Kitamura Mycenter-HX500iG

$250,000 - $400,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

870 mm (34.3")

Y Travel

800 mm (31.5")

Z Travel

930 mm (36.6")

Max Spindle

20,000 min⁻¹

Spindle Taper

NST No. 40 (HSK-A63 Opt.)

Tool Capacity

50 Pcs. – 62, 100, 150, 200, 300 Tools Optional

Overview

The Kitamura Mycenter-HX500iG is a 500 mm pallet horizontal machining center that competes on accuracy and rigidity rather than brand recognition. Kitamura is a smaller Japanese builder headquartered in Nagano Prefecture, and every machine ships from their single Japanese factory. The HX500iG represents their current-generation HMC platform, and it's built around a philosophy that most HMC manufacturers have abandoned: solid box way construction on all axes combined with linear scales for feedback.

The work envelope handles parts up to 800 mm (31.5 in) diameter and 1,100 mm (43.3 in) height, with 875 x 800 x 930 mm (34.4 x 31.5 x 36.6 in) of travel in X, Y, and Z. What sets the HX500iG apart is its positioning accuracy: +/- 0.001 mm (0.000039 in) full stroke, with repeatability of +/- 0.0005 mm (0.00002 in). Those numbers aren't catalog fluff — Kitamura backs them with ballbar testing and laser calibration certificates on every machine. Twin ballscrews with dual feedback on X and Y axes, plus a 67-million-pulse encoder, deliver that precision.

Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on all axes — the fastest in the 500 mm pallet HMC class. The machine is available with a #40 taper at 20,000 RPM or a #50 taper with a geared spindle at 12,000 RPM, both using dual-contact (Big Plus) tooling for maximum rigidity. A 50-tool ATC comes standard, and the 2-station APC with direct-drive rotary table (43,200 degrees/min rapids) is included.

The Arumatik-Mi CNC control is Kitamura's proprietary platform with Super Smooth Surface technology for fine-finish contouring. The optional 630 mm pallet upgrade expands the work envelope further. The HX500iG competes with the Okuma MB-5000H, Mazak HCN-5000, and Makino A51nx. It won't match Makino's market presence or Mazak's dealer network, but for shops that prioritize accuracy and surface finish over brand name, the Kitamura delivers.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	870 mm (34.3")
Y-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5")
Z-Axis Travel	930 mm (36.6")
Pallet Size	500 mm (19.7 in), optional 630 mm (24.8 in)
Max Workpiece Diameter	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Workpiece Height	1,100 mm (43.3 in)
Spindle Options	#40 20,000 RPM / #50 12,000 RPM (geared, dual-contact)
Spindle Drive	4-step gear driven, dual contact
Spindle Power 50	54 hp (40.3 kW)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm) all axes
Positioning Accuracy	±0.001 mm (±0.000039")
Repeatability	±0.0005 mm (±0.00002")
Tool Capacity	50 Pcs. – 62, 100, 150, 200, 300 Tools Optional
Pallet Changer	2-station APC (standard)
Rotary Table	Direct-drive, 43,200°/min rapids
Feedback	67 million pulse encoder + linear scales on all axes
Ballscrew	Twin ballscrew X/Y with dual feedback
Way Type	Induction-hardened solid box ways
CNC Control	Arumatik-Mi CNC (Super Smooth Surface)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 min⁻¹
Spindle Taper	NST No. 40 (HSK-A63 Opt.)
Table Size	500 x 500 mm (19.7" x 19.7")
Tool To Tool	1.3 Sec.
Rapid Traverse X	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Electrical	55 KVA, 200 V AC, 3 Phase
Cnc Control	Arumatik-Mi

Specifications sourced from kitamura-machinery.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Positioning accuracy of ±0.001 mm full stroke is best-in-class for 500 mm pallet HMCs, with laser-verified certificates
60 m/min rapid traverse on box ways is the fastest in the class — most competitors top out at 40-50 m/min on linear guides
Twin ballscrews with dual feedback and 67M pulse encoders deliver precision that rivals machines costing twice as much
Solid box way construction provides superior vibration damping and longevity compared to linear guide competitors
20,000 RPM #40 spindle option covers high-speed aluminum work; 12,000 RPM #50 geared spindle handles heavy steel cutting
Every machine built in a single Japanese factory with individual calibration and testing before shipment

Limitations

Kitamura's U.S. dealer network is smaller than Mazak, Okuma, or Makino — service availability varies by region
Proprietary Arumatik-Mi control has a learning curve for operators trained on Fanuc or Siemens
Box way construction adds weight and requires more maintenance than linear guide machines
50-tool ATC is adequate but smaller than 60-120 tool options on some competitors
Brand recognition is lower than major Japanese builders, which can affect resale value

Best For

Precision job shops and production facilities where ±0.001 mm accuracy is a requirement, not a wish Aerospace component manufacturing requiring tight tolerances and fine surface finishes Mold and die shops machining hard steels where box way rigidity outperforms linear guides Medical device manufacturers producing implants and instruments to micron-level tolerances Shops replacing older box way HMCs (Mori Seiki, Toshiba) that need modern speeds without sacrificing rigidity

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the Kitamura HX500iG compare to the Makino A51nx?

The Makino A51nx is a linear-guide, high-speed HMC optimized for aluminum and die/mold work with 14,000 RPM and 60 m/min rapids. The Kitamura HX500iG matches the 60 m/min rapids but uses box ways for better vibration damping in steel and cast iron. The Makino has a larger dealer network; the Kitamura offers tighter quoted accuracy specs. Choose the Makino for aluminum speed, the Kitamura for steel precision.

02 What is the Super Smooth Surface feature?

Super Smooth Surface is Kitamura's proprietary look-ahead and interpolation technology in the Arumatik-Mi control. It smooths toolpath transitions for better surface finishes during contouring operations, particularly useful for mold surfaces and aerospace contours where cutter marks are unacceptable.

03 Can the HX500iG be automated with pallet pools?

Yes. The standard 2-station APC can be expanded with field-installable pallet pool systems. Kitamura offers multi-pallet automation solutions for lights-out production. The direct-drive rotary table's 43,200°/min rapids also support high-speed indexing for automated tombstone work.

04 Why box ways instead of linear guides?

Box ways provide more surface contact area, better vibration damping, and longer service life than linear guides, especially when cutting hard materials at moderate speeds. The tradeoff is higher friction and more maintenance (way lube). Kitamura's achievement is matching the rapid traverse speed of linear guide machines (60 m/min) while maintaining box way advantages.