Makino Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)

Makino a81M

Est. $400,000 - $600,000 Possible older model Updated 2026-10-02

This model was not found in Makino's current lineup when we checked on 2026-09-24 (lineup page). It may be a superseded or older model; the specifications below are as we last recorded them.

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Y Travel

650 mm (25.6 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

8,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

60 (expandable to 120/180)

How much does the Makino a81M cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$400,000 - $600,000

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 a81M is an older horizontal machining center that is not in Makino's current lineup. The listed figures, which have not been checked against Makino, give it 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) pallets, 730 mm (28.7 in) of X, 650 mm (25.6 in) of Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z, and an 8,000 RPM spindle rated 30 kW (40 hp) and 735 Nm (542 ft-lb).

The listed table describes a machine built for heavy cutting rather than speed: box ways, a direct-drive B-axis with 0.001° indexing, 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) rapids and a machine weight of 20,000 kg (44,092 lb). Two pallets are standard, expandable through an MMC2 pallet pool, and each pallet takes 800 kg (1,764 lb) with parts up to 900 mm dia x 1,000 mm tall. The magazine holds 60 tools, expandable to 120/180, with a 1.8 sec tool-to-tool and 4.2 sec chip-to-chip change. The control is listed as Makino Professional 6 (Fanuc-based).

Two rows deserve a check on any machine offered. The listed taper is HSK-A63, a small interface to pair with 735 Nm, so confirm the spindle fitted. And the travels and pallet match the 500 mm class of the current a61nx, which has 730 mm (28.7 in) of X, 800 mm (31.5 in) of Z and 500 x 500 mm (19.7 in x 19.7 in) pallets, not the 630 mm x 630 mm (24.8 in x 24.8 in) pallets of the current a81nx. Measure the pallet and read the spindle plate before relying on the table. A 20,000 kg machine also needs a foundation and rigging plan.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	650 mm (25.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Pallet Size	500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in)
Number of Pallets	2 (expandable via MMC2 pallet pool)
Pallet Load Capacity	800 kg (1,764 lb)
Max Workpiece Size	900 mm dia x 1,000 mm tall
Max Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	30 kW (40 hp)
Spindle Torque	735 Nm (542 ft-lb)
Guideway Type	Box way (high rigidity)
B Axis	Direct-drive, 0.001° indexing
Tool Capacity	60 (expandable to 120/180)
Tool Change (tool-to-tool)	1.8 sec
Tool Change (chip-to-chip)	4.2 sec
Rapid Traverse Rate	40 m/min (1,575 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.003 mm
Repeatability	±0.002 mm
Machine Weight	20,000 kg (44,092 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Fanuc-based)

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Listed 8,000 RPM spindle with 735 Nm (542 ft-lb) and 30 kW (40 hp) for heavy cuts
Box ways and a 20,000 kg (44,092 lb) machine weight point to a rigid build
Two pallets standard, expandable through an MMC2 pallet pool
Direct-drive B-axis with 0.001° indexing
60 tools, expandable to 120/180, with a 1.8 sec tool-to-tool change

Limitations

Not in Makino's current lineup, and the listed figures have not been checked against Makino
The listed HSK-A63 taper is small for 735 Nm; the spindle actually fitted needs confirming
Listed rapids of 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) trail the 50,000 mm/min (1,968 in/min) of the current a81nx
At 20,000 kg (44,092 lb), moving and installing the machine is a major job

Best For

Used-machine buyers who need heavy cutting on 500 mm pallets Heavy roughing on parts up to 900 mm dia x 1,000 mm tall Pallet-pool production with the MMC2 system Workpieces and fixtures up to 800 kg (1,764 lb)

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the a81M still in Makino's lineup?

No, it is not in Makino's current lineup. The figures on this page are the listed figures and have not been checked against Makino, so verify pallet size, spindle and travels on the machine before buying a used one.

02 How does the a81M compare with the current a81nx?

The a81nx has 630 mm x 630 mm (24.8 in x 24.8 in) pallets, 900 mm (35.4 in) of X and Y and 1,020 mm (40.2 in) of Z, with a 10,000 rpm CAT50 spindle as standard. The listed a81M figures are smaller: 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) pallets, 730 x 650 x 800 mm (28.7 x 25.6 x 31.5 in) and an 8,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle.

03 What spindle does the a81M have?

The listed spindle is 8,000 RPM with an HSK-A63 taper, rated 30 kW (40 hp) and 735 Nm (542 ft-lb). That torque is high for an HSK-A63 interface, so read the spindle plate and the control's parameters to confirm what is fitted.

04 How large a part fits on the a81M?

Parts up to 900 mm dia x 1,000 mm tall and 800 kg (1,764 lb) per pallet, on 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) pallets. Two pallets are standard, with expansion through an MMC2 pallet pool.