Brother Industries Vertical Machining Centers

Brother SPEEDIO S500X1

$80,000 - $130,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BT30

Table Size

500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in)

Rapid Traverse

50 m/min (1,969 ipm) all axes

Spindle Power

5.5 kW (7.4 hp)

x axis travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

y axis travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Overview

The Brother SPEEDIO S500X1 is a compact high-speed vertical machining center built for production drilling, tapping, and light milling of small-to-medium components in aluminum, brass, and other non-ferrous materials. With X/Y/Z travels of 500 x 400 x 305 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 12.0 in) and a 16,000 RPM BT30 spindle, the S500X1 occupies the mid-range of the Speedio S-series lineup between the smaller S300X1 and larger S700X1.

The S500X1 delivers the hallmark Speedio speed advantages: sub-second tool-to-tool changes via the 14 or 21-tool turret ATC, rapid traverse rates of 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) on all linear axes, and Brother's CNC-C00 control with single-block processing times under 0.4 milliseconds. These specifications combine to produce cycle times that are dramatically shorter than conventional 40-taper VMCs on small-part programs with many tool changes and rapid repositioning moves.

The X1 generation S500 established the mid-size Speedio platform that has since evolved through the Xd1 and X2 generations. The X1 remains widely deployed in production environments worldwide, with a large installed base supporting an active used equipment market. Programming and tooling are fully compatible across all Speedio S-series machines, simplifying fleet management for multi-machine shops.

New S500X1 machines price between $80,000 and $130,000 depending on spindle option and tooling configuration. Used units from 2013-2020 trade $40,000-$80,000. For shops producing high volumes of small aluminum parts where cycle time drives profitability, the S500X1 delivers outstanding speed-per-dollar value.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z Axis Travel	305 mm (12.0 in)
Spindle Speed	16,000 rpm
Spindle Taper	BT30
Spindle Motor Power	5.5 kW (7.4 hp)
Tool Magazine	14 or 21-position turret
Chip To Chip Time	1.4 seconds
Tool To Tool Time	0.9 seconds
Rapid Traverse Rate	50 m/min (1,969 ipm) all axes
Table Size	500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in)
Table Load Capacity	200 kg (441 lb)
CNC Control	Brother CNC-C00
Machine Weight	2,400 kg (5,291 lb)
Floor Space Required	1,485 x 1,869 mm (58.5 x 73.6 in)
Xyz	50m/min×50m/min×56m/min
Bt	オプション
クーラントスルースピンドル(Cts)	オプション

Specifications sourced from brother.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

0.9-second tool-to-tool and 1.4-second chip-to-chip change times are among the fastest in any VMC class
50 m/min rapid traverse on all axes dramatically reduces non-cutting time on multi-feature small parts
16,000 RPM spindle delivers excellent surface speed for aluminum and non-ferrous production
Compact 1,485 x 1,869 mm footprint enables dense multi-machine cell layouts
Large installed base ensures strong used market availability, parts support, and programming resources
Entry pricing around $80K makes the S500X1 one of the most accessible high-speed production VMCs available

Limitations

BT30 taper limits cutting force capability — not suited for heavy roughing in steel or titanium
305 mm Z-travel restricts workpiece height including fixturing
X1 generation servo dynamics are slower than Xd1 and X2 successors for high-acceleration profiles
5.5 kW spindle motor limits depth of cut in harder materials compared to 40-taper machines

Best For

High-volume aluminum production of automotive sensor housings, valve bodies, and bracket components Electronics manufacturers running precision drilling and tapping on connector bodies and enclosures Job shops building multi-machine Speedio cells for high-volume small-part contracts Medical device shops producing small machined components where cycle time and throughput are critical Production environments seeking affordable high-speed VMC capability without investing in 40-taper machines

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Brother SPEEDIO S500X1 cost?

New S500X1 machines price between $80,000 and $130,000 depending on spindle and tooling options. Used units from 2013-2020 trade $40,000-$80,000. The S500X1 offers strong value as a proven high-speed production platform, particularly on the used market.

02 What is the difference between the S500X1 and S500X2?

The S500X2 is the second-generation successor with improved servo dynamics, higher spindle speed options (up to 30,000 RPM), and refined control software. The S500X1 uses the same BT30 platform and delivers the same core high-speed drilling and tapping performance at a lower price point.

03 How does the S500X1 compare to a Fanuc Robodrill?

Both target high-speed small-part production. The Robodrill offers FANUC control familiarity and higher spindle speed options. The S500X1 counters with faster tool changes (0.9s vs ~1.5s) and competitive rapid traverse. Choice often comes down to control preference and dealer support.

04 Can the S500X1 handle steel machining?

The S500X1 can machine mild steel and stainless steel, but its BT30 taper and 5.5 kW spindle motor limit depth of cut and feed rates compared to 40-taper machines. For light finishing passes and small steel components, it performs well.