Makino SLIM5n
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Makino SLIM5n is the larger member of Makino's Slim series compact production VMC family, stepping up from the SLIM3n with more X-axis travel, a wider table, and higher payload capacity while retaining the series' core design philosophy of compact, high-rigidity production machining. The SLIM5n is designed with a primary focus on milling while also supporting drill and tap operations, making it suited for production part manufacturing across automotive, electronics, and general industrial sectors.
Axis travel expands to 710 x 400 x 410 mm (28.0 x 15.7 x 16.1 in) on X/Y/Z—the 710 mm X-travel provides 42 percent more capacity than the SLIM3n's 500 mm, opening the machine to wider parts and multi-fixture setups. The 800 x 400 mm (31.5 x 15.7 in) fixed table supports up to 600 kg (1,322 lb). Like the SLIM3n, the machine uses an FEA-optimized closed-frame structure with paired long support columns for superior rigidity and torsional stiffness.
Two spindle options are available: a 16,000 RPM high-speed variant for aluminum and light alloys and an 8,000 RPM high-torque variant for ferrous materials, both using HSK-A50 tooling. Rapid traverse reaches 60,000 mm/min on X and Z axes and 50,000 mm/min on Y—significantly faster than the SLIM3n's 50,000 mm/min uniform rate. The 26-tool armless direct-pick ATC maintains reliability through simplicity. Standard features include auto doors for automation compatibility, nozzle and flush coolant, sloped work zone surfaces for chip evacuation, and a lift-up chip conveyor. Robot interface is available as an option. The SLIM5n competes against the Brother Speedio S500X2, Fanuc ROBODRILL alpha-DiB Plus, and OKK VM5III in the mid-size compact production VMC segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 710 mm (28.0 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 410 mm (16.1 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 16,000 RPM (8,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A50 |
| Table Size | 800 x 400 mm (31.5 x 15.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 1,175 x 545 x 511 mm (46.2 x 21.4 x 20.1 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 600 kg (1,322 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Xz | 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 50,000 mm/min (1,968 ipm) |
| Cutting Feedrate | 787 ipm |
| Tool Capacity | 26 |
| Table Type | Fixed table with auto doors |
| CNC Control | Makino Professional 6 |
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| Metric | English |
| Spindle Rpm | 16,000 (optional 8,000) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | X: 2,362 ipm / Y: 1,968 ipm / Z: 2,362 ipm |
| Maximum Workpiece | 46.2" x 21.4" x 20.1" (with limitations) |
| Maximum Payload | 1,322 lbs. |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 710 mm X-travel provides 42 percent more capacity than the SLIM3n while maintaining a compact production-oriented footprint
- 60,000 mm/min rapid traverse on X and Z axes is class-leading for compact VMCs, minimizing non-cutting time on production parts
- 600 kg table load capacity supports heavier fixtures and multi-part setups compared to the SLIM3n's 400 kg limit
- Standard auto doors and optional robot interface enable straightforward integration into automated production cells
- Lift-up chip conveyor included as standard handles the high chip volumes generated by aggressive production milling
- HSK-A50 taper delivers superior tool-spindle rigidity compared to BT30 competitors for better accuracy in harder materials
Limitations
- 400 mm Y-travel matches the SLIM3n and may limit fixture depth on certain part families
- 26-tool ATC is adequate for dedicated production but restrictive for high-mix job shop applications
- Fixed table configuration requires the SLIM5n APC variant for integral pallet-change capability
- HSK-A50 tooling ecosystem is smaller than CAT40 or BT40, potentially limiting tooling choices and increasing costs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new Makino SLIM5n typically costs between $140,000 and $200,000 depending on configuration. The base machine with 16K RPM spindle, 26-tool ATC, and fixed table starts around $140,000. Adding the 8K high-torque spindle, robot interface, enhanced coolant options, and full chip management pushes pricing toward $170,000-$200,000.
02
The SLIM5n offers 710 mm X-travel versus 500 mm on the SLIM3n, an 800 x 400 mm table versus 600 x 400 mm, and 600 kg payload versus 400 kg. The SLIM5n also has faster rapids at 60,000 mm/min on X/Z versus 50,000 mm/min uniform. The SLIM5n adds standard auto doors and a lift-up chip conveyor. Both share the same spindle options, HSK-A50 taper, and closed-frame structure. The SLIM5n costs approximately $20,000-$30,000 more.
03
Yes, particularly with the 8,000 RPM high-torque spindle option designed for ferrous materials. The HSK-A50 taper and rigid closed-frame construction support productive cutting in steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. The 16,000 RPM option can also cut steel but is optimized for aluminum and light alloys where higher surface speeds improve productivity and finish quality.
04
The Speedio S500X2 offers faster tool changes and higher spindle speeds (up to 27,000 RPM) for light-alloy high-speed work. The SLIM5n counters with HSK-A50 tooling (versus BT30), heavier construction for better rigidity in harder materials, and a higher table load capacity. The Speedio excels in high-speed aluminum drilling and tapping; the SLIM5n handles a broader material range with better chatter resistance.
05
Yes. Standard auto doors facilitate robotic part loading, and an optional robot interface simplifies integration with industrial robots. The fixed table design provides straightforward access for top-loading robots. For applications needing built-in pallet changing, Makino offers the SLIM5n APC variant. The compact footprint enables tight machine spacing in multi-machine automated cells.
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