Makino a900Z
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino a900Z is Makino's largest trunnion-style 5-axis horizontal machining center, designed for the biggest aerospace structural components that require simultaneous 5-axis capability. It targets the most demanding applications in commercial and military aviation — large landing gear components, wing ribs, bulkheads, and engine mount structures in titanium and high-strength steel alloys.
Axis travel extends to 1,500 x 1,300 x 1,200 mm (59.1 x 51.2 x 47.2 in) on X/Y/Z, providing the envelope needed for the largest aerospace forgings. 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 sized for the heavy workpieces this machine handles. The 1,000 x 1,000 mm (39.4 x 39.4 in) pallet supports workpieces up to 1,400 mm (55.1 in) diameter with a 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) load capacity.
The standard spindle runs at 10,000 RPM with an HSK-A100 taper delivering 55 kW (73.7 hp) continuous power and 900 Nm of torque. This provides the brute cutting force needed for aggressive roughing in titanium forgings with large-diameter face mills, achieving the material removal rates that aerospace OEMs demand for large structural parts.
Cross-roller guides on all axes deliver the rigidity needed for maintaining accuracy during the heaviest cutting operations. The dual direct-drive trunnion motors are sized for the 2,500 kg pallet loads this machine handles. Machine mass of approximately 42,000 kg (92,594 lb) provides exceptional dynamic stability. Rapid traverse hits 42 m/min (1,654 ipm).
The a900Z runs on Makino's Professional 6 control with SGI.5. The 100-tool standard ATC supports complex multi-operation aerospace jobs. It integrates with MMC2 for automated production cells. Competitors include the DMG Mori DMU 160 P duoBLOCK, Starrag STC 1250, and large Pama machines in the heavy 5-axis segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,500 mm (59.1 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30° to -120° (150° total, dual direct drive) |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous, direct drive) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A100 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 55 kW (73.7 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 900 Nm (664 ft-lb) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (std.) / 185 (opt.) |
| Pallet Size | 1,000 x 1,000 mm (39.4 x 39.4 in) |
| Number Of Pallets | 2 standard |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 2,362 ipm |
| Machine Weight | ~42,000 kg (92,594 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6, SGI.5) |
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| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 31.5" |
| B Axis | 360° (unlimited) – Direct Drive |
| C Axis | 180° – Direct Drive |
| Spindle Rpm | 10,000 (std.) / 8,000 (opt.) / 15,000 (opt.) |
| Cutting Feedrate | 1,968 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | Ø 49.2" x 39.4" High |
| Maximum Payload | 2,750 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
- 1,500 x 1,300 x 1,200 mm travel envelope handles the largest aerospace structural components requiring simultaneous 5-axis access
- HSK-A100 spindle with 900 Nm torque enables aggressive titanium roughing at the material removal rates aerospace OEMs demand
- 2,500 kg pallet load capacity supports the heavy titanium forgings and large fixtures typical of landing gear and structural production
- Dual direct-drive trunnion motors sized for heavy loads provide consistent 5-axis accuracy even with maximum pallet weight
- 42,000 kg machine mass delivers exceptional dynamic stability for vibration-free cutting in the most demanding materials
- Horizontal spindle orientation provides critical chip evacuation advantage for deep-pocket machining in titanium and aluminum
Limitations
- Price point of $1.5M-$2.2M limits the a900Z to major aerospace tier suppliers with sustained demand for large 5-axis parts
- 42,000 kg weight requires extensive foundation engineering and limits the machine to facilities designed for heavy equipment
- 10,000 RPM maximum spindle speed limits high-speed finishing — dedicated finishing passes may require separate machines
- 42 m/min rapid traverse is slower than smaller machines due to the mass being moved, adding non-cutting time on complex parts
- Trunnion table reduces effective load capacity at extreme tilt angles with 2,500 kg payloads
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New a900Z machines typically price between $1,500,000 and $2,200,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with HSK-A100 spindle, 100-tool ATC, and 2-pallet APC starts around $1,500,000. Full configuration with expanded tool magazine, high-pressure through-spindle coolant, probing, and MMC2 automation integration pushes toward $1,800,000-$2,200,000. These machines rarely appear on the used market.
02
The a900Z scales up significantly: travel grows from 1,050x900x1,000 to 1,500x1,300x1,200 mm, pallet load increases from 1,200 to 2,500 kg, and spindle torque jumps from 700 to 900 Nm. Machine weight increases from 28,000 to 42,000 kg. The a800Z handles parts up to 1,000mm diameter; the a900Z extends to 1,400mm. Choose based on maximum part size and fixture weight requirements.
03
At 42,000 kg, the a900Z requires a purpose-engineered reinforced concrete foundation, typically 500-700mm thick, isolated from the surrounding shop floor. The foundation must be designed to handle both static machine weight and dynamic cutting forces transmitted through the structure. Soil analysis and structural engineering calculations are required. Most installations are planned during facility construction or major renovation.
04
The a900Z can machine aluminum, but its 10,000 RPM HSK-A100 spindle is optimized for titanium and steel. For large aerospace aluminum structural components, Makino's MAG series with higher spindle speeds is often a better choice. The a900Z is best justified when the production mix includes substantial titanium and hard-alloy work where the 900 Nm torque is needed.
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