Makino a71nx
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino a71nx is a 630mm-class horizontal machining center that bridges the gap between the popular a61nx (500mm pallet) and the larger a81nx (800mm pallet). It delivers the production capability and Makino precision that manufacturers need for medium-to-large prismatic parts — engine blocks, hydraulic manifolds, gearbox housings, and structural castings that need more room than a 500mm pallet but don't justify an 800mm machine.
Axis travel runs 750 x 750 x 750 mm (29.5 x 29.5 x 29.5 in) on X/Y/Z, providing a balanced work cube. The 630 x 630 mm (24.8 x 24.8 in) pallet supports workpieces up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) diameter with an 800 kg (1,764 lb) load capacity. Dual pallets are standard for continuous production with operator loading during cutting cycles.
The standard spindle runs at 12,000 RPM through an HSK-A63 taper with 30 kW (40.2 hp) continuous power and 303 Nm of torque. This configuration handles both ferrous and non-ferrous materials effectively — enough torque for cast iron roughing, enough speed for productive aluminum cutting. An optional HSK-A100 spindle is available for shops focused on heavy steel and cast iron work.
Makino's cross-roller guide design carries through to the a71nx, providing higher rigidity than standard linear guides for better surface finish and accuracy under heavy cutting loads. The direct-drive B-axis eliminates backlash from worm-gear drives for consistent indexing accuracy over the machine's lifetime. Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on all linear axes — class-leading speed that minimizes non-cutting time.
The a71nx runs on Makino's Professional 6 control with SGI.5 contouring intelligence. At approximately 16,000 kg (35,274 lb), it provides solid mass for vibration-free cutting. The standard 60-tool ATC supports production jobs, with expansion options for unattended operation. The machine integrates with MMC2 automation for scalable production cells. Direct competitors include the Mazak HCN-6800, Okuma MB-6000H, and DMG Mori NHX 6300.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (HSK-A100 optional) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT50 (HSK-A100 opt) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 30 kW (40.2 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 303 Nm (224 ft-lb) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (136, 187 & 299) |
| Pallet Size | 630 x 630 mm (24.8 x 24.8 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 standard |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 800 kg (1,764 lb) |
| B Axis | 360° DD NCRT |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | (X / Y) 1,968 ipm, (Z) 2,362 ipm |
| Axis Acceleration | 1G on all linear axes |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.001 mm (±0.00004 in) |
| Machine Weight | ~16,000 kg (35,274 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
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| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 19.7" x 19.7" |
| Spindle Rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Cutting Feedrate | 1,968 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | ø35.4" x 39.4" |
| Maximum Payload | 2.200 lbs |
| Tool To Tool | 1.7 sec (≤ 20kg) |
| Chip To Chip | 3.6 sec (≤ 20kg) |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | 11.8" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 44.1 lbs (66 lbs with limitations) |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 630mm pallet fills the critical gap between 500mm and 800mm machines, handling medium-to-large parts without the footprint and cost of an 800mm platform
- HSK-A63 spindle with 303 Nm torque and 12,000 RPM provides genuine dual-purpose capability for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials
- 60 m/min rapid traverse matches the smaller a51nx and a61nx speeds, keeping non-cutting time minimal despite the larger work envelope
- 1G axis acceleration delivers class-leading responsiveness for a 630mm-class HMC, reducing cycle times on parts with many features
- Cross-roller guides and direct-drive B-axis are standard, not options, delivering Makino-grade precision out of the box
- 800 kg pallet load capacity handles heavy fixtures and medium-to-large castings without compromising on positioning accuracy
Limitations
- Premium pricing ($550K-$800K) puts the a71nx above most competing 630mm HMCs, which matters for shops not utilizing its precision advantage
- Standard HSK-A63 taper limits maximum cutter diameter compared to HSK-A100 or CAT 50 machines in this size class
- 16,000 kg machine weight requires proper floor preparation and limits rearrangement flexibility
- Makino's dealer and service network is more limited than Mazak or Okuma in some North American regions
- Pro 6 control is Fanuc-based only — no Siemens or Heidenhain option for shops standardized on European controls
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New a71nx machines typically price between $550,000 and $800,000 depending on configuration. A base 2-pallet machine with standard spindle and 60-tool ATC starts around $550,000. Adding high-pressure coolant, probing, expanded tool magazine, and MMC2 automation integration pushes toward $700,000-$800,000. Used a71nx machines from 2015-2020 typically trade between $250,000 and $400,000 when available.
02
The decision comes down to part size and fixture weight. The a71nx offers 630mm pallets with 800 kg load capacity vs the a61nx's 500mm pallets with 550 kg. If your parts consistently fit on 500mm pallets, the a61nx is more cost-effective and has a smaller footprint. If you're regularly maxing out a 500mm pallet or your fixtures are heavy, the a71nx provides the room and load capacity you need without jumping to an 800mm machine.
03
Both are 630mm-class production HMCs. The Makino a71nx provides cross-roller guides and direct-drive B-axis as standard, with a focus on surface finish quality and precision. The Mazak HCN-6800 offers MAZATROL SmoothG control with conversational programming, integral spindle options, and typically prices 10-20% lower. Choose the Makino for precision-critical work; choose the Mazak for programming ease and lower acquisition cost.
04
The standard spindle is a 12,000 RPM HSK-A63 with 303 Nm torque and 30 kW continuous power, suited for mixed ferrous and non-ferrous work. An HSK-A100 option is available for shops focused on heavy cutting in cast iron and steel where cutter diameter and torque demand the larger taper. The HSK-A63 spindle is the right choice for most applications unless you're consistently running face mills above 100mm diameter.
05
Yes. The 12,000 RPM standard spindle with HSK-A63 taper provides productive aluminum cutting speeds, though shops focused primarily on aluminum might prefer the a61nx with its optional 20,000 RPM spindle. The a71nx's strength on aluminum is its combination of speed, work envelope, and pallet capacity — you can fixture more aluminum parts per pallet than on a 500mm machine, improving overall throughput.
Videos
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