Makino SLIM3n APC

$140,000 - $210,000 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 APC adds an integral automatic pallet changer to the SLIM3n platform, transforming the compact production VMC into a higher-utilization machine that virtually eliminates setup time from the production equation. While the operator loads and unloads parts on the outboard pallet, the machine continues cutting on the inboard pallet—a fundamental productivity advantage for shops running high-volume small parts where setup time can exceed cutting time.

Axis travel remains identical to the fixed-table SLIM3n at 500 x 400 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in) on X/Y/Z. Each pallet provides a 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in) work surface with 400 kg (881 lb) load capacity. The same FEA-optimized closed-frame structure with paired long support columns delivers the structural rigidity needed for consistent accuracy across production volumes.

The spindle selection mirrors the SLIM3n: a standard 16,000 RPM high-speed option and an optional 8,000 RPM high-torque variant, both using HSK-A50 tooling. Rapid traverse reaches 50,000 mm/min (1,969 ipm). The 26-tool armless direct-pick ATC maintains the reliability-focused design of the fixed-table variant. The pallet change mechanism adds minimal footprint to the machine's already compact form factor, making the SLIM3n APC suitable for high-density cell layouts. The machine competes against the Brother Speedio S300X2 with pallet changer, Fanuc ROBODRILL with pallet option, and Kitamura Mycenter-1XiF in the compact production VMC segment where maximizing spindle utilization drives profitability.

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
Pallet Size	600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)
Number Of Pallets	2
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) per pallet
Rapid Traverse Rate	1969 ipm
Cutting Feedrate	0.04 - 787 ipm
Tool Capacity	26
Pallet Change Type	Integral automatic pallet changer
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6
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Metric	English
Pallet	21.6" x 11.8"
Spindle Rpm	16,000 (optional 8,000)
Maximum Workpiece	⌀47.2" x 18.7" (with limitations)
Maximum Payload	881 lb

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integral two-pallet APC enables part loading on one pallet while machining continues on the other, virtually eliminating setup time from production cycles
Closed-frame FEA-optimized structure with paired long columns delivers consistent production accuracy identical to the fixed-table SLIM3n
HSK-A50 taper provides superior tool-spindle interface rigidity compared to BT30 competitors in the compact VMC class
Minimal footprint increase over the fixed-table SLIM3n preserves compatibility with high-density multi-machine cell layouts
50,000 mm/min rapid traverse keeps non-cutting time low between features on short-cycle production parts
Two spindle options (16K high-speed, 8K high-torque) allow configuration for specific material families

Limitations

26-tool ATC is restrictive for high-mix applications requiring frequent tool variety across different part numbers
500 mm X-travel limits workpiece size—shops needing larger capacity should consider the SLIM5n APC
Premium over the fixed-table SLIM3n ($20K-$30K more) may not be justified for operations with very short cutting cycles where pallet change time becomes a larger proportion
HSK-A50 tooling has a smaller installed base than CAT40, potentially increasing tooling procurement complexity

Best For

High-volume production shops where setup time represents a significant percentage of total cycle time and spindle utilization is the key metric Automotive component manufacturers running dedicated production on small to mid-size parts across multiple shifts with minimal operator intervention Medical device production facilities machining implants and instruments where consistent accuracy across high volumes is mandatory Shops building compact multi-machine production cells where each machine must maximize output per square meter of floor space Operations transitioning from manual part loading to semi-automated production using the built-in pallet changer before investing in full robotic automation

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino SLIM3n APC cost?

A new Makino SLIM3n APC typically costs between $140,000 and $210,000 depending on configuration. The APC variant adds approximately $20,000-$30,000 to the base SLIM3n price. A base machine with 16K RPM spindle, 26-tool ATC, and two-pallet APC starts around $140,000. Adding the 8K high-torque spindle, enhanced coolant systems, and chip conveyor pushes the price toward $180,000-$210,000.

02 How fast is the pallet change on the SLIM3n APC?

Makino's integral pallet changer on the SLIM3n APC completes the pallet swap in seconds, with the exact time depending on load weight. The key advantage is not the pallet change speed itself but the ability to load and unload parts simultaneously with machining. In practice, the pallet change time is negligible compared to the setup time saved by having the operator work on the outboard pallet while cutting continues.

03 Should I buy the SLIM3n or SLIM3n APC?

Choose the SLIM3n APC if your operations involve significant manual setup or part loading time relative to cutting time. The APC pays for itself fastest on parts with cycle times of 2-15 minutes where setup would otherwise idle the spindle. Choose the fixed-table SLIM3n if you plan to automate with external robots (which load through the machine door) or if your parts have very long cycle times where the setup-to-cutting ratio is already small.

04 Can the SLIM3n APC still be used with robotic automation?

Yes, but the integration approach differs from the fixed-table variant. A robot can load fixtures or raw stock onto the outboard pallet while the machine cuts, creating a fully automated cell. Some shops use the APC with a robot for pallet-level automation rather than part-level loading. The decision between robot-loaded fixed table versus robot-loaded APC depends on cycle times, part geometry, and fixturing strategy.

05 What is the difference between the SLIM3n APC and SLIM5n APC?

The SLIM5n APC offers a larger work envelope with extended X and Y travels, a bigger pallet, and higher table load capacity compared to the SLIM3n APC. Both share the same design philosophy of compact production VMCs with integral pallet changers. Choose the SLIM3n APC for smaller parts where footprint minimization is critical; choose the SLIM5n APC when parts require more travel or heavier fixtures.