Makino F6
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino F6 is a large-format precision vertical machining center designed for die and mold work on bigger workpieces than the F5 can accommodate. With an X/Y/Z travel of 1,060 x 650 x 500 mm (41.7 x 25.6 x 19.7 in), the F6 opens capacity for larger mold bases, die blocks, and automotive body panel tooling that would overflow the F5's work envelope. The expanded 1,200 x 650 mm (47.2 x 25.6 in) table handles loads up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb), making it viable for the heavy steel blocks common in large automotive and appliance tooling.
The F6 retains Makino's core precision architecture: fine-pitch ball screws, linear scale feedback on all axes, and a core-cooled spindle that controls thermal growth through extended production runs. The standard 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle delivers 22 kW (29.5 hp) and 47 Nm of torque—enough power to rough as well as finish, which is important when machining large mold cavities where roughing stock must be removed before precision finishing passes. An optional 30,000 RPM spindle is available for graphite electrode work and ultra-fine finishing.
Positioning accuracy of +/-0.002 mm (0.00008 in) with repeatability of +/-0.001 mm (0.00004 in) delivers the geometric precision mold makers need in larger cavity work. Scale feedback resolution holds at 0.05 micron, consistent with the F5 standard rather than trading away precision for the larger travel range. Rapid traverse reaches 20 m/min (787 ipm) on all axes.
At 11,000 kg (24,251 lb), the F6 carries substantial mass that stabilizes the larger structure and damps vibration through long milling runs in hardened tool steels. The 40-tool ATC accommodates more tooling than the F5's 30-tool magazine, better supporting the longer tool lists required for complex large-cavity work. Makino's Professional 6 control with SGI.5 contour control manages axis dynamics through complex 3D finishing toolpaths, maintaining surface quality while keeping cycle times competitive. The F6 competes with the Röders RXP 500 DS and the Hermle C 42 U in the large precision VMC segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,060 mm (41.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 650 mm (25.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM (30,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 (HSK-F63 on 30K option) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22/15 kW (29.5/20 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 47/28 Nm |
| Tool Capacity | 40 |
| Tool Change Time | 1.5 sec (tool-to-tool) |
| Max Tool Length | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 8 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Table Size | 1,200 x 650 mm (47.2 x 25.6 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.002 mm (0.00008 in) |
| Repeatability | +/- 0.001 mm (0.00004 in) |
| Ball Screw Pitch | 8 mm (fine pitch) |
| Scale Feedback | 0.05 micron resolution (standard) |
| Machine Weight | 11,000 kg (24,251 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
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Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 650 mm Y-axis travel opens capacity for large automotive and appliance mold bases that exceed the F5's envelope
- 22 kW spindle provides enough power to rough large die blocks in addition to precision finishing, reducing the need for a separate roughing machine
- 40-tool ATC supports complex large-cavity programs with long tool lists without requiring tool-change interruptions
- 0.05 micron scale feedback maintained across the larger travel range, delivering F5-class accuracy in a larger envelope
- 11,000 kg machine mass provides excellent damping for extended finishing runs on large hardened steel workpieces
- 2,000 kg table capacity handles the heavy mold bases and die blocks common in automotive and industrial tooling
Limitations
- 20 m/min rapid traverse limits productivity on large-envelope parts with long axis moves between features
- Higher price point than F5 narrows the return-on-investment case to shops with consistent large-mold work rather than mixed-size jobs
- Footprint and weight (11,000 kg) require a well-prepared foundation and more floor space than mid-size VMCs
- 30-kW roughing capability of general-purpose large VMCs exceeds F6's power; aggressive roughing is better done on a separate production machine
- No Heidenhain or Siemens control option for shops standardized on those platforms
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new Makino F6 typically ranges from $350,000 to $550,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with 20,000 RPM spindle and standard equipment starts in the $350,000-$400,000 range. Adding the 30,000 RPM spindle, through-spindle coolant, Renishaw probing, and a larger tool magazine pushes pricing to $450,000-$500,000. A fully optioned machine can approach $550,000. Used F6 machines generally trade in the $180,000-$300,000 range depending on age, spindle hours, and options.
02
The F6 is essentially a scaled-up F5 optimized for larger workpieces. The key differences are travel (F6: 1,060 x 650 x 500 mm vs F5: 900 x 500 x 450 mm), table size (1,200 x 650 mm vs 1,000 x 500 mm), table load (2,000 kg vs 1,000 kg), and spindle power (22 kW vs 15 kW). The F6's larger ATC (40 tools vs 30) also better supports complex large-mold programs. Both machines share the same precision architecture—fine ball screws, 0.05 micron scale feedback, and the Pro 6 control. Choose the F6 when your workpieces exceed the F5's 900 mm X or 500 mm Y travel.
03
Yes, more so than the F5. The F6's 22 kW spindle and 47 Nm of torque allow meaningful roughing in mold steel, P20, and H13 before finishing passes. However, the F6 is still optimized primarily for precision finishing—its conservative 20 m/min rapids and fine-pitch ball screws are tuned for accuracy rather than metal removal rate. For the heaviest roughing on large die blocks, many shops use the F6 for semi-finishing and finishing while running rough cuts on a less expensive, higher-power production VMC.
04
The F6 uses Makino's Professional 6 (Pro 6) control, which is a Makino-proprietary CNC built on a modern multi-touch interface. It includes Makino's SGI.5 (Super Geometric Intelligence) contour control algorithm, which optimizes axis acceleration and feed rates in real time through 3D surfaces to maximize surface quality and minimize cycle time. The Pro 6 also includes Makino's thermal displacement compensation, tool life management, and direct DNC connection for large mold programs.
05
Yes, particularly with the optional 30,000 RPM HSK-F63 spindle. The F6's large table and travel make it suitable for machining oversized graphite electrodes for large die-sinking EDM operations. Makino offers sealed way covers, dedicated dust extraction provisions, and chip management options for graphite work. The precision positioning ensures electrode accuracy directly translates into EDM cavity accuracy on large mold tools.
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