Kitamura Mycenter-5XiG/50
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Kitamura Mycenter-5XiG/50 is the 50-taper variant of Kitamura's largest VMC, sharing the 5XiG's 1,270 x 610 x 610 mm (50.0 x 24.0 x 24.0 in) travel envelope but upgrading to a CAT 50 spindle system for shops that demand maximum torque and rigidity at large cutter diameters. This is a machine for the heaviest VMC applications: face milling at large diameter in cast iron and steel, boring large holes to tight tolerances, and heavy-duty profiling of difficult materials where the 40-taper system hits its physical limits.
The CAT 50 spindle produces up to 22 kW (30 hp) through a 2-speed geared head, generating torque figures that significantly exceed the 40-taper version. The larger taper contact area and more massive toolholder shank reduce deflection and chatter on deep axial cuts and large-diameter operations — the defining advantage of 50-taper in heavy production environments. Maximum spindle speed is 10,000 RPM, appropriate for the large tooling diameters this machine is designed to run.
The machine retains every structural element of the 5XiG: hand-scraped mating surfaces, box-way construction, and the Japanese craftsmanship that defines Kitamura's build philosophy. The 40-tool ATC accommodates the larger, heavier CAT 50 holders, and the 1,450 x 620 mm (57.1 x 24.4 in) table provides the work area needed for large fixtures and large workpieces.
New 5XiG/50 machines price between $250,000 and $330,000 — a premium over the 40-taper version that reflects the heavier spindle system, larger ATC mechanism, and reinforced structural requirements of CAT 50. This machine competes with Mazak's large-format 50-taper VMCs and Mori Seiki's NVX series at the upper end of the conventional VMC market.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,270 mm (50.0 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 610 mm (24.0 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 610 mm (24.0 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | CAT 50 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22 kW (30 hp) |
| Spindle Torque Max | 510 Nm (376 ft-lbf) |
| Spindle Drive | 2-Speed Geared Head |
| Tool Capacity | 40-tool ATC |
| Chip To Chip | 4.0 sec |
| Table Size | 1,450 x 620 mm (57.1 x 24.4 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 18,000 mm/min (709 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 18,000 mm/min (709 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 15,000 mm/min (591 ipm) |
| Machine Weight | 10,500 kg (23,148 lb) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-B5 / Heidenhain TNC 640 |
Specifications sourced from cnczone.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 510 Nm CAT 50 spindle torque enables aggressive material removal in cast iron, steel, and stainless at large diameter
- 50-taper system significantly reduces toolholder deflection on deep cuts and large boring operations
- Hand-scraped box-way construction maintains Kitamura's accuracy standards under high cutting forces
- 22 kW spindle power supports large face mills, large end mills, and heavy interpolated boring cycles
- 40-tool CAT 50 ATC provides full production capacity for complex large parts
- Made in Japan — same quality standards and longevity as all Kitamura platforms
Limitations
- 10,000 RPM maximum limits high-speed finishing of aluminum — the 40-taper 5XiG is better for mixed aluminum/steel
- CAT 50 tooling costs significantly more than CAT 40 — large tooling libraries represent substantial capital investment
- At 10,500 kg, installation requires substantial floor preparation and a heavy-lift crane for positioning
- Rapid traverse of 709 ipm is slow; air-cutting time is a real cost factor on large-envelope machines
- $250K-$330K price point requires sustained heavy production work to justify over a 40-taper alternative
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Choose the 5XiG/50 when your typical operation involves face mills larger than 150 mm diameter, boring bars at large diameter and depth, heavy shoulder milling in steel at depths exceeding 50 mm, or machining cast iron and hardened steel regularly. The 40-taper 5XiG is sufficient for most work but hits its limits on these high-torque operations. If you run significant aluminum alongside heavy steel, the 40-taper's higher RPM range may actually be preferable.
02
CAT 50 is a mature standard well-supported by all major tooling manufacturers including Sandvik, Kennametal, Iscar, and Walter. Selection is narrower than CAT 40 and prices are higher — a CAT 50 face mill arbor may cost 40-60% more than the CAT 40 equivalent. For shops transitioning from 40-taper, budget for rebuilding your tooling library.
03
At 10,500 kg concentrated on a relatively small footprint, the machine typically requires a dedicated concrete pad at least 600 mm (24 in) thick with rebar reinforcement, designed for a floor load of at least 30,000 kg/m². A structural engineer should review the specific installation site. Kitamura provides foundation drawings as part of the installation package.
04
No. The CAT 50 and CAT 40 spindles are fundamentally different in taper angle and shank dimensions. Adapters that allow CAT 40 tooling in a CAT 50 spindle exist but are not recommended for production use — they reduce the effective clamping force and introduce additional runout. Buy the taper that matches your primary tooling inventory.
Community Discussions
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Kitamura - CNCzone
Community discussion — Search Results - CNCzone.com- Largest Forums for CNC ...
Community discussion — Kitamura my center parameters - cnczone.com
Owner experience and review — Kitamura Mycenter - CNCzone
Owner experience and review — New machine decision. Makino a51nx or Kitamura HX400iG/500 ...
Community discussion — Programming off center of rotation : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — Anyone know how to clear This? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Pricing and buying discussion — what mini mills do you guys recommend? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
