000 rpm version, and it changes tools in 0.9 sec against 1.8 - 1.9 sec. Only the a500Z lists optional magazines of 133, 218 and 313 tools. Its published Z range, 500 mm - 700 mm (19.7 in - 27.6 in), sits wholly below the a800Z's 1,120 mm - 1,325 mm (44.1 in - 52.2 in).
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino a500Z | Makino a800Z |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 730 mm (28.7 in) | 1,280 mm (50.4 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm - 700 mm (19.7 in - 27.6 in) | 1,120 mm - 1,325 mm (44.1 in - 52.2 in) ▲ |
| Pallet Size | 500 mm (19.7 in) | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 400 kg (880 lb) | 1000 kg (2,200 lb) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 (optional) ▲ | 10,000 rpm (standard) / 8,000 (optional) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (standard) / 133, 218, 313 (optional) | 60 (standard) |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 0.9 sec ▲ | 1.8 - 1.9 sec |
| Rapid Traverse | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) |
Advantages
Makino a500Z
- 14,000 rpm standard spindle (20,000 rpm optional) against 10,000 rpm
- 0.9 sec tool-to-tool change against 1.8 - 1.9 sec
- Optional magazines of 133, 218 and 313 tools; the a800Z lists 60 tools only
Makino a800Z
- 1,280 mm (50.4 in) X and 1,200 mm (47.2 in) Y travel against 730 mm (28.7 in) and 750 mm (29.5 in)
- 1000 kg (2,200 lb) workpiece load against 400 kg (880 lb)
- 630 mm (24.8 in) pallet against 500 mm (19.7 in)
- Z range of 1,120 mm - 1,325 mm (44.1 in - 52.2 in) against 500 mm - 700 mm (19.7 in - 27.6 in), for taller parts
Verdict
Pick by part size. The Makino a500Z suits five-axis production of parts that fit a 500 mm (19.7 in) pallet and 400 kg (880 lb), where 14,000 rpm and 0.9 sec tool changes shorten cycles and the optional 313-tool magazine can hold a whole part family. The Makino a800Z is for large five-axis parts up to 1000 kg (2,200 lb) on a 630 mm (24.8 in) pallet, with 1,280 mm (50.4 in) of X travel for heavy roughing and large face mills.