Makino MAG3.EX
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino MAG3.EX is an extended-travel variant of the MAG3, designed for the longest aerospace structural components that require 5-axis machining capability. The 'EX' designation signifies extended X-axis travel, pushing the machine's reach to handle full-length wing ribs, large spar sections, and other elongated structural parts that exceed the standard MAG3's envelope.
Axis travel extends to 3,000 x 1,500 x 700 mm (118.1 x 59.1 x 27.6 in) on X/Y/Z, with the X-axis nearly doubling the standard MAG3's reach. This enables machining of structural parts up to approximately 2.8 meters in length within a single setup — critical for wing ribs and spar components that cannot be sectioned without compromising structural integrity.
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. The pallet system accommodates the elongated workpieces this machine targets. The standard spindle runs at 16,000 RPM with an HSK-A100 taper delivering 55 kW (73.7 hp) continuous power — identical to the standard MAG3.
The horizontal spindle orientation remains critical for chip evacuation during the extended roughing cycles that long structural parts require. The chip management system is scaled for the even larger chip volumes generated during sustained machining of these oversized aluminum components.
Rapid traverse hits 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) on all axes, maintaining fast positioning despite the extended travel distances. The MAG3.EX weighs approximately 40,000 kg (88,185 lb) and runs on Makino's Professional 6 control. The 120-tool standard ATC supports the complex multi-operation sequences these large parts demand. Competitors include the Starrag Ecospeed F 2060 and large Forest-Line machines.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 3,000 mm (118.1 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 Load Capacity | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | X: 2,468 ipm Y&Z 2,283 ipm |
| Chip Evacuation | Extended high-volume horizontal chip management system |
| Machine Weight | ~40,000 kg (88,185 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6) |
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| Metric | English |
| Pallet | 137" x 78.7" |
| A Axis | ± 110° |
| B Axis | None |
| C Axis | 360° |
| Spindle Rpm | 33,000 rpm - 174 HP |
| Cutting Feedrate | 1,968 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | 157.4" x 59" x 29.5" |
| Maximum Payload | 6,600 lbs |
| Tool To Tool | 10 sec |
| Chip To Chip | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum Tool Diameter | 3.9" |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 17.6 lbs |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 3,000 mm X-travel enables machining of full-length wing ribs, spar sections, and other elongated aerospace structural parts in a single setup
- HSK-A100 spindle at 16,000 RPM with 55 kW maintains the same aluminum MRR capability as the standard MAG3 across the extended envelope
- Single-setup machining of long parts eliminates the accuracy errors and setup time associated with repositioning or sectioning parts
- Horizontal chip evacuation handles the massive chip volumes generated during extended roughing of long aluminum structural components
- 120-tool ATC supports the full complement of roughing and finishing tools needed for complex long parts
- Direct-drive rotary axes provide consistent 5-axis accuracy across the entire extended work envelope
Limitations
- 3,000 mm X-travel creates a very large machine footprint requiring significant floor space and foundation preparation
- Price point of $1.8M-$2.5M makes this a specialized investment for facilities with consistent demand for long structural parts
- 700 mm Z-travel remains the limiting dimension for parts that are both long and deep
- 40,000 kg machine weight requires extensive foundation engineering and permanent installation commitment
- Extended X-axis increases thermal management challenges — maintaining accuracy across 3 meters of travel requires robust thermal compensation
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New MAG3.EX machines typically price between $1,800,000 and $2,500,000 depending on configuration. The extended X-axis adds approximately $500,000-$700,000 over the standard MAG3 price due to the additional cast structure, guideways, servo drive capacity, and chip management system. Full automation integration pushes toward $2,500,000+.
02
Gantry mills can handle long parts but typically offer only 3-axis capability (or limited tilting head options) with vertical spindle orientation. The MAG3.EX provides full simultaneous 5-axis machining with horizontal chip evacuation. For aluminum structural parts with complex contoured surfaces, pockets, and angled features, the MAG3.EX's 5-axis capability eliminates multiple setups that a gantry would require.
03
Makino's Thermal Stabilizer package is critical for accuracy across extended travel. This includes thermally compensated ballscrews, insulated castings, and real-time temperature monitoring. Linear scale feedback (rather than rotary encoder) provides direct position measurement across the full travel. The cross-roller guides maintain rigidity and geometric accuracy across the extended X-axis structure.
04
The MAG3.EX handles wing ribs up to approximately 2,800 mm (110 in) in length within its 3,000 mm X-travel. The 1,500 mm Y-travel accommodates rib chord depths typical of narrow-body and many wide-body aircraft. The 700 mm Z-travel handles the web depth of most structural ribs. For ribs exceeding these dimensions, Makino's MAG4 or custom-travel variants may be required.
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