Makino a500iR
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
How much does the Makino a500iR cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a 5-axis machining center in this class — not a quote from Makino. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Makino a500iR is a five-axis horizontal machining center with a 500 mm x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) pallet and travels of 900 mm (35.4 in) in X, 750 mm (29.5 in) in Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) in Z. Its rotary layout differs from the Z-type machines: C is the continuous axis, with unlimited 360° rotation, and B tilts from -110° to +180°, 290° in all. Tilting past vertical is what allows undercut machining of a fixtured part.
The work envelope is quoted as Ø 700 mm / Ø 900 mm x H600 mm (w/limitation) (Ø 27.6 in / Ø 35.4 in x H23.6 in (w/limitations)): the larger diameter comes with restrictions, so a part that needs the full Ø 900 mm should be checked with Makino. Payload is 400 kg (880 lb.).
Spindle choice also sets the taper. The standard 14,000 rpm spindle comes with CAT40, or HSK-A63 as an option, and Makino rates it at 84.5 HP (63 kW) peak power and 223 ft-lbs (303 N-m) peak torque. Two faster spindles are optional and both require HSK-A63: a 20,000 rpm unit for work with mainly small-diameter tools, and a 24,000 rpm high speed, high power unit that Makino aims at structural aluminum. Rapids are 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) and the cutting feedrate 50,000 mm/min (1,968 ipm).
The pallet changer is the other point of difference. It presents the fixture to the operator flat and horizontal at the load station, so heavy parts are set with gravity helping rather than against a vertical face. Closed-loop temperature control on all axes, Collision Safe Guard (CSG) and the Fanuc-based Pro-6 control with SGI are standard, and the table lists a drop tank.
A 90-tool ring magazine is standard and the table lists 133, 218 and 311-tool magazines as options. Tool-to-tool time is 1.0 sec, with tools up to 205 mm in diameter and 12 kg (26.4 lb.). Against the Makino a500Z, X grows from 730 mm to 900 mm and Z is a fixed 800 mm where the a500Z runs 500 mm - 700 mm.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallet Size | 500 mm x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) |
| X-Axis Travel | 900 mm (35.4 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| B Axis Range | 290 (-110 ~ +180) Direct Drive |
| C Axis Range | 360° (unlimited) Direct Drive |
| Max Spindle Speed | 14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 (optional) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT40 (std/14k) / HSK-A63 (opt/14k; req'd/20k & 24k) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Cutting Feedrate | 50,000 mm/min (1,968 ipm) |
| Max Workpiece Size | Ø 700 mm / Ø 900 mm x H600 mm (w/limitation) (Ø 27.6 in / Ø 35.4 in x H23.6 in (w/limitations)) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 400 kg (880 lb.) |
| Tool Capacity | 90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 311 tools (optional) |
| Tool to Tool Time | 1.0 sec |
| Max Tool Diameter (full magazine) | 205 mm |
| Max Tool Weight | 12 kg (26.4 lb.) |
| Drop Tank | Yes |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-10-02
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Large envelope for a 500 mm pallet: 900 mm (35.4 in) X, 750 mm (29.5 in) Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) Z
- B tilts -110° to +180° (290°) on direct drive, which allows undercut machining; C rotates 360° without limit
- Standard 14,000 rpm spindle rated 84.5 HP (63 kW) peak and 223 ft-lbs (303 N-m) peak torque, with 20,000 and 24,000 rpm options
- Pallet changer presents the fixture flat and horizontal at the load station for easier setting of heavy parts
- 90-tool magazine as standard, with 133, 218 and 311-tool magazines listed as options
- Collision Safe Guard (CSG), closed-loop axis temperature control and a drop tank are part of the standard build
Limitations
- The Ø 900 mm (Ø 35.4 in) workpiece diameter comes with limitations; Ø 700 mm (Ø 27.6 in) is the unrestricted figure
- Payload is 400 kg (880 lb.), the same as the smaller a500Z
- The 20,000 and 24,000 rpm spindles are options and both require HSK-A63 tooling instead of the standard CAT40
- Tool-to-tool time is 1.0 sec against 0.9 sec on the a500Z
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both rotary axes are direct drive. C rotates 360° without limit. B tilts from -110° to +180°, 290° in total, which is what allows undercut machining of a fixtured workpiece. The Makino a500Z uses a different, Z-type layout with an unlimited B axis and a 180° slant-style C axis.
02
Standard is 14,000 rpm with CAT40, or HSK-A63 as an option, rated 84.5 HP (63 kW) peak power and 223 ft-lbs (303 N-m) peak torque. The optional 20,000 rpm spindle is for mainly small-diameter tools and the optional 24,000 rpm high speed, high power spindle is for structural aluminum. Both of those require HSK-A63.
03
The table gives Ø 700 mm / Ø 900 mm x H600 mm (w/limitation) (Ø 27.6 in / Ø 35.4 in x H23.6 in (w/limitations)) and 400 kg (880 lb.). Treat Ø 700 mm as the general figure: the Ø 900 mm diameter applies only within limitations that should be checked against the part and fixture.
04
It presents the pallet to be tended in a flat, horizontal orientation, so the operator sets heavy workpieces from above with gravity working for them. As on any two-pallet changer, one fixture is loaded while the other pallet's part is being machined.
05
90 in the standard ring magazine, with 133, 218 and 311-tool magazines listed as options. Tool-to-tool time is 1.0 sec. Maximum tool diameter is 205 mm and maximum tool weight 12 kg (26.4 lb.).
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