Makino a91nx
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino a91nx is a high-performance 1,000mm-class horizontal machining center engineered for production machining of large, heavy workpieces. Sitting between the a81nx and a92 in Makino's HMC lineup, the a91nx targets manufacturers of large industrial components — heavy equipment frames, energy sector housings, mining equipment, and large automotive dies — where work envelope, pallet load capacity, and material removal rate all matter.
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 deep reach and wide sweep needed for large castings and fabrications. The 1,000 x 1,000 mm (39.4 x 39.4 in) pallet handles workpieces up to 1,400 mm (55.1 in) diameter with a 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) load capacity. Dual pallets enable continuous production with load-while-cutting operation.
The standard spindle runs at 10,000 RPM with an HSK-A100 taper delivering 45 kW (60.3 hp) continuous power and 750 Nm of torque. This configuration drives large-diameter face mills and boring bars through cast iron, steel, and other ferrous materials at aggressive feeds and depths of cut. The HSK-A100 taper provides the rigidity needed for stable cutting with 100mm+ diameter tools.
Makino's cross-roller guides on all linear axes deliver the rigid machine structure needed for heavy cutting without vibration. The direct-drive B-axis table provides backlash-free indexing with 0.001-degree resolution. Rapid traverse hits 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) on all axes. The Thermal Stabilizer package — including insulated castings, core-cooled ballscrews, and temperature-controlled spindle — maintains dimensional accuracy across extended production campaigns.
At approximately 30,000 kg (66,139 lb), the a91nx provides the mass for vibration-free heavy cutting. The 80-tool standard ATC supports complex jobs with expansion options available. The machine runs on Makino's Professional 6 control and integrates with MMC2 for automated production cells. Competitors include the Mazak HCN-10800, Okuma MB-10000H, and DMG Mori NHX 10000.
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) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | CAT50 (HSK-A100) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 45 kW (60.3 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 750 Nm (553 ft-lb) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 (185, 297) |
| 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 | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) |
| B Axis | Direct-drive, 360° continuous, 0.001° indexing |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 2,362 ipm |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.0015 mm (±0.00006 in) |
| Machine Weight | ~30,000 kg (66,139 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
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| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 31.5" x 31.5" |
| Spindle Rpm | 10k (8k, 15k) |
| Cutting Feedrate | 1,968 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | ∅ 57.1" x 57.1" |
| Maximum Payload | 4,400 lbs. (6,600 lbs.) |
| Tool To Tool | 1.8 sec (2,2 sec) |
| Maximum Tool Length | 35.4" |
| Maximum Tool Length Hsk | 35.4" |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | ∅ 14.0" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 66 lbs. (77 lbs. - ATC 185/297) |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,050 x 900 x 1,000 mm travel envelope handles large industrial components that exceed the reach of standard 800mm-class HMCs
- 2,000 kg pallet load capacity supports the heavy fixtures and large castings typical of industrial and energy sector production
- HSK-A100 spindle with 750 Nm torque enables aggressive roughing with large-diameter cutters in ferrous materials
- 30,000 kg machine mass provides exceptional vibration damping during heavy interrupted cuts on large castings
- Cross-roller guides on all axes deliver superior rigidity compared to linear guides, maintaining surface finish quality under heavy loads
- Direct-drive B-axis provides consistent, maintenance-free indexing accuracy throughout the machine's service life
Limitations
- Pricing of $900K-$1.4M positions the a91nx as a capital-intensive investment requiring sustained production volume to justify
- 30,000 kg machine weight demands reinforced foundations and significant installation planning including rigging and crane access
- 10,000 RPM spindle speed limits high-speed finishing operations — shops needing both heavy cutting and high-speed aluminum need separate machines
- Smaller service network compared to Mazak or DMG Mori can impact support response time in some regions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Makino a91nx machines typically price between $900,000 and $1,400,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with standard HSK-A100 spindle, 80-tool ATC, and 2-pallet APC starts around $900,000. Full automation integration with MMC2, expanded tool magazine, high-pressure coolant, and probing systems can push past $1,400,000. Used a91nx machines are uncommon on the secondary market due to their critical production role.
02
The a91nx steps up from the a81nx in work envelope (1,050x900x1,000 vs 900x800x900 mm), pallet size (1,000mm vs 800mm), load capacity (2,000 vs 1,200 kg), and spindle torque (750 vs 700 Nm). Machine weight increases from 22,000 to 30,000 kg. Choose the a81nx if your parts fit within its envelope; the a91nx is justified when workpiece size and fixture weight exceed the a81nx's capabilities.
03
At 30,000 kg, the a91nx requires a reinforced concrete foundation engineered for both static load and dynamic cutting forces. Typical requirements include 300-400mm thick reinforced concrete with a compressive strength of at least 25 MPa, isolated from the surrounding shop floor to prevent vibration transmission. Makino provides detailed foundation specifications during the pre-installation engineering process.
04
Yes, though it's not the machine's primary design intent. The 750 Nm torque and HSK-A100 rigidity support productive cutting in titanium alloys when needed. However, for dedicated titanium production, Makino's T-series or 5-axis platforms with optimized chip evacuation are better suited. The a91nx excels when cast iron and steel are the primary materials with occasional titanium work.
05
The a91nx supports through-spindle coolant at pressures up to 70 bar (1,000 psi) for deep-hole drilling and effective chip breaking. Flood coolant systems with high-flow pumps keep the cutting zone clear during heavy roughing. Makino's chip evacuation system uses a combination of auger conveyors and wash-down systems to handle the large chip volumes generated during aggressive ferrous machining.
Videos
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