Makino DA500
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino DA500 is a mid-size 5-axis vertical machining center that scales up the proven DA300 platform for larger workpieces while retaining the direct-drive rotary axis speed and production-focused design philosophy. Targeting aerospace components, automotive tooling, and general engineering parts that exceed the DA300's compact envelope, the DA500 fills the gap between compact and large-format 5-axis machines.
Axis travel of 650 x 850 x 600 mm (25.6 x 33.5 x 23.6 in) on X/Y/Z provides substantially more room than the DA300's 450 x 620 x 500 mm. The A-axis tilts through 150 degrees (+30 to -120) via direct drive at 50 RPM, and the C-axis rotates a full 360 degrees at 100 RPM. While slower than the DA300's rotary speeds, these rates are still significantly faster than worm-gear competitors in this size class.
The 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle delivers 30 kW (40.2 hp) with Makino's core-cooled spindle technology for sustained thermal stability. The increased spindle power over the DA300 (30 kW vs 22 kW) supports more aggressive cutting in harder materials and larger tool diameters. The 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in) trunnion table handles workpieces up to 600 mm (23.6 in) diameter and 500 mm (19.7 in) tall with a 500 kg (1,102 lb) load capacity.
A 60-tool standard magazine supports extended production runs. Rapid traverse of 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) keeps repositioning time minimal. At approximately 12,000 kg (26,455 lb), the DA500 provides excellent rigidity for its travel class. The Makino Pro 6 control delivers advanced 5-axis functions including collision avoidance and geometric intelligence. The DA500 competes with the Hermle C 400, DMG Mori DMU 80 eVo, and Okuma MU-6300V in the mid-size production 5-axis segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 650 mm (25.6 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 850 mm (33.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30° to -120° (150° total) |
| A Axis Speed | 50 RPM (direct drive) |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous) |
| C Axis Speed | 100 RPM (direct drive) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 30 kW (40.2 hp) |
| Tool Capacity | 60 std, (118 & 311 opt) |
| Table Size | 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Max Workpiece Height | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) |
| Machine Weight | ~12,000 kg (26,455 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
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| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 15.74" x 15.74" |
| A Axis | 150° (+30° to -120°) |
| C Axis | 360° |
| Spindle Rpm | 50 - 20,000 min-1 |
| Maximum Workpiece | 31.5"ø x 19.68" (conditional) |
| Maximum Payload | 661 lbs. |
| Maximum Tool Length Hsk | 11.18" |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | 2.76" / 5.51" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 17.6 lbs. |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Direct-drive A and C axes at 50 and 100 RPM respectively deliver fast indexing without backlash in this size class
- 650 x 850 x 600 mm travel provides 44% more X-travel and 37% more Y-travel than the DA300 for larger workpieces
- 30 kW core-cooled spindle provides 36% more power than the DA300 for more productive cutting in harder materials
- 500 kg table load capacity handles heavier workpieces and fixtures than the DA300's 250 kg limit
- 50 m/min rapids keep non-cutting time short across the larger travel envelope
- 60-tool magazine supports diverse tooling requirements for complex parts and automated production
Limitations
- Direct-drive rotary speeds (50/100 RPM) are notably slower than the DA300's 100/150 RPM, adding time on indexed parts
- Price of $400K-$600K positions it in a competitive mid-size segment with many alternatives
- 500 kg table load is moderate for this travel class—competitors like the Hermle C 400 offer higher capacity
- Makino Pro 6 control limits shops standardized on Heidenhain or Siemens platforms
- 12,000 kg weight may require foundation assessment for older facilities
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new Makino DA500 typically runs between $400,000 and $600,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with 20K RPM spindle and 60-tool magazine starts around $400,000. Adding through-spindle coolant, Renishaw probing, automation interfaces, and pallet changers pushes the price toward $500,000-$600,000. Used DA500 machines from 2018-2022 can be found for $250,000-$380,000 depending on hours and condition.
02
The DA500 scales up the DA300 formula: 44% more X-travel (650 vs 450 mm), 37% more Y-travel (850 vs 620 mm), 36% more spindle power (30 vs 22 kW), and double the table load (500 vs 250 kg). The trade-off is slower rotary axes (50/100 RPM vs 100/150 RPM) and higher weight (12,000 vs 7,000 kg). Choose the DA300 for maximum speed on smaller parts; choose the DA500 when parts exceed the DA300's envelope or need more cutting power.
03
Yes, the DA500 supports pallet automation through Makino's systems and is compatible with third-party automation providers. The machine's design accommodates pallet changers and multi-pallet configurations. The 60-tool magazine supports extended automated runs. Makino offers factory-integrated automation packages similar to the DA300 Automation configuration.
04
The DA500 effectively machines aluminum alloys (at 20K RPM surface speeds), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V at lower speeds), stainless steels, tool steels (pre-hardened and hardened), Inconel (at reduced rates), cobalt-chrome, and engineering plastics. The 30 kW spindle with HSK-A63 taper provides a good balance for this material range. For dedicated titanium production, Makino's T-series is a better choice.
05
Both are mid-size 5-axis production machines. The DMU 80 eVo offers larger X-travel (800 vs 650 mm) and Heidenhain/Siemens control options. The DA500 counters with faster direct-drive rotary axes, faster rapids (50 vs 42 m/min), and Makino's core-cooled spindle technology. The DMU 80 offers more travel versatility while the DA500 optimizes for production throughput. Pricing is comparable.
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