Makino SLIM3n

$120,000 - $180,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Max Spindle

16,000 RPM (8,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A50

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Makino SLIM3n is a compact vertical machining center engineered specifically for high-volume production part manufacturing where throughput, reliability, and minimal floor space consumption are the primary requirements. Unlike general-purpose VMCs designed for flexibility, the SLIM3n is optimized for dedicated or semi-dedicated production cells where the same part families run repeatedly across multiple shifts.

Axis travel spans 500 x 400 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in) on X/Y/Z—compact but sufficient for the small to mid-size production parts the machine targets. The fixed table design at 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in) with 400 kg (881 lb) payload provides flexibility for fixture design while supporting simple automation interfacing. Makino used Finite Element Analysis to optimize the closed-frame structure with paired long support columns for maximum structural rigidity and torsional stiffness in a small package.

Two spindle options address different application requirements: a 16,000 RPM high-speed spindle for aluminum and light alloy work, and an 8,000 RPM high-torque variant for steel and cast iron applications. Both use HSK-A50 tooling for the speed and rigidity advantages of face-and-taper contact. Rapid traverse reaches 50,000 mm/min (1,969 ipm) across all axes. The 26-tool ATC uses an armless direct-pick design with an integral door for reliability—no separate actuators to fail. The machine structure incorporates steep internal slopes for gravity-assisted chip evacuation, with nozzle and flush coolant standard and an optional lift-up chip conveyor for high chip generation. The SLIM3n competes against the Brother Speedio S300X2, Fanuc ROBODRILL, and Haas Mini Mill 2 in the compact high-speed production VMC segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	16,000 RPM (8,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A50
Table Size	600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)
Max Workpiece Size	975 x 500 x 580 mm (38.4 x 19.7 x 22.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	400 kg (881 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	1969 ipm
Cutting Feedrate	0.04 - 787 ipm
Tool Capacity	26
Table Type	Fixed table
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6
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Metric	English
Spindle Rpm	16,000 (optional 8,000)
Maximum Workpiece	38.4" x 19.7" x 22.8"
Maximum Payload	881 lb

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Closed-frame FEA-optimized construction with paired long columns delivers superior structural rigidity for a compact machine, producing consistent accuracy in production
Two spindle options (16K and 8K RPM) allow the machine to be configured for high-speed aluminum work or high-torque steel/cast iron applications
HSK-A50 taper provides face-and-taper contact advantages for speed and rigidity, outperforming BT30 machines in the compact VMC class
50,000 mm/min rapid traverse across all axes minimizes non-cutting time in short-cycle production parts
Armless direct-pick ATC with integral door design eliminates separate actuators, improving reliability for 24/7 production environments
Compact footprint enables high-density machine layouts for multi-machine production cells with minimal floor space consumption

Limitations

500 mm X-travel limits the machine to smaller production parts—shops needing more envelope should consider the SLIM5n or PS65
26-tool ATC is adequate for dedicated production but restrictive for high-mix job shop applications requiring more tools
Fixed table configuration lacks the pallet-change capability of the SLIM3n APC variant for setup-time-sensitive applications
HSK-A50 tooling has a smaller installed base than CAT40 or BT40, potentially increasing tooling costs for shops transitioning

Best For

High-volume production manufacturers running dedicated or semi-dedicated machining cells for automotive, electronics, or consumer product components Shops building multi-machine production lines where compact footprint and automation compatibility are essential for throughput Aluminum die-cast and forging manufacturers producing small to mid-size parts requiring fast cycle times and consistent accuracy Medical device production facilities machining small implants, surgical instruments, and orthopedic components at high volumes Manufacturers seeking to replace aging dedicated production machines with modern CNC platforms offering better accuracy and reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino SLIM3n cost?

A new Makino SLIM3n typically costs between $120,000 and $180,000 depending on configuration. The base machine with 16K RPM spindle and 26-tool ATC starts around $120,000. Adding the 8K RPM high-torque spindle option, enhanced coolant systems, lift-up chip conveyor, and automation interfaces pushes the price toward $150,000-$180,000. The SLIM3n is positioned as a premium alternative to the Brother Speedio and Fanuc ROBODRILL.

02 What is the difference between the SLIM3n and SLIM3n APC?

The SLIM3n uses a fixed table while the SLIM3n APC adds an integral automatic pallet changer. The APC version allows an operator to load/unload parts on one pallet while the machine cuts on another, dramatically reducing setup time and increasing spindle utilization. The SLIM3n APC costs approximately $20,000-$30,000 more. Choose the fixed table SLIM3n for simpler setups or automation via robot loading; choose the APC for manual-load operations where setup time reduction is critical.

03 How does the SLIM3n compare to the Brother Speedio S300X2?

Both machines target the compact high-speed production VMC segment. The Speedio offers faster tool changes (chip-to-chip under 2 seconds) and higher spindle speeds (up to 27,000 RPM on some models). The SLIM3n counters with a more rigid closed-frame structure, HSK-A50 tooling (versus BT30 on most Speedios), and heavier construction for better chatter resistance in harder materials. The Speedio excels at high-speed light-alloy drilling and tapping; the SLIM3n handles a broader material range.

04 Can the SLIM3n be automated?

Yes, the SLIM3n is designed for automation compatibility. The fixed table design provides simple interfacing for robotic part loading, and the machine can be integrated into multi-machine cells with conveyor systems or robotic arms. The compact footprint allows tight machine spacing in automated cells. For applications needing built-in pallet changing, Makino offers the SLIM3n APC variant with an integral two-pallet system.

05 Why does Makino offer two spindle speeds on the SLIM3n?

The 16,000 RPM spindle is optimized for high-speed machining of aluminum, brass, and other light alloys where surface speed is critical for productivity and surface finish. The 8,000 RPM spindle provides higher torque for productive cutting in steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and other demanding materials. Choosing the right spindle depends on your primary application—most aluminum production shops select the 16K option while steel and iron shops select the 8K.