Kitamura Machinery 5-Axis Machining Centers

Kitamura Supercell-630G

$650,000 - $900,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,050 mm (41.3 in)

Y Travel

950 mm (37.4 in)

Z Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact)

Tool Capacity

60-tool ATC (expandable to 120)

Overview

The Kitamura Supercell-630G is a large-pallet 5-axis flexible manufacturing system (FMS) platform, scaling Kitamura's precision manufacturing philosophy to a 630 mm pallet size suited for medium-to-large complex workpieces in aerospace, energy, heavy equipment, and defense applications. The 'G' designation signals the latest generation of Kitamura's Supercell architecture, incorporating simultaneous 5-axis contouring, expanded tool magazine capacity, and refined pallet pool management for true multi-pallet lights-out production.

The 630 x 630 mm pallet accepts workpieces up to 800 mm cube and 1,500 kg — sufficient for large aerospace structural housings, large pump bodies, complex gearbox cases, and multi-feature valve manifolds that would require five or six setups on conventional VMC equipment. The tilting rotary table provides B-axis tilt from -30 to +110 degrees and C-axis continuous rotation, enabling full simultaneous 5-axis contouring for complex curved surfaces, compound-angle features, and undercut geometries.

Kitamura's Supercell-630G is designed from the outset as an FMS building block. The pallet pool system — expandable from a basic 2-pallet APC to a 30+ pallet automated storage and retrieval system — allows a single machine or a multi-machine cell to run hours or days without operator intervention. Combined with Kitamura's thermal stability technology, in-process probing, and adaptive tool life management, the Supercell-630G is engineered for high-value, low-volume aerospace and defense production where unattended accuracy is critical.

The 20,000 RPM Big Plus spindle delivers 22 kW (30 hp) — a meaningful power level for a 5-axis machine of this size, capable of both high-speed aluminum finishing and productive titanium contouring. Control options include Fanuc 31i-B5 and Heidenhain TNC 640, both with full simultaneous 5-axis capability. New Supercell-630G machines typically price between $650,000 and $900,000 for the base machine, with FMS pallet pool additions adding $100,000-$400,000 depending on pallet count and automation level.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,050 mm (41.3 in)
Y-Axis Travel	950 mm (37.4 in)
Z-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Pallet Size	630 x 630 mm (24.8 x 24.8 in)
Pallet Capacity	2-pallet APC standard (expandable to 30+)
B Axis Tilt	−30° / +110°
C Axis Rotation	360° continuous
Max Workpiece Weight	1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Max Workpiece Height	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque Max	230 Nm (170 ft-lbf)
Spindle Drive	Direct Drive
Tool Capacity	60-tool ATC (expandable to 120)
Chip To Chip	4.0 sec
Pallet Change Time	15 sec
Rapid Traverse X	30,000 mm/min (1,181 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	30,000 mm/min (1,181 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	24,000 mm/min (945 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	0.003 mm (0.00012 in)
Machine Weight	20,000 kg (44,092 lb)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B5 / Heidenhain TNC 640

Specifications sourced from cnczone.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

630 mm pallet with 1,500 kg capacity handles large aerospace and energy sector workpieces in single setups
Full simultaneous 5-axis contouring enables complex aerospace impellers, structural components, and compound-angle features
FMS pallet pool expandability (up to 30+ pallets) supports true multi-shift lights-out production
20,000 RPM Big Plus spindle with 22 kW handles aluminum finishing and titanium contouring in the same machine
Hand-scraped mating surfaces and Kitamura's thermal stability technology maintain accuracy across extended unattended runs
60-tool standard magazine (expandable to 120) supports complex multi-operation programs without tool change interruptions

Limitations

$650K-$900K base price before FMS expansion represents major capital commitment requiring sustained high-value production
20,000 kg machine weight requires engineered concrete foundation and careful site preparation
Programming complexity for simultaneous 5-axis FMS operation requires advanced CAM software and skilled programmers
Kitamura's service network coverage in North America is thinner than Mazak, DMG Mori, or Makino
FMS pallet pool additions ($100K-$400K) can push total investment well past $1M — ROI analysis is essential before commitment

Best For

Aerospace Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers producing complex structural components, housings, and turbine-related parts Energy sector manufacturers requiring unattended 5-axis machining of impellers, pump bodies, and valve manifolds Defense contractors machining complex housings, gimbals, and structural hardware in high-value materials Precision job shops building a lights-out 5-axis FMS capability around high-value, long-cycle-time parts Medical device manufacturers producing large, complex implantable structures and surgical system components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the Supercell-630G and the Mycenter-HX630iG?

The HX630iG is a conventional 4-axis horizontal machining center focused on high-volume prismatic part production with B-axis indexing. The Supercell-630G is a dedicated 5-axis simultaneous contouring platform with a tilting table architecture and FMS pallet pool integration built in from the ground up. Choose the HX630iG for high-volume prismatic work; choose the Supercell-630G when simultaneous 5-axis contouring and FMS integration are requirements.

02 How many pallets can the Supercell-630G FMS support?

The base configuration includes a 2-pallet APC. Kitamura's pallet pool systems for the 630G are expandable to 30 or more pallets through an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) with a loading station. A typical mid-size FMS configuration runs 8-16 pallets, enabling a single machine to operate unattended for 16-24 hours while queuing multiple part programs and fixture setups.

03 Is the Heidenhain TNC 640 better than Fanuc 31i-B5 for 5-axis work on the Supercell-630G?

Both controls support full simultaneous 5-axis contouring at a high level. Heidenhain TNC 640 is broadly preferred in European aerospace shops and for complex surface programs generated in CATIA or NX — its look-ahead and dynamic feed rate management algorithms produce exceptional surface finish on complex contours. Fanuc 31i-B5 is preferred in shops with existing Fanuc infrastructure and for programs generated in Mastercam or Hypermill. Either is an excellent choice; select based on CAM system compatibility and shop control standards.

04 What CAM software works best with the Supercell-630G?

Hypermill, Siemens NX CAM, CATIA V5/V6 CAM, and Mastercam Mill 5-Axis are all well-supported with verified post-processors for Fanuc and Heidenhain controls. For aerospace applications where CATIA is the design system, keeping CAM within the CATIA ecosystem simplifies model management. For job shops, Hypermill and Mastercam both have strong post-processor support and large user communities familiar with Kitamura 5-axis setups.

05 Does the Supercell-630G support in-process measurement?

Yes. The machine supports Renishaw probing systems (on-machine tool setting and workpiece probing) through the Fanuc or Heidenhain control. In-process probing is strongly recommended for FMS operation — it enables automatic datum setting on fresh pallets, in-cycle dimensional verification, and adaptive correction of thermal drift without operator intervention. Kitamura integrates probing routines into their FMS software package.