Makino a800Z
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino a800Z is a large-format 5-axis horizontal machining center designed for full simultaneous 5-axis machining of medium-to-large aerospace structural components. It scales up the proven a500Z platform with substantially more travel, pallet capacity, and spindle power to handle the larger parts found in aircraft fuselage, wing, and landing gear assemblies.
Axis travel extends to 1,050 x 900 x 1,000 mm (41.3 x 35.4 x 39.4 in) on X/Y/Z, providing the envelope needed for large aerospace forgings and castings. The A-axis tilts from +30 to -120 degrees while the C-axis provides full 360-degree continuous rotation, both driven by high-torque direct-drive motors. The 800 x 630 mm (31.5 x 24.8 in) pallet supports workpieces up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) diameter with a 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) load capacity.
The standard spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with an HSK-A100 taper delivering 45 kW (60.3 hp) continuous power and 700 Nm of torque. This provides the cutting force needed for aggressive roughing in titanium alloys and high-strength aerospace steels with large-diameter cutters. Optional spindle configurations include a high-speed HSK-A63 option for aluminum-focused work.
Cross-roller guides on all linear axes deliver the structural rigidity needed for maintaining accuracy during heavy 5-axis cutting in demanding materials. The dual direct-drive trunnion motors provide balanced torque distribution and eliminate the twist that single-motor designs experience under heavy asymmetric loads. Rapid traverse hits 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) on all axes.
The a800Z weighs approximately 28,000 kg (61,729 lb) and runs on Makino's Professional 6 control with SGI.5. The 80-tool standard ATC supports complex multi-operation aerospace jobs. It integrates with MMC2 for automated production cells. Competitors include the DMG Mori DMU 100 P duoBLOCK, Starrag STC 1000, and Mazak INTEGREX e-1060V in the large 5-axis segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,050 mm (41.3 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 900 mm (35.4 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30° to -120° (150° total, dual direct drive) |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous, direct drive) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (HSK-A63 high-speed optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A100 (HSK-A63 optional) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 45 kW (60.3 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 700 Nm (516 ft-lb) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (std.) |
| Pallet Size | 800 x 630 mm (31.5 x 24.8 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 standard |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 2,362 ipm |
| Machine Weight | ~28,000 kg (61,729 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6, SGI.5) |
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| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 24.8" |
| B Axis | 360° (unlimited) – Direct Drive |
| C Axis | 180° - Direct Drive |
| Spindle Rpm | 10,000 (std.) / 8,000 (opt.) |
| Cutting Feedrate | 1,968 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | Ø 39.4” x 31.5” High |
| Maximum Payload | 2,200 lbs |
| Tool To Tool | 1.8 - 1.9 sec |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | Ø 14.0" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 66 lbs |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- HSK-A100 spindle with 700 Nm torque handles aggressive titanium roughing with large-diameter cutters that HSK-A63 machines cannot match
- 1,050 x 900 x 1,000 mm travel envelope accommodates large aerospace structural components in a 5-axis horizontal configuration
- Dual direct-drive trunnion motors eliminate twist under asymmetric loads, maintaining accuracy during heavy off-center cutting
- Horizontal spindle orientation provides superior chip evacuation critical for deep-pocket titanium and aluminum aerospace work
- Cross-roller guides deliver the rigidity needed for maintaining surface finish and accuracy during aggressive cutting in hard alloys
- 1,200 kg pallet load capacity supports the heavy fixtures and large aerospace forgings typical of this machine class
- MMC2 integration enables automated 5-axis production cells for high-value, tight-tolerance aerospace manufacturing
Limitations
- Price point of $900K-$1.4M positions the a800Z as a capital-intensive investment requiring sustained aerospace production volume
- 28,000 kg machine weight requires reinforced foundations and significant installation planning
- 12,000 RPM HSK-A100 spindle speed limits high-speed finishing on aluminum — shops need the optional HSK-A63 spindle for that work
- Trunnion table design reduces effective load capacity at extreme tilt angles compared to tilting-head designs
- Makino's service network is smaller than DMG Mori in some regions, which matters for machines this critical to production
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New a800Z machines typically price between $900,000 and $1,400,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with HSK-A100 spindle, 80-tool ATC, and 2-pallet APC starts around $900,000. Full configuration with expanded tool magazine, high-pressure coolant, probing, and MMC2 automation pushes toward $1,200,000-$1,400,000. Used a800Z machines are scarce on the secondary market due to their critical aerospace production role.
02
The a800Z scales up the a500Z platform significantly: travel grows from 730x750x700 to 1,050x900x1,000 mm, pallet load increases from 500 to 1,200 kg, and the spindle upgrades from HSK-A63 to HSK-A100 with 700 Nm torque. The a500Z is right for parts under 630mm diameter; the a800Z handles parts up to 1,000mm with the spindle power for aggressive titanium roughing.
03
Horizontal 5-axis machines provide superior chip evacuation — chips fall away from the cut by gravity, which is critical when machining deep pockets in aluminum (where chip re-cutting damages surface finish) and titanium (where hot chips damage cutting tools). The pallet changer also enables loading during cutting for higher spindle utilization. Vertical 5-axis machines are preferred for mold work and parts that benefit from top-down spindle access.
04
Yes. The 700 Nm torque through HSK-A100 provides the cutting force needed for Inconel 718 and similar nickel-based superalloys. The cross-roller guides and 28,000 kg machine mass maintain stability during the heavy, slow cutting that Inconel demands. Through-spindle coolant at high pressure is recommended for chip breaking and heat management. The a800Z is a capable Inconel platform, though cycle times are naturally longer than for titanium or aluminum.
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