Makino F8
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino F8 sits at the top of the F-series line for shops machining very large mold bases, die casting dies, and heavy structural tooling. X/Y/Z travel of 1,300 x 800 x 600 mm (51.2 x 31.5 x 23.6 in) accommodates large automotive mold blocks. The 1,500 x 800 mm table supports 3,000 kg. Fine-pitch ball screws and 0.05 micron scale feedback achieve +/-0.002 mm positioning. The 26 kW HSK-A63 spindle (20,000 RPM standard, 30,000 RPM optional) provides power for both roughing and precision finishing. At 15,000 kg, structural mass damps vibration through long programs. The 40-tool ATC and Pro 6 control with SGI.5 complete a machine that competes with horizontal machining centers for large mold work while retaining VMC setup simplicity.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM (30,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT50 (HSK-A100 OPT) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 26/18 kW (34.8/24 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 70/42 Nm |
| Tool Capacity | 30 tools |
| Tool Change Time | 1.8 sec (tool-to-tool) |
| Max Tool Length | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Table Size | 1,500 x 800 mm (59.1 x 31.5 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 3,000 kg (6,614 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 | 15,000 kg (33,069 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
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| Metric | English |
| Spindle Rpm | 10,000 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 945 ipm |
| Cutting Feedrate | 945 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | 61" x 31.5" x 21.7" |
| Maximum Payload | 5,511 lbs |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | 7.87" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 44 lbs |
| Optional Atc Capacity | Yes |
| Makinooptionalatccapacity | Yes |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,300 x 800 mm travel handles very large automotive and industrial mold blocks
- 3,000 kg table load capacity accommodates the heaviest die casting dies and mold bases
- 26 kW spindle with 70 Nm torque enables roughing on large steel blocks
- 0.05 micron scale feedback at large-format scale delivers F-series precision
- 15,000 kg machine mass provides exceptional rigidity and vibration damping
- VMC configuration keeps tooling costs lower than equivalent horizontal machining centers
Limitations
- 20 m/min rapids over 1,300 mm X travel creates significant non-cutting time between distant features
- Machine size requires generous floor space, substantial foundation, and overhead crane access
- Price premium demands consistent large-precision-mold work to justify investment
- Horizontal machining centers offer easier chip evacuation for very long roughing programs
- 40-tool ATC can be limiting on the most complex large mold programs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new Makino F8 typically ranges from $450,000 to $650,000. Base machine with 20,000 RPM spindle starts around $450,000-$500,000. Options including 30,000 RPM spindle, through-spindle coolant, Renishaw probing, and chip conveyor can push pricing to $580,000-$650,000.
02
The F8 has a larger work envelope (1,300 x 800 x 600 mm vs 1,060 x 650 x 500 mm), larger table (1,500 x 800 mm vs 1,200 x 650 mm), higher table load (3,000 kg vs 2,000 kg), and more spindle power (26 kW vs 22 kW, 70 Nm vs 47 Nm). Both share 0.05 micron scale feedback, fine ball screws, and Pro 6 control.
03
For many applications yes. VMC advantages include simpler setup, lower fixturing costs, better operator visibility, and lower machine price. The limitation is chip evacuation during heavy roughing. Many shops run HMCs for roughing and F8 for semi-finishing and finishing.
04
At 15,000 kg, the F8 requires a dedicated foundation: typically 300-400 mm of reinforced concrete with vibration isolation. Plan for roughly 5 x 4 meters of clear floor space. Overhead crane access is strongly recommended for installation and spindle service.
05
Yes. The F8 includes thermal displacement compensation monitoring temperature at multiple points and applying real-time corrections. The core-cooled spindle maintains spindle length stability through extended production runs, critical for large-format precision milling.
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