Makino MAG3

$1,200,000 - $1,800,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,800 mm (70.9 in)

Y Travel

1,500 mm (59.1 in)

Z Travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

Max Spindle

16,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A100

Tool Capacity

120 (180)

Overview

The Makino MAG3 is a large-format 5-axis horizontal machining center designed as the workhorse of Makino's MAG series for aerospace aluminum structural component production. It occupies the sweet spot between the compact MAG1 and the massive MAG4, providing the work envelope needed for large wing ribs, fuselage frames, and structural bulkheads while maintaining the high-speed aluminum machining performance that defines the MAG lineup.

Axis travel extends to 1,800 x 1,500 x 700 mm (70.9 x 59.1 x 27.6 in) on X/Y/Z, providing the reach needed for large flat-profile aerospace structural parts. The A-axis tilts from +30 to -120 degrees while the C-axis provides full 360-degree continuous rotation, both driven by high-torque direct-drive motors for precise 5-axis contouring on large curved surfaces.

The 800 x 800 mm (31.5 x 31.5 in) pallet supports workpieces with a 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) load capacity. The standard spindle runs at 16,000 RPM with an HSK-A100 taper delivering 55 kW (73.7 hp) continuous power. This provides the speed and rigidity for high-speed aluminum roughing with large-diameter cutters, achieving the material removal rates that drive competitiveness in aerospace structural machining.

The horizontal spindle orientation is fundamental to the MAG3's performance. During high-speed aluminum machining, the machine generates enormous volumes of chips — the horizontal configuration ensures these chips fall clear of the workpiece and cutting zone by gravity. The purpose-built chip evacuation system handles these volumes without interrupting production.

Rapid traverse hits 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) on all axes. The MAG3 weighs approximately 32,000 kg (70,548 lb) and runs on Makino's Professional 6 control. The 120-tool standard ATC supports complex multi-operation aerospace jobs with extended unattended run capability. Competitors include the Starrag Ecospeed and large DMG Mori 5-axis platforms.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -120° (150° total, direct drive)
C Axis Range	360° (continuous, direct drive)
Max Spindle Speed	16,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A100
Spindle Motor Power	55 kW (73.7 hp) continuous
Tool Capacity	120 (180)
Pallet Size	800 x 800 mm (31.5 x 31.5 in)
Pallet Load Capacity	1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	X: 2,468 ipm Y / Z 2,283 ipm
Chip Evacuation	High-volume horizontal chip management system
Machine Weight	~32,000 kg (70,548 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6)
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Metric	English
Pallet	118.1" x 59.1"
A Axis	± 110°
B Axis	None
C Axis	360°
Spindle Rpm	33,000 rpm - 174 HP
Cutting Feedrate	1,968 ipm
Maximum Workpiece	118.1" x 59" x 29.5"
Maximum Payload	6,600 lbs
Tool To Tool	8.5 sec
Chip To Chip	15 sec
Maximum Tool Diameter	3.9"
Maximum Tool Weight	17.6 lbs
Optional Atc Capacity	Yes
Makinooptionalatccapacity	Yes

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,800 x 1,500 mm X/Y travel handles the large aerospace structural components — wing ribs, bulkheads, frames — that define this machine's mission
HSK-A100 spindle at 16,000 RPM with 55 kW provides the speed and power for maximum aluminum material removal rates
Horizontal spindle with purpose-built chip evacuation handles the enormous chip volumes of aerospace aluminum production
120-tool standard ATC supports complex multi-operation jobs and extended unattended production runs
Direct-drive A and C axes enable smooth simultaneous 5-axis contouring for complex curved aerospace surfaces
1,500 kg pallet load capacity accommodates the heavy fixtures needed for large aerospace structural parts

Limitations

700 mm Z-travel is relatively limited for a machine of this X/Y envelope, constraining the depth of parts it can handle
Price point of $1.2M-$1.8M positions the MAG3 as a major capital investment requiring sustained aerospace production volume
Aluminum-focused design limits versatility — not the optimal choice for shops with significant titanium workload
32,000 kg machine weight requires reinforced foundations and careful installation planning
16,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is below some competing aluminum-focused platforms

Best For

Aerospace Tier 1 suppliers machining large aluminum structural components — wing ribs, spars, fuselage frames, and bulkheads Commercial aircraft manufacturers operating high-volume aluminum production cells for primary structure components Defense aerospace contractors producing large aluminum airframe structures requiring 5-axis contouring Production facilities requiring automated 5-axis horizontal cells for sustained high-volume aluminum aerospace manufacturing Shops where aluminum material removal rate is the primary performance metric driving competitiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino MAG3 cost?

New MAG3 machines typically price between $1,200,000 and $1,800,000. A base machine with standard spindle, 120-tool ATC, and pallet system starts around $1,200,000. Full automation integration with pallet pool, probing, and enhanced chip management pushes toward $1,500,000-$1,800,000. The MAG3 is a production-scale investment justified by high-volume aluminum aerospace contracts.

02 How does the MAG3 compare to the Starrag Ecospeed?

Both target large aerospace aluminum structural parts. The Starrag Ecospeed uses a unique Sprint Z3 parallel kinematic spindle head for extremely high acceleration, potentially achieving faster cycle times on certain thin-wall geometries. The MAG3 uses conventional A/C tilting with direct drives, offering broader versatility and proven reliability. The Ecospeed typically excels on pure thin-wall aluminum speed; the MAG3 offers more balanced 5-axis capability.

03 Why is the Z-travel only 700 mm?

The 700 mm Z-travel reflects the MAG3's optimization for the flat-profile aerospace structural components it primarily machines. Wing ribs, spars, and fuselage frames are typically thin relative to their length and width. The 1,800 x 1,500 mm X/Y travel serves the part footprint, while 700 mm Z is sufficient for the depth of most structural components. For parts requiring more Z-depth, the a800Z or a900Z with their deeper envelopes are better choices.

04 What is the buy-to-fly ratio impact?

The MAG3's high material removal rates directly impact buy-to-fly ratio economics. Aerospace aluminum structural parts often start as forgings or plate stock 10-20x heavier than the finished part. The MAG3's ability to remove material at 3,000-5,000 cm3/min means the machine spends less time on each part, improving throughput and reducing per-part cost even with the high buy-to-fly ratios typical of aerospace aluminum.