Makino a77
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino a77 is a large-platform horizontal machining center built around 630 x 630 mm pallets that occupies the upper tier of Makino's horizontal machining lineup. Designed for aerospace structural components, large automotive castings, and heavy industrial part families requiring substantial work envelope and spindle power, the a77 combines Makino's signature spindle technology and cross-roller guide rigidity with the capacity to handle workpieces up to 1,100 mm diameter by 1,050 mm height at loads up to 1,000 kg.
Axis travel measures 1,100 x 1,050 x 1,100 mm on X/Y/Z — a generous work envelope that accommodates tombstone fixtures loaded with multiple medium-size parts or single large workpieces requiring multi-face machining in a single setup. The CAT50 / HSK-A100 spindle taper provides the rigidity and clamping force required for heavy roughing in steel and titanium, while spindle speed options up to 14,000 RPM maintain high-speed capability for aluminum and titanium finishing cycles.
Makino's cross-roller guide technology on the a77 provides the same rigidity advantage over standard linear guides as the a61nx, extended to the larger machine mass and longer travel. The result is consistent accuracy and surface finish quality across the full work envelope even under aggressive cutting conditions. The direct-drive B-axis table provides fast, accurate pallet indexing without the wear concerns associated with worm-gear designs. Rapid traverse reaches 60 m/min on all linear axes.
The a77 runs on Makino's Professional 6 (Pro 6) control and integrates with the MMC2 multi-pallet automation system for lights-out production scaling. The machine targets the same aerospace and precision manufacturing applications as the a61nx but handles larger part families that exceed the 500 mm pallet capacity. New a77 machines price $700,000–$950,000. Specs sourced from Makino published data.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,050 mm (41.3 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Pallet Size | 630 x 630 mm (24.8 x 24.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | ø1,100 x 1,050 mm (ø43.3 x 41.3 in) |
| Max Work Weight | 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM standard (14,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT50 / HSK-A100 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 kW (50 hp) continuous |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Table Type | Direct-drive B-axis, 360° continuous |
| Tool Capacity | 80 tools standard |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.001 mm |
| Machine Weight | approx. 22,000 kg (48,500 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
| Eventscontent Librarywebinar Archiveownersmakino Expertisesafety Data Sheetsnewsroomfinancing | Financing OptionsMakino makes it easy to upgrade with flexible financing optionsLearn More |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,100 x 1,050 x 1,100 mm work envelope accommodates large structural components, loaded tombstone fixtures, and multi-face large castings
- CAT50 / HSK-A100 spindle taper provides the rigidity and clamping force needed for aggressive roughing in titanium, Inconel, and alloy steels at large scale
- Cross-roller guide construction maintains rigidity and accuracy over the full large travel range under heavy cutting loads
- Direct-drive B-axis eliminates backlash and long-term accuracy degradation associated with worm-gear pallet tables at this machine size
- 80-tool standard magazine provides robust tooling capacity for complex aerospace and large industrial part programs
- MMC2 automation integration enables lights-out operation on high-value, long-cycle aerospace and energy components
Limitations
- Premium pricing at $700K–$950K puts the a77 at the high end of the 630 mm HMC class — justified for precision aerospace work, harder to justify for general production
- Large machine footprint and weight require substantial floor space, foundation work, and utility planning
- 8,000 RPM standard spindle is too slow for aluminum-intensive shops; the 14,000 RPM option is needed and adds to cost
- Makino's dealer and service network is smaller than Mazak or Okuma, which can affect response time in some regions
- Pro 6 control is Makino-proprietary — operators trained on Fanuc or MAZATROL face a training investment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Makino a77 machines typically price between $700,000 and $950,000 depending on spindle selection, tool magazine configuration, and automation. The base machine with 8,000 RPM spindle and 80-tool ATC is around $700,000. The 14,000 RPM spindle option, high-pressure coolant, probing, and MMC2 automation push toward $900,000–$950,000+. Used a77 machines from 2012–2020 trade between $250,000 and $550,000 depending on configuration and hours.
02
The a77 is the larger platform with 630 mm pallets versus 500 mm on the a61nx, more travel on all axes (1,100/1,050/1,100 mm vs 730/650/800 mm), a higher pallet load (1,000 kg vs 550 kg), and CAT50/HSK-A100 taper vs HSK-A63. The a61nx has better spindle speed capability in the standard configuration (14,000 vs 8,000 RPM). Choose the a77 when part size or pallet load exceeds what the a61nx can accommodate.
03
The a77 uses CAT50 / HSK-A100 — the large taper standard for heavy-duty HMC applications. CAT50 provides significantly more clamping force and rigidity than CAT40/HSK-A63 for aggressive roughing in steel and titanium. HSK-A100 offers the face-and-taper contact benefits of HSK at the No. 50 size scale, with faster tool changes and better high-speed rigidity than CAT50.
04
The a77 integrates with Makino's MMC2 multi-pallet automation system, which connects the HMC to a linear pallet stocker with typically 8 to 60+ pallets and multiple loading stations. The MAS-A5 cell controller manages job scheduling, tool life monitoring, and machine utilization. For larger automation systems, multiple a77 machines can be connected to a single MMC2 system.
05
Yes, the a77 is well-suited for titanium production. The CAT50/HSK-A100 taper provides the clamping force for aggressive Ti-6Al-4V roughing, the cross-roller guides resist deflection under heavy cuts, and the high machine mass (approx. 22,000 kg) provides structural damping. High-pressure through-spindle coolant is essential for titanium chip control and thermal management, and is available as an option.
Videos
RTT CNC, Machine Tool Repair and Service
SMC Auctions
Orbitbid
Machine Hub
Bhavani Machine Tools
Community Discussions
Community discussion — '97 Makino A77; Pros/cons? | Practical ...
Community discussion — A77 controller tutorial?
Community discussion — A77 Pro 111 control auto won't start | Practical ...
Maintenance and service — Makino A77 horizontal mill alarm #13064 - Practical Machinist
Comparison and buying advice — Opinion of choosing new machine… : r/Machinists - Reddit
Pricing and buying discussion — Can you guys explain this please? : r/Machinists - RedditHaas vs Makino : r/Machinists - RedditIf your shop had the money, what 5-axis mill and what lathe ...Interviewing to work for Makino... Advice? : r/MachinistsBest and worst CNC machines and brands you've ever us
Comparison and buying advice — Haas vs Makino : r/Machinists - Reddit
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Interviewing to work for Makino... Advice? :
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
Related Machines
Haas EC-400
Makino a51nx
Okuma MB-5000HII
DMG Mori NHX 5000
Makino a61nx
