DMG Mori NHX 5000 4th Generation

$380,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Y Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / BBT 40

Tool Capacity

40 tools standard (60, 120, 240 optional)

Overview

The DMG Mori NHX 5000 4th Generation is a production-proven 500mm-class horizontal machining center that represents the most significant update in the NHX 5000 platform's history, delivering approximately 30% lower energy consumption versus the prior generation alongside refinements to the speedMASTER spindle, CELOS X interface, and automation connectivity. The 4th Generation occupies the critical mid-tier of DMG Mori's horizontal machining lineup — larger and more capable than the NHX 4000 series, more accessible than the NHX 6300 and 8000 — making it the most widely specified NHX model in global production environments.

Travel dimensions are 730 x 730 x 800 mm (28.7 x 28.7 x 31.5 in) on a 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) pallet rated for 700 kg (1,543 lb). This pallet capacity is a key differentiator over 400mm platforms, enabling heavier tombstone setups and larger workpieces without stepping to the more expensive 630mm class. The work envelope accommodates parts up to 800 mm diameter and 1,050 mm high — sufficient for engine blocks, compressor housings, and large valve manifolds.

The 4th-generation speedMASTER spindle delivers 22 kW (30 hp) and 162 Nm (120 ft-lb) of torque at 12,000 RPM through a CAT 40 (BBT 40) taper. The 15,000 RPM option broadens versatility for shops running aluminum production alongside steel and cast iron work. An optional CAT 50 high-torque spindle version is available for shops requiring heavier cuts. Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on all linear axes.

The headline figure for the 4th Generation is a ~30% reduction in power consumption achieved through updated servo drives, regenerative braking on all axes, LED machine lighting, and an intelligent standby mode that maintains thermal readiness while drawing minimal power during pallet loading. This is a meaningful cost reduction for shops running multiple spindles around the clock.

The standard two-pallet changer achieves 8.0-second pallet changes, and the tool magazine starts at 40 positions with expansion to 60, 120, or 240 tools for high-mix work. CELOS X is standard, running on Fanuc 31i-B5 or Siemens 840D sl. LPP automation is compatible for up to 24-pallet unattended cells.

New NHX 5000 4th Generation machines price between $380,000 and $500,000. Competitors include the Okuma MA-550HII, Mazak HCN-5000, and Makino A61nx. The machine is well-suited for automotive powertrain, aerospace component, hydraulic, and precision engineering production where the 500mm pallet class provides the ideal balance of capability and cost. Specs sourced from DMG Mori published data and dealer references.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / BBT 40
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque	162 Nm (120 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	40 tools standard (60, 120, 240 optional)
Tool Change Time	2.0 sec tool-to-tool
Pallet Size	500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in)
Pallet Change Time	8.0 sec
Max Workpiece Size	800 x 1,050 mm (31.5 x 41.3 in) diameter x height
Max Work Weight	700 kg (1,543 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Table Indexing	0.001 deg increment (B-axis)
Machine Weight	15,000 kg (33,069 lb)
CNC Control	CELOS X with Fanuc 31i-B5 or Siemens 840D sl
Energy Savings	Approx. 30% vs 3rd Generation

Specifications sourced from be.dmgmori.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

~30% energy reduction versus 3rd Generation makes this one of the most efficient horizontal machining centers in the 500mm class, lowering operating costs over the machine life
700 kg pallet load — 75% more than 400mm class machines — enables heavier tombstone fixtures and larger workpieces without stepping to a more expensive 630mm platform
4th-generation speedMASTER spindle with 162 Nm of torque handles demanding steel and cast iron work through the CAT 40 taper with improved thermal stability over prior generations
60 m/min rapids on roller guideways maximize spindle utilization on production cells where non-cutting time directly impacts cost per part
CELOS X provides improved factory IoT integration and a cleaner operator experience compared to the older CELOS app platform
Expandable to 240 tools and 24-pallet LPP automation for full lights-out production capability from the same machine platform
500mm pallet class hits the sweet spot of capability and cost — more capacity than 400mm without the floor space and capital of 630mm

Limitations

12,000 RPM standard spindle is adequate for steel but requires the 15,000 RPM upgrade for competitive surface speeds on aluminum work
40-tool standard magazine is thin for high-mix production — budget for 60 or 120-tool expansion from the outset
CAT 40 taper limits maximum torque for the heaviest roughing; shops doing sustained heavy cast iron cuts should consider the NHX 5500 with CAT 50
Premium pricing at $380,000-$500,000 is a significant step over the used market for 3rd-generation machines — energy savings alone may not fully close the gap for lower-utilization shops
CELOS X platform lock-in means shop floor management tools are tied to the DMG Mori ecosystem

Best For

Automotive powertrain manufacturers machining engine blocks, cylinder heads, and transmission cases on 500mm pallets Aerospace subcontractors running structural aluminum and titanium components that exceed 400mm pallet capacity Hydraulic and pneumatic component manufacturers producing manifolds and valve bodies in medium-to-high volumes Shops with high electricity costs looking to reduce per-part energy spend with the 4th Generation's 30% efficiency gain Production cells scaling to full lights-out operation via the LPP 24-pallet automation system Precision engineering manufacturers running close-tolerance steel and alloy parts with thermal stability requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is new in the NHX 5000 4th Generation vs the 3rd Generation?

The key improvements are: approximately 30% lower energy consumption through updated servo drives and regenerative braking; the updated 4th-generation speedMASTER spindle with improved thermal stability; CELOS X interface replacing the older CELOS app platform; slightly faster tool change time; and standardized robot interface ports with expanded LPP compatibility for up to 24 pallets. Travels and pallet size are unchanged.

02 What does a new NHX 5000 4th Generation cost?

New machines price between $380,000 and $500,000. Base configuration with 40-tool magazine and 12,000 RPM spindle starts around $380,000. Adding the 15,000 RPM spindle, 60 or 120-tool ATC, high-pressure coolant, and probing pushes toward $500,000. LPP automation adds $250,000-$450,000 depending on pallet count.

03 How does the NHX 5000 4th Generation compare to the Mazak HCN-5000?

Both are strong 500mm-class HMCs. The Mazak HCN-5000 offers PALLETECH automation and the SmoothG control with conversational programming. The DMG Mori NHX 5000 4th Generation counters with superior energy efficiency, the CELOS X ecosystem, and the LPP automation path. Control preference — Mazatrol vs Fanuc/Siemens — is often the deciding factor.

04 Is the 30% energy savings figure verified?

The ~30% figure is DMG Mori's published claim based on internal comparisons of 3rd vs 4th Generation under standard production cycle conditions. Actual savings depend on production mix, duty cycle, shift length, and local electricity rates. Shops running high-utilization multi-shift operations will see the most benefit.

05 What is the difference between the NHX 5000 and NHX 5500?

The NHX 5500 uses a CAT 50 (BBT 50) taper spindle for heavier cutting and supports higher workpiece weights on a larger structure. The NHX 5000 4th Generation with CAT 40 delivers better cycle times on lighter-to-medium work at lower cost. Choose the NHX 5500 when sustained heavy roughing in cast iron or large workpieces are the primary application.