Makino F5 Professional 6

$180,000 - $310,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Y Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Z Travel

450 mm (17.7 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM (30,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63 (HSK-F63 on 30K option)

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Makino F5 Professional 6 is the current-generation designation for the F5 precision VMC equipped with Makino's latest Professional 6 control system. It represents the integration of the F5's proven precision mechanical platform with the Pro 6's advanced touchscreen interface, enhanced SGI.5 contouring, and improved thermal management software.

Axis travel is 900 x 500 x 450 mm (35.4 x 19.7 x 17.7 in) with a 1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 x 19.7 in) table rated to 1,000 kg (2,204 lb). The precision mechanical specification is unchanged from prior F5 generations: 8 mm fine-pitch ball screws, 0.05 micron linear scale feedback on all axes, core-cooled spindle, and positioning accuracy of +/-0.0015 mm (0.00006 in) with repeatability of +/-0.001 mm (0.00004 in).

The standard 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle delivers 15 kW (20 hp) and 32 Nm, optimized for high-speed finishing in hardened tool steels. The optional 30,000 RPM HSK-F63 variant enables graphite electrode machining and ultra-fine surface finishing. The Pro 6 control adds a 19-inch multi-touch display, enhanced DNC connectivity, and improved program management for large NC files.

SGI.5 contour control with improved look-ahead and smoother acceleration profiles produces cleaner 3D surfaces at higher feed rates versus previous F5 generations. At 7,500 kg (16,535 lb), the machine's mass-to-envelope ratio continues to deliver the vibration damping and thermal stability that made the F5 a benchmark precision VMC.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Y-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM (30,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63 (HSK-F63 on 30K option)
Spindle Motor Power	15/11 kW (20/15 hp)
Spindle Torque	32/19 Nm
Tool Capacity	30
Tool Change Time	1.3 sec (tool-to-tool)
Max Tool Length	300 mm (11.8 in)
Max Tool Weight	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Table Size	1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 x 19.7 in)
Table Load Capacity	1,000 kg (2,204 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	20 m/min (787 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.0015 mm (0.00006 in)
Repeatability	+/- 0.001 mm (0.00004 in)
Ball Screw Pitch	8 mm (fine pitch)
Scale Feedback	0.05 micron resolution (standard)
Control Display	19-inch multi-touch
Machine Weight	7,500 kg (16,535 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6)
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Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Professional 6 control adds a 19-inch multi-touch display, enhanced DNC connectivity, and improved look-ahead over previous F5 generations
0.0015 mm positioning accuracy achieved with standard equipment — no optional upgrade packages required
0.05 micron scale feedback on all axes as standard, typically an expensive option on competing precision VMCs
SGI.5 with improved acceleration profiles produces smoother 3D surface finishes at higher effective feed rates
Core-cooled 20,000 RPM spindle provides thermal stability through multi-hour finishing programs without dimensional drift
30,000 RPM HSK-F63 option enables graphite electrode production and mirror-quality mold cavity finishing

Limitations

20 m/min rapid traverse adds non-cutting time versus high-speed production VMCs; the F5 Pro 6 is optimized for finishing, not throughput
30-tool ATC is lean for complex mold programs requiring many ball-end mills, tapered end mills, and finishing tools
15 kW spindle power limits heavy roughing in steel; best paired with a higher-power VMC for rough stock removal
No Heidenhain or Siemens control option for shops requiring those platforms
Pro 6 control has a learning curve for operators trained on Fanuc or Siemens

Best For

Precision mold and die shops finishing hardened tool steel cavities to Ra 0.1-0.2 micron to eliminate hand polishing Connector mold and optical mold manufacturers requiring sub-2-micron positioning accuracy as a production baseline Graphite electrode shops that need 30,000 RPM HSK-F63 for clean electrode surfaces and dimensional accuracy on fine-feature electrodes Medical device manufacturers machining tight-tolerance components in stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chrome alloys High-value job shops competing on surface finish and accuracy where machine capability commands premium part pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the Makino F5 and the F5 Professional 6?

The F5 Professional 6 (F5 Pro 6) is the current production designation for the F5 equipped with Makino's latest Professional 6 control. The mechanical platform is essentially identical to prior F5 generations. The Pro 6 control adds a larger 19-inch multi-touch display, enhanced DNC/networking, improved SGI.5 look-ahead, and updated thermal compensation software. If buying new, you are buying the F5 Pro 6. Earlier F5 machines on the used market run Makino's older Pro 5 or earlier Pro 6 variants.

02 What positioning accuracy does the Makino F5 Pro 6 achieve?

The F5 Pro 6 achieves positioning accuracy of +/-0.0015 mm (0.00006 in) with repeatability of +/-0.001 mm (0.00004 in). These figures are achieved with standard equipment including 8 mm fine-pitch ball screws and 0.05 micron linear scale feedback on all axes — no optional upgrade packages required, which is a meaningful distinction from competitors.

03 How does the F5 Pro 6 perform on hardened tool steel?

Hardened tool steel finishing is the F5 Pro 6's core design intent. The core-cooled 20,000 RPM spindle maintains thermal stability during extended finishing passes in materials hardened to 55-62 HRC. SGI.5 contour control optimizes feed rates through complex 3D surfaces to maintain consistent chip load and surface quality. Most F5 Pro 6 users achieve Ra 0.1-0.2 micron finishes on hardened P20 and H13 tool steels in direct-from-machine condition.

04 Can the F5 Pro 6 run lights-out?

Yes. The F5 Pro 6 includes tool life management, in-process probing capability (with Renishaw probe option), and DNC connectivity for large program files. Most mold shops set up the workpiece, verify the first-off cut quality, then run extended finishing programs unattended overnight. Thermal stability through the core-cooled spindle and thermal compensation system supports consistent accuracy through multi-hour unattended programs.

05 What is the typical cycle time for mold finishing on the F5 Pro 6?

Cycle times vary significantly with cavity size, complexity, and programmed strategies. As a reference: a medium automotive connector mold cavity (200 x 150 mm, 50 mm deep) with multiple radii and fine-finish requirements typically runs 4-8 hours of finishing time. SGI.5 can reduce finishing cycle times by 15-30% versus older contouring algorithms by maintaining higher effective feed rates through complex curves within the machine's accuracy specification.