Machine Comparison
Makino iQ500 vs Makino L2 APC
Makino vs Makino · Vertical Machining Centers
Summary
The Makino iQ500 and Makino L2 APC are compact vertical machining centers built for different jobs. The iQ500 is an ultra-precision micro-machining center with a 45,000 rpm HSK-E32 spindle for optics and display tooling; the L2 APC is a small-part production machine with an HSK-A50 spindle and an automatic pallet changer on a 120 mm diameter pallet.
The iQ500 offers 600 x 500 mm of X/Y travel against 400 x 300 mm, an 800 mm x 500 mm table, 45,000 rpm against 16,000 rpm, and 40 tools against 15 (30 optional). The L2 APC rapids at 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) against 16,000 mm/min on X/Y and 8,000 mm/min on Z. Both have 300 mm (11.8 in) of Z travel.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Makino iQ500 | Makino L2 APC |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) ▲ | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) ▲ | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Table Size | 800 mm x 500 mm (31.5 in x 19.7 in) | 120 mm diameter (4.75 in diameter) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 300 kg (661 lb) | 300 kg (661 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 45,000 rpm ▲ | 16,000 rpm (HSK-A50), Optional - 8,000 (HSK-A50) |
| Tool Capacity | 40 ▲ | 15 (HSK-A50) - Standard (30 optional) |
| Rapid Traverse | 16,000 mm/min (X / Y) / 8,000 mm/min (Z) (630 ipm (X / Y) / 315 ipm (Z)) | 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) ▲ |
Advantages
Makino iQ500
- 45,000 rpm spindle against 16,000 rpm
- 600 mm (23.6 in) X and 500 mm (19.7 in) Y travel against 400 mm and 300 mm
- 40 tools against 15 standard (30 optional)
- 800 mm x 500 mm table for multi-cavity mold work
Makino L2 APC
- 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) rapids against 16,000 mm/min (630 ipm) on X/Y and 8,000 mm/min (315 ipm) on Z
- Automatic pallet changer for unattended small-part production
- HSK-A50 spindle nose against HSK-E32 for general production tooling
Verdict
Choose the Makino iQ500 for optics molds, light guide panel tooling and semiconductor carriers where sub-micron precision and a 45,000 rpm spindle define the work. Choose the Makino L2 APC for high-volume small parts in medical, watch, electronics and automotive production, where 48 m/min rapids and pallet changing keep the spindle cutting between loads.