Makino Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)

Makino a61nx

Est. $500,000 - $700,000 Specs verified 2026-10-02 · makino.com Updated 2026-10-02

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Y Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

14,000 rpm (20,000)

Spindle Taper

CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional)

Tool Capacity

60 tools (optional 133, 218, 313)

How much does the Makino a61nx cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$500,000 - $700,000

Our best estimate for a horizontal machining centers (hmc) in this class — not a quote from Makino. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Makino a61nx is a 500mm, 40-taper production horizontal machining center, with 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) pallets, 730 mm (28.7 in) of X and Y, 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z and a 14,000 rpm spindle rated by Makino at 303 Nm of torque. A 20,000 rpm spindle is listed in brackets as the alternative.

The torque figure is what sets the a61nx apart from a typical 40-taper machine. Makino argues that the machine's stiffness lets the spindle's power and torque be used fully on ferrous applications that traditionally would be run on 50 taper machines, the class the CAT50 a71nx belongs to. For a shop running cast iron or steel housings in volume, that means a 40-taper machine with its faster tool changes, here 0.9 sec tool-to-tool and 2.5 sec chip-to-chip, can take on work that used to need a heavier spindle. Tools are limited to 205 mm (8.1 in) in diameter and 12kg (26.4 lb).

Several features target non-cut time in automotive and high-volume production. The B-axis is a 360° DD NCRT, a direct-drive rotary table. Inertia Active Control monitors motor load, estimates the total fixture weight and adjusts acceleration and deceleration of the B and Z axes to suit. Makino says the spindle uses its duty-rated torque to start and stop faster, cutting tapping time by 20% compared with the previous model. A Vision type Broken Tool Sensor in the ATC magazine is standard and checks drills, taps and other single-point tools.

The work envelope is Ø 800 mm x 1,000 mm (Ø 31.5 in x 39.4 in), with a 500 kg (1,100 lb) load as standard and 700 kg (1,540 lb) as an option. The magazine holds 60 tools; 133, 218 and 313 are optional. Makino also offers a tall column (730mm) version for parts that need larger strokes. The table's Y travel is also 730 mm, so confirm which column a quoted machine has.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Pallet Size	500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in)
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
B Axis Range	360° DD NCRT
Max Spindle Speed	14,000 rpm (20,000)
Spindle Taper	CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60,000 mm/min
Cutting Feedrate	50,000 mm/min (1,968 ipm)
Max Workpiece Size	Ø 800 mm x 1,000 mm (Ø 31.5 in x 39.4 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg (option 700 kg) (1,100 lb (option 1,540 lb))
Tool Capacity	60 tools (optional 133, 218, 313)
Tool to Tool Time	0.9 sec
Chip to Chip Time	2.5 sec
Max Tool Diameter (full magazine)	205 mm (8.1 in)
Max Tool Weight	12kg (26.4 lb)

Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-10-02

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

14,000 rpm spindle with 303 Nm of torque, which Makino says lets this 40-taper machine take on ferrous work
0.9 sec tool-to-tool and 2.5 sec chip-to-chip tool changes
Inertia Active Control adjusts B- and Z-axis acceleration to the estimated fixture weight
Vision type Broken Tool Sensor in the ATC magazine is standard
Ø 800 mm x 1,000 mm (Ø 31.5 in x 39.4 in) work envelope, with 700 kg (1,540 lb) load optional
Makino quotes a 20% reduction in tapping time against the previous model

Limitations

Standard workpiece load is 500 kg (1,100 lb); 700 kg (1,540 lb) needs the option
Tools are limited to 205 mm (8.1 in) in diameter and 12kg (26.4 lb)
Rapid traverse of 60,000 mm/min is listed with no inch figure, and no power rating is given for the spindle
Magazines larger than 60 tools (133, 218, 313) are options

Best For

Cast iron and steel parts in automotive volumes High-volume production with many tapped holes Mixed-part production on 500 x 500 mm pallets Fixtures up to 700 kg (1,540 lb) with the load option

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Can a 40-taper a61nx handle steel and cast iron?

Makino says so. It rates the 14,000 rpm spindle at 303 Nm of torque and says the machine's stiffness lets that power and torque tackle ferrous applications that traditionally would be run on 50 taper machines such as the CAT50 a71nx. Tool size still limits it: 205 mm (8.1 in) in diameter and 12kg (26.4 lb).

02 How does the a61nx differ from the a71nx?

Both use 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) pallets. The a71nx is the 50-taper option, with a 10,000 rpm CAT50 spindle and 800 x 750 x 830 mm (31.5 x 29.5 x 32.7 in) of travel. The a61nx keeps CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional), 14,000 rpm and 730 x 730 x 800 mm (28.7 x 28.7 x 31.5 in).

03 What is Inertia Active Control on the a61nx?

Inertia Active Control (IAC) monitors motor load and estimates the total fixture weight. With that estimate it optimizes acceleration and deceleration of the B and Z axes, the two axes used most on a horizontal machine, so light fixtures are not moved as cautiously as heavy ones.

04 What part size and weight does the a61nx take?

Parts up to Ø 800 mm x 1,000 mm (Ø 31.5 in x 39.4 in). The load limit is 500 kg (1,100 lb) as standard and 700 kg (1,540 lb) with the option. Makino also offers a tall column (730mm) version for applications that need larger strokes.

05 How many tools does the a61nx carry?

60 tools as standard, with 133, 218 and 313-tool magazines as options. Tool-to-tool time is 0.9 sec and chip-to-chip 2.5 sec. A standard Vision type Broken Tool Sensor in the magazine checks drills, taps and single-point tools.