Machine Comparison
Makino a51nx vs Makino a61nx
Makino vs Makino · Horizontal Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino a51nx and Makino a61nx are neighboring sizes in Makino's horizontal machining center range. Both run a CAT40 spindle to 14,000 rpm with 20,000 rpm listed as an option, start with 60 tools, change tools in 0.9 sec and rapid at 60,000 mm/min. The headline difference is the pallet: 400 x 400 mm (15.7 in x 15.7 in) on the a51nx against 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) on the a61nx.
The a61nx follows with more travel, 730 mm (28.7 in) X, 730 mm (28.7 in) Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) Z against 560 mm (22.0 in), 640 mm (25.2 in) and 640 mm (25.2 in), and a 500 kg workpiece load (option 700 kg) against 400 kg (880 lb). The a51nx is quicker chip to chip, at 2.2 sec against 2.5 sec.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino a51nx | Makino a61nx |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) | 730 mm (28.7 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 730 mm (28.7 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 640 mm (25.2 in) | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Pallet Size | 400 x 400 mm (15.7 in x 15.7 in) | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 400 kg (880 lb) | 500 kg (option 700 kg) (1,100 lb (option 1,540 lb)) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 14,000 rpm (20,000 optional) | 14,000 rpm (20,000) |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | CAT40 (HSK-63) | CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 tools (40, 134, 219, 311 optional) | 60 tools (optional 133, 218, 313) |
| Tool Change (tool-to-tool) | 0.9 sec | 0.9 sec |
| Chip-to-Chip Time | 2.2 sec ▲ | 2.5 sec |
| Rapid Traverse | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) | 60,000 mm/min |
Advantages
Makino a51nx
- 2.2 sec chip-to-chip time against 2.5 sec
- Sized for small prismatic parts on a 400 x 400 mm (15.7 in x 15.7 in) pallet, with many short drilling and tapping operations
Makino a61nx
- 730 mm (28.7 in) X, 730 mm (28.7 in) Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) Z travel against 560 mm (22.0 in), 640 mm (25.2 in) and 640 mm (25.2 in)
- 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) pallet against 400 x 400 mm (15.7 in x 15.7 in)
- 500 kg workpiece load, or 700 kg with the extra-cost load option, against 400 kg (880 lb)
Verdict
The two share spindle speed, standard tool count and tool change time, so the choice comes down to part size. The Makino a51nx suits high-volume small prismatic parts with many short drilling and tapping operations, where its 2.2 sec chip-to-chip time helps. The Makino a61nx suits larger cast iron and steel parts on a 500 x 500 mm pallet, with up to 700 kg on the load option and 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z travel.