Makino iQ500

$500,000 - $800,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Max Spindle

45,000 RPM (60,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-E32

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Makino iQ500 is the larger sibling to the iQ300, providing a bigger work envelope at the same ultra-precision accuracy specification for applications where component size exceeds the iQ300's capacity. With travel of 500 x 400 x 300 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 11.8 in) and 0.005 micron scale feedback on all axes, the iQ500 targets larger optics tooling, display panel molds, and advanced electronics applications requiring both nanometer-scale accuracy and a more generous work area.

The headline spindle specification is 45,000 RPM with an HSK-E40 interface. An optional 60,000 RPM spindle pushes maximum micro-milling capability for the smallest tool diameters in the most demanding materials. Spindle runout is specified at under 0.5 micron, tighter than the iQ300, reflecting refinements in the iQ500's spindle design.

Positioning accuracy is +/-0.0005 mm (0.5 micron), matching the iQ300's specification in the larger envelope. The iQ500 addresses the challenge of maintaining this accuracy across 500 mm X travel through active axis temperature control, polymer concrete base, and Makino's latest thermal compensation algorithms in the Pro 6 control.

Table size is 600 x 450 mm (23.6 x 17.7 in) with a 500 kg (1,102 lb) load capacity, accommodating larger mold inserts and multi-cavity tooling plates. The 40-tool ATC supports complete programs without interruption. The iQ500 competes with Kern Microtechnik's larger platforms and Roders RXP 601 DS in this specialized but growing market segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Max Spindle Speed	45,000 RPM (60,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-E32
Spindle Runout	< 0.5 micron
Spindle Motor Power	11/7.5 kW (14.7/10 hp)
Spindle Torque	7/5 Nm
Tool Capacity	40
Tool Change Time	1.5 sec (tool-to-tool)
Max Tool Diameter	80 mm (3.1 in)
Max Tool Length	120 mm (4.7 in)
Max Tool Weight	0.8 kg (1.8 lb)
Table Size	600 x 450 mm (23.6 x 17.7 in)
Table Load Capacity	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	20 m/min (787 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.0005 mm (0.5 micron / 0.00002 in)
Repeatability	+/- 0.0003 mm (0.3 micron / 0.000012 in)
Scale Feedback	0.005 micron (5 nm) resolution
Thermal Control	Active axis temperature control
Machine Weight	6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6)
Eventscontent Librarywebinar Archiveownersmakino Expertisesafety Data Sheetsnewsroomfinancing	Financing OptionsMakino makes it easy to upgrade with flexible financing optionsLearn More
Metric	English
Spindle Rpm	45,000
Rapid Traverse Rate	630 ipm (X / Y) / 315 ipm (Z)
Cutting Feedrate	630 ipm (X / Y) / 315 ipm (Z)
Maximum Workpiece	29.7" x 19.7" x 11.8"
Maximum Payload	661 lbs
Tool To Tool	8 sec
Maximum Tool Diameter	0.78"
Maximum Tool Weight	1.1 lbs

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

500 x 400 mm travel accommodates larger optics and display tooling components that exceed the iQ300's 350 x 300 mm envelope
45,000 RPM standard spindle with under 0.5 micron runout enables machining with the finest micro-tools at maximum surface speed
0.5 micron positioning accuracy maintained across the larger envelope through active axis temperature control
500 kg table capacity allows multi-cavity tooling plates and larger mold inserts to be machined in a single setup
40-tool ATC supports complete micro-milling programs across complex multi-cavity tooling without manual tool intervention
0.005 micron scale feedback matches semiconductor metrology standards, bridging precision machining and lithographic accuracy classes

Limitations

Work envelope still limited compared to standard precision VMCs; specialized for small-to-medium high-value workpieces
Requires vibration isolation, temperature-controlled environment, and specialized installation adding significantly to total cost
Low spindle power (11 kW) and torque (7 Nm) limits the machine to finishing and micro-milling only
HSK-E40 micro-tooling ecosystem is smaller and more expensive than standard tooling interfaces
Programming and operation requires specialized knowledge of micro-milling strategies and cutting parameter optimization at nano-scale

Best For

Large optics mold manufacturers producing multi-cavity Fresnel lens molds, aspheric lens arrays, and complex optical surface tooling Flat panel display tooling shops machining light guide panel molds and diffuser inserts for LCD and OLED applications Advanced semiconductor packaging manufacturers machining precision carriers, substrates, and test interface tooling Automotive lighting tooling shops producing complex headlamp reflector molds and lens tooling with optical-quality surface requirements Research institutions and advanced manufacturing centers requiring a CNC platform approaching CMM-level positioning accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino iQ500 cost?

A new Makino iQ500 typically ranges from $500,000 to $800,000. The base machine with 45,000 RPM spindle starts around $500,000-$600,000. The 60,000 RPM spindle option, active vibration isolation, advanced probing, and tooling management packages can push a fully configured machine to $750,000-$800,000. Installation including foundation, vibration isolation, and temperature control infrastructure can add $50,000-$150,000.

02 What is the difference between the Makino iQ300 and iQ500?

The iQ500 provides a larger work envelope (500 x 400 x 300 mm vs 350 x 300 x 250 mm), larger table (600 x 450 mm vs 450 x 350 mm), greater table load (500 kg vs 200 kg), higher standard spindle speed (45,000 vs 30,000 RPM), tighter spindle runout (0.5 vs 1 micron), and larger ATC (40 vs 30 tools). Both share 0.005 micron scale feedback and 0.5 micron positioning accuracy. Choose the iQ500 when workpieces or multi-cavity plates exceed the iQ300's envelope.

03 What spindle speed does the Makino iQ500 offer?

The iQ500 standard spindle runs at 45,000 RPM with HSK-E40. An optional 60,000 RPM spindle is available for the smallest micro-tools (0.05-0.5 mm diameter). At 45,000 RPM, a 0.5 mm ball-end mill achieves approximately 70 m/min surface speed. At 60,000 RPM the same tool reaches 95 m/min, enabling improved surface finish and tool life on the most demanding materials.

04 What materials is the Makino iQ500 designed to machine?

The iQ500 is designed for precision finishing and micro-feature creation in hardened tool steels (to 65 HRC), tungsten carbide (with diamond tooling), copper alloys, aluminum, advanced ceramics, glass, and high-value polymers. Workpieces arrive pre-roughed to near-finish dimensions; the iQ500 performs final geometry creation and surface finishing. Typical stock removal in finishing passes ranges from 0.002-0.05 mm per pass.

05 How is the Makino iQ500 different from the F5 Pro 6?

The iQ500 is in a fundamentally different accuracy class from the F5 Pro 6. The F5 achieves +/-0.0015 mm positioning with 0.05 micron scale feedback. The iQ500 achieves +/-0.0005 mm with 0.005 micron scale feedback — three times more accurate on positioning and ten times finer on scale resolution. This gap matters for optics molds, LED tooling, and semiconductor components. For conventional precision mold work in P20 and H13, the F5 Pro 6 is the more cost-effective choice.