Machine Comparison
Makino iQ300 vs Makino iQ500
Makino vs Makino · Vertical Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino iQ300 and Makino iQ500 are both from Makino's vertical machining centers lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Makino ecosystem. The Makino iQ500 leads in x travel (600 mm (23.6 in) vs 400 mm (15.7 in)). The Makino iQ500 shows specification advantages in 6 categories, though the Makino iQ300 may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a vertical machining center.
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 (13.8 in) | 500 mm (19.7 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 300 mm (11.8 in) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 45,000 RPM | 45,000 RPM |
| Tool Capacity | 40 | 40 |
| Table Size | 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in) | 800 x 500 mm (31.5 x 19.7 in) ▲ |
| Control | Makino Professional 6 | Makino Professional 6 |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-E32 | HSK-E32 |
| Max Workpiece Size | 600 x 580 x 190 mm (23.6 x 22.8 x 7.5 in) | 755 x 500 x 300 mm (29.7 x 19.7 x 11.8 in) ▲ |
| Table Load Capacity | 100 kg (220 lb) | 300 kg (661 lb) ▲ |
| Rapid Traverse Xy | 16,000 mm/min (630 ipm) | 16,000 mm/min (630 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 8,000 mm/min (315 ipm) | 8,000 mm/min (315 ipm) |
| Cutting Feedrate Xy | 16,000 mm/min (630 ipm) | 16,000 mm/min (630 ipm) |
| Cutting Feedrate Z | 8,000 mm/min (315 ipm) | 8,000 mm/min (315 ipm) |
| Price Range | $350,000 - $500,000 ▲ | $450,000 - $650,000 |
Advantages
Makino iQ300
- More competitive pricing at $350,000 - $500,000 compared to $450,000 - $650,000
- Backed by Makino's dealer and service network for parts and support
- LED lens mold manufacturers requiring optical-quality surface finishes on multi-cavity mold inserts
Makino iQ500
- Greater x travel of 600 mm (23.6 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of 500 mm (19.7 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 300 mm (11.8 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Superior table size at 800 x 500 mm (31.5 x 19.7 in) vs 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)
- Superior max workpiece size at 755 x 500 x 300 mm (29.7 x 19.7 x 11.8 in) vs 600 x 580 x 190 mm (23.6 x 22.8 x 7.5 in)
Verdict
The Makino iQ500 edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in X Travel and Y Travel. However, the Makino iQ300 remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.