Machine Comparison
Makino iQ300 vs Makino iQ500
Makino vs Makino · Vertical Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino iQ300 and Makino iQ500 are micro-machining VMCs with the same spindle and magazine: an HSK-E32 spindle at 45,000 rpm, 40 tools, and rapids of 16,000 mm/min in X and Y and 8,000 mm/min in Z (630 ipm and 315 ipm). The iQ500 is the larger of the two.
The iQ500 has 600 x 500 x 300 mm of X/Y/Z travel against 400 x 350 x 200 mm, an 800 mm x 500 mm table against 600 x 400 mm, and a 300 kg (661 lb) load rating against 100 kg (220 lb). That makes it the choice for LED tooling and optical molds too large for the iQ300, while the iQ300 covers micro parts, research parts and small molds.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino iQ300 | Makino iQ500 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) | 600 mm (23.6 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.78 in) | 500 mm (19.7 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.87 in) | 300 mm (11.8 in) ▲ |
| Table Size | 600 x 400 mm (23.6 in x 15.7 in) | 800 mm x 500 mm (31.5 in x 19.7 in) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 100 kg (220 lb) | 300 kg (661 lb) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 45,000 rpm | 45,000 rpm |
| Spindle Taper / Nose | HSK-E32 | HSK-E32 |
| Tool Capacity | 40 | 40 |
| Rapid Traverse | 16,000 mm/min (X / Y), 8,000 mm/min (Z) (630 ipm (X / Y), 315 ipm (Z)) | 16,000 mm/min (X / Y) / 8,000 mm/min (Z) (630 ipm (X / Y) / 315 ipm (Z)) |
Advantages
Makino iQ300
- Covers micro parts and small molds with the same 45,000 rpm spindle and 40 tools as the iQ500
- Suited to precision R&D parts and LED tooling that fit 400 x 350 x 200 mm of travel
Makino iQ500
- 600 x 500 x 300 mm of X/Y/Z travel against 400 x 350 x 200 mm
- 300 kg (661 lb) table load against 100 kg (220 lb)
Verdict
Same spindle, same tools, same rapids: the only question is part size. Choose the Makino iQ300 for micro parts, optical finishing, R&D work and small molds that fit 400 mm of X travel and 100 kg. Choose the Makino iQ500 for LED tooling, optical molds and plates with micro features spread across a larger area, up to 600 mm of X travel and 300 kg.