Makino SLIM5n 4+1

$200,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

Y Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

Z Travel

150 mm (5.9 in)

Max Spindle

50,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A50

Tool Capacity

Overview

The Makino SLIM5n 4+1 is an ultra-compact 5-axis vertical machining center designed for high-speed machining of small precision components in medical, electronics, and watchmaking applications. The 4+1 designation indicates the machine operates in 4+1 axis mode (3 linear axes plus a 2-axis rotary table for positioning) rather than full simultaneous 5-axis, making it ideal for indexed multi-face machining on small parts.

Axis travel of 200 x 200 x 150 mm (7.9 x 7.9 x 5.9 in) on X/Y/Z reflects the machine's focus on very small components. The compact footprint—among the smallest in the industrial 5-axis category—allows high-density shop floor layouts. The A-axis tilts through 120 degrees (+30 to -90) and the C-axis provides 360-degree indexing for multi-face access to small workpieces.

The high-speed spindle runs at 50,000 RPM with an HSK-E25 taper, delivering 1.5 kW (2.0 hp). This ultra-high spindle speed enables productive machining with micro-tools as small as 0.03 mm diameter, targeting micro-drilling, micro-milling, and fine engraving operations. The extreme speed compensates for the low power by enabling high feed rates with very small depths of cut.

The 150 mm (5.9 in) diameter table handles workpieces up to 10 kg (22 lb). A 15-tool magazine covers the limited tooling requirements typical of micro-machining operations. At approximately 2,500 kg (5,512 lb), the machine is remarkably light for a 5-axis platform. Linear motor drives on all axes provide rapid response and positioning accuracy of 1.0 microns. The SLIM5n competes with the Datron neo, Willemin-Macodel 508MT, and Bumotec s191 in the ultra-compact precision 5-axis segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Z-Axis Travel	150 mm (5.9 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -90° (120° total)
C Axis Range	360° (indexing)
Max Spindle Speed	50,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A50
Spindle Motor Power	1.5 kW (2.0 hp)
Tool Capacity	26
Table Diameter	150 mm (5.9 in)
Table Load Capacity	10 kg (22 lb)
Positioning Accuracy	1.0 µm
Repeatability	0.5 µm
Rapid Traverse Xyz	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Drive Type	Linear motors (X/Y/Z)
Machine Weight	~2,500 kg (5,512 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 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
Cutting Feedrate	787 ipm
Maximum Workpiece	ø 31.50" x 17.13" (with limitations)
Maximum Payload	1,322 lbs.

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

50,000 RPM spindle enables productive micro-machining with tools as small as 0.03 mm diameter
Linear motor drives provide instant response and 1.0 µm positioning accuracy without ballscrew backlash
Ultra-compact footprint allows high-density shop floor layouts with multiple machines in small spaces
4+1 axis configuration simplifies programming compared to full 5-axis for multi-face indexed machining
2,500 kg total weight requires minimal foundation preparation compared to larger machines
HSK-E25 micro-tool interface provides excellent concentricity for consistent micro-machining results

Limitations

1.5 kW spindle power is extremely limited—strictly for micro-machining with very small tools only
200 x 200 x 150 mm travel restricts workpiece size to very small components
10 kg table load severely limits workpiece and fixture weight
15-tool magazine is the smallest in Makino's lineup, requiring frequent manual tool changes on diverse jobs
4+1 mode does not support full simultaneous 5-axis contouring, limiting complex freeform capability
HSK-E25 tooling is highly specialized with very limited vendor availability

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing micro-scale bone screws, dental implant components, and surgical instruments Watch and jewelry manufacturers machining small precision components with complex multi-face geometries Electronics manufacturers producing micro-connectors, MEMS housings, and miniature sensor components Precision instrument manufacturers machining small mechanical components for measurement and optical devices Research facilities developing micro-mechanical devices and precision prototype components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino SLIM5n 4+1 cost?

A new Makino SLIM5n 4+1 typically runs between $200,000 and $350,000 depending on configuration. The 50,000 RPM spindle and linear motor drives account for a significant portion of the cost despite the compact size. Adding precision probing, MQL systems, and automation interfaces pushes toward the upper range. The price represents strong value for dedicated micro-machining capability.

02 What is the difference between 4+1 and full 5-axis?

In 4+1 mode, the two rotary axes (A and C) position the workpiece at a fixed angle, then the three linear axes (X, Y, Z) machine at that orientation. The rotary axes do not move during cutting. This is ideal for drilling, pocketing, and profiling on multiple faces of a small part. Full simultaneous 5-axis moves all 5 axes during cutting for continuous freeform surfaces. 4+1 is simpler to program and sufficient for most multi-face indexed machining.

03 Can the SLIM5n do engraving?

Yes, the 50,000 RPM spindle with micro-tools is well-suited for precision engraving on metals, including watch dials, medical device markings, and electronic component labeling. The linear motor drives provide the smooth, responsive motion needed for clean engraved lines and characters at high speeds. Depth control at the sub-micron level ensures consistent engraving quality.

04 What materials can the SLIM5n machine?

The SLIM5n handles a wide range of materials in micro-machining mode: stainless steels, titanium alloys, cobalt-chrome, brass, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, and engineering plastics. The key constraint is not material hardness but rather the 1.5 kW power limit—depths of cut must be very shallow regardless of material. For hard materials (50+ HRC), micro-grain carbide and CBN tools at high RPM deliver excellent results.