Kitamura Mycenter 5XiD
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Kitamura Mycenter 5XiD is a full 5-axis simultaneous machining center built on Kitamura's foundation of hand-scraped precision and long-term accuracy retention, brought to the demanding world of 5-axis aerospace, medical, and mold machining. The 5XiD uses a trunnion-style tilting rotary table (A+C axes) combined with X/Y/Z linear axes to achieve full 5-axis simultaneous machining with the geometric accuracy that complex 3D surfaces and compound-angle features require.
The work envelope provides 500 x 450 x 450 mm (19.7 x 17.7 x 17.7 in) X/Y/Z travel with a 630 mm (24.8 in) diameter rotary table capable of holding workpieces up to 350 kg (772 lb). The 20,000 RPM direct-drive spindle delivers both the speed for efficient aluminum and titanium finishing and the precision for tight-tolerance compound-angle features. Kitamura's dual-contact Big Plus 40-taper spindle minimizes runout and improves rigidity at the high RPMs that 5-axis surface finishing demands.
Kitamura's hand-scraping process is particularly valuable in 5-axis machining because geometric errors in the linear axes translate directly into 5-axis positioning errors on complex surfaces. The hand-scraped mating surfaces and Kitamura's thermal compensation system work together to maintain the machine's geometric accuracy across temperature variations during production shifts. This is a meaningful differentiator in aerospace applications where first-article inspection is formal and tolerance stack-up on compound features is unforgiving.
At $350,000-$500,000 new, the Mycenter 5XiD competes with the Makino D200Z, DMG Mori DMU 50, and Hermle C 400. Kitamura's pricing is generally below Makino and Hermle at equivalent specifications, making the 5XiD a strong option for shops seeking Japanese build quality in 5-axis without the full Makino premium.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Rotary Table Diameter | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 350 kg (772 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact) |
| Spindle Drive | Direct drive |
| Tool Capacity | 60-tool ATC |
| Chip To Chip | 3.5 sec |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30/30/30 m/min (1,181 ipm) |
| A Axis Range | -110° to +30° |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.003 mm (0.00012 in) |
| Machine Weight | 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) |
| CNC Control | Kitamura Arumatik-Mi |
Specifications sourced from cnczone.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Full 5-axis simultaneous machining with trunnion table enables complex aerospace and medical part geometries in a single setup
- 20,000 RPM direct-drive spindle with Big Plus dual contact delivers precision surface finishing at high speed
- Hand-scraped mating surfaces maintain geometric accuracy over time — critical for 5-axis compound-surface machining
- 350 kg workpiece capacity on a 630 mm rotary table accommodates medium-size aerospace structural components
- 60-tool ATC supports long unmanned programs with full tooling complement for complex multi-feature parts
- Priced below comparable 5-axis machines from Makino and Hermle while delivering equivalent precision class
Limitations
- 500 x 450 x 450 mm linear travels limit the envelope — large structural parts require a larger 5-axis machine
- Arumatik-Mi control requires operator retraining for shops standardized on Fanuc or Heidenhain
- Kitamura's North American 5-axis support network is smaller than DMG Mori or Makino
- 12,000 kg machine weight requires a solid foundation — significant installation consideration for older buildings
- Initial investment of $350K-$500K requires significant 5-axis workload to justify versus a 3+2 setup on a standard VMC
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New 5XiD machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on options, ATC configuration, and control features. This positions the 5XiD below Makino D200Z and Hermle C 400 pricing while offering comparable precision. Used Kitamura 5-axis machines hold their value well due to the brand's accuracy reputation.
02
The Mycenter 5XiD uses Kitamura's Arumatik-Mi control built on Mitsubishi's platform. It supports 5-axis simultaneous machining with RTCP (Rotary Tool Center Point) compensation for accurate 5-axis contouring. CAM software from Mastercam, Hypermill, and NX all support the Arumatik-Mi through standard post processors.
03
Both are mid-size 5-axis machining centers in the $350K-$500K range. The DMG Mori DMU 50 benefits from a larger global dealer network and the Heidenhain TNC control popular in 5-axis shops. The Kitamura 5XiD offers hand-scraped precision and potentially longer accuracy retention. Both are strong 5-axis choices; control preference and service support are the key differentiators.
04
Yes, the Mycenter 5XiD is well-suited to titanium machining. The machine's rigidity from its cast iron construction and hand-scraped ways provides the damping required to manage titanium's cutting forces and minimize chatter. Through-spindle coolant (high-pressure TSC) is recommended for titanium to manage heat and chip evacuation.
Community Discussions
Community discussion — 5th axis Kitamura - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — kitamura mycenter help - Practical Machinist
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — New Kitamura MyCenter-4XV On going Issues....
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Considering Kitamura - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — Programming off center of rotation : r/Machinists - Reddit
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — I think, I'm getting better at 5axis programming :D : r ...Kitamura mycenter 1 Issues : r/machining - RedditAnyone know how to clear This? : r/Machinists - RedditCentering Up Vise on 5-Axis : r/Machinists - RedditI took your advice and bought a Mitutoyo : r/Mach
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Kitamura mycenter 1 Issues : r/machining - Reddit
Community discussion — Anyone know how to clear This? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
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