Makino DA300 Automation

$450,000 - $700,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

450 mm (17.7 in)

Y Travel

620 mm (24.4 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

118 tools

Overview

The Makino DA300 Automation is the automation-integrated variant of Makino's popular DA300 5-axis vertical machining center, combining the DA300's proven high-speed 5-axis capability with a built-in multi-pallet automation system for true lights-out production. Rather than treating automation as an aftermarket addition, the DA300 Automation integrates the pallet handling system as a factory-engineered solution optimized for the machine's compact footprint.

The core machine retains the DA300's specifications: 450 x 620 x 500 mm (17.7 x 24.4 x 19.7 in) X/Y/Z travel, direct-drive A-axis (+30 to -120 degrees at 100 RPM) and C-axis (360-degree continuous at 150 RPM), and a 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle delivering 22 kW (29.5 hp). Rapid traverse of 60 m/min on all linear axes keeps non-cutting time minimal between features.

What distinguishes the Automation variant is the integrated pallet handling system, typically configured with 6, 12, or 32 pallets depending on production requirements. The 340 x 300 mm (13.4 x 11.8 in) pallets with 250 kg (551 lb) load capacity circulate through the machine automatically, enabling continuous production across shifts without operator intervention. Makino's MAS-A5 cell controller manages pallet scheduling, tool life, and production queuing.

The 60-tool magazine supports the diverse tooling requirements of multi-part automated cells. The machine's compact footprint enables tight cell layouts where multiple DA300 Automation units share a common pallet storage system. The system competes with the Hermle C 250 with RS 05, DMG Mori DMU 50 with PH 150, and Matsuura MX-330 in the automated compact 5-axis production segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	620 mm (24.4 in)
Z-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -120° (150° total)
A Axis Speed	100 RPM (direct drive)
C Axis Range	360° (continuous)
C Axis Speed	150 RPM (direct drive)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (29.5 hp)
Tool Capacity	118 tools
Pallet Size	340 x 300 mm (13.4 x 11.8 in)
Pallet Count	6 / 12 / 32 (configurable)
Table Load Capacity	250 kg (551 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Machine Weight	~8,500 kg (18,739 lb) (with automation)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) + MAS-A5 Cell Controller
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Metric	English
A Axis	150° (+30 to -120)
C Axis	360°
Spindle Rpm	20,000 (HSK - A63)
Rapid Traverse Rate	2,362 ipm
Cutting Feedrate	2,362 ipm
Maximum Workpiece	14.2" in diameter, 11.2" tall (top row, eight positions), 11.8" tall (32 positions, all other rows)
Maximum Payload	132 lbs.
Maximum Tool Diameter	2.76" / 5.51" (all pockets / adjacent pockets)
Maximum Tool Weight	17.6 lbs.
Chip To Chip	3.5 sec.

Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Factory-integrated automation eliminates the compatibility risks and optimization challenges of aftermarket pallet systems
Configurable 6/12/32-pallet capacity scales from small-batch to high-volume production requirements
MAS-A5 cell controller provides intelligent pallet scheduling, tool life management, and production queue optimization
Retains the DA300's class-leading speed: 60 m/min rapids, 100/150 RPM direct-drive rotary axes
Compact cell footprint enables high-density layouts with multiple machines sharing pallet storage
60-tool magazine supports diverse part mix without manual tool management in automated operation
Core-cooled 20K RPM spindle maintains thermal stability across extended unmanned production runs

Limitations

Price premium of $150K-$250K over the base DA300 for the integrated automation package
250 kg pallet load capacity limits workpiece and fixture weight in automated mode
450 mm X-travel constrains maximum workpiece width in automated setups
Automation system adds to the overall footprint despite compact per-unit design
Cell controller requires programming and setup expertise beyond basic CNC operation

Best For

Aerospace production shops running high-mix, medium-volume 5-axis parts requiring lights-out capability Medical device manufacturers producing diverse implant geometries requiring flexible automated production Job shops transitioning to automated production wanting a proven, integrated 5-axis automation solution Shops building multi-machine cells where multiple DA300 units share common pallet storage and scheduling Production environments prioritizing machine utilization rates above 85% through unmanned operation

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino DA300 Automation cost?

A Makino DA300 Automation typically runs between $450,000 and $700,000 depending on pallet count and configuration. A 6-pallet system starts around $450,000-$500,000. A 12-pallet configuration runs $550,000-$600,000. The full 32-pallet system with expanded tool magazine reaches $650,000-$700,000. The automation premium over a base DA300 ($300K-$450K) reflects the pallet system, cell controller, and integration engineering.

02 How many pallets should I choose?

The 6-pallet configuration suits shops with moderate part mix running 1-2 shifts. The 12-pallet system is the most popular, providing enough capacity for true lights-out operation across a full shift with diverse parts. The 32-pallet system targets high-mix production running 24/7 with large part families. Consider your part mix diversity, cycle times, and desired unmanned runtime when selecting pallet count.

03 Can multiple DA300 Automation units share a pallet system?

Yes, Makino's automation architecture supports multi-machine cells where 2-4 DA300 Automation units connect to a shared pallet storage and handling system. The MAS-A5 cell controller manages job scheduling across all machines, automatically routing pallets to available machines based on tooling and production priorities. This is the most common configuration for high-volume aerospace production cells.

04 What is the typical spindle utilization rate?

Well-configured DA300 Automation cells typically achieve 85-95% spindle utilization rates, compared to 40-60% for manually loaded standalone machines. The key is having enough pallets loaded with fixtured workpieces to eliminate operator wait time. The MAS-A5 controller optimizes pallet sequencing to minimize tool changeover between consecutive jobs, further improving productive cutting time.

05 How does this compare to adding aftermarket automation to a base DA300?

The factory-integrated approach offers several advantages: guaranteed compatibility, optimized pallet change times, coordinated cell control software, and single-source warranty and support. Aftermarket automation (from Erowa, System 3R, or Lang) can work well but requires integration engineering and may not achieve the same pallet change speed or software integration level. The factory solution typically costs a modest premium but reduces risk.