Matsuura LM-500
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Matsuura LM-500 is a linear motor-driven vertical machining center positioned alongside the LV-500 in Matsuura's linear motor series. While the LV-500 emphasizes compact precision finishing, the LM-500 offers a slightly different configuration optimized for production applications that benefit from linear motor speed and accuracy. The LM designation indicates Linear Motor in a configuration that bridges the gap between the compact LV/LX series and the general-purpose VX line.
Axis travel measures 500 x 400 x 300 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 11.8 in) on X/Y/Z with linear motor drives on all linear axes. The table provides a 100 kg (220 lb) load capacity. The spindle runs at 20,000 RPM through an HSK-A50 taper with 11 kW (14.7 hp) of power. Rapid traverse reaches 60 m/min on all axes with acceleration exceeding 1.0 G, leveraging the direct-drive advantage of linear motors to minimize non-cutting time in programs with frequent repositioning.
Positioning accuracy is within +/- 0.002 mm with repeatability of +/- 0.001 mm. The linear motor design eliminates ballscrew backlash and thermal expansion, while the machine's thermal management system maintains these accuracy levels during extended production runs. The tool magazine holds 20 tools standard. Through-spindle coolant is included.
The LM-500 runs on Matsuura's G-Tech 31i control with the standard touchscreen interface. At approximately 4,200 kg (9,259 lb), the machine provides substantial thermal mass for stability. The LM-500 is suited for high-speed finishing of mold inserts, precision electrode machining, and production of small medical and electronics components where the combination of speed and accuracy creates a productivity advantage over ballscrew alternatives. It competes in the same precision segment as the Makino iQ300, Yasda YMC 430, and Roku Roku MEGA-S.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 100 kg (220 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A50 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (14.7 hp) |
| Drive Type | Linear motor (all axes) |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Acceleration | Greater than 1.0 G |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.002 mm |
| Repeatability | +/- 0.001 mm |
| Tool Capacity | 20 standard |
| Through Spindle Coolant | Standard |
| Machine Weight | 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,300 x 1,900 mm |
| CNC Control | Matsuura G-Tech 31i (FANUC 31i-B5 based, touch screen) |
| Max Work Dimensions | 100kg |
| Loading Capacity | 20kg（44lb.） |
| Max Work Diameter | Φ160 mm (Φ6.29 in) |
| Max Work Height | H230 mm (H9.05 in) |
| Max Work Load | 20 kg (44 lb.) |
| Tool Capacity Max | 338 |
| Pallet Capacity Max | 91 |
| Cnc Control | Matsuura L-Tech 31i (iHMI, 15-inch touch panel) |
Specifications sourced from matsuura.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Linear motor drives on all axes provide backlash-free positioning with accuracy levels that approach coordinate measuring machine standards
- 20,000 RPM HSK-A50 spindle optimized for small-cutter high-speed finishing in hardened steels, aluminum, and non-ferrous alloys
- Over 1.0 G acceleration reduces cycle time significantly on programs with many rapid positioning moves between features
- +/- 0.001 mm repeatability enables consistent production of tight-tolerance parts without constant offset adjustment
- 60 m/min rapids on all axes cut non-productive time substantially compared to 42 m/min ballscrew machines
- Matsuura G-Tech 31i control provides familiar FANUC-based programming in a modern touchscreen interface
Limitations
- 100 kg table load capacity limits the machine to small, lightweight workpieces and fixtures only
- Compact 500 x 400 x 300 mm travel restricts the machine to small parts; shops with larger parts must look elsewhere
- Linear motor premium pricing is significantly higher than comparable ballscrew VMCs with similar envelopes
- HSK-A50 tooling ecosystem is smaller and more expensive than BT40 or HSK-A63, increasing ongoing tooling investment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New LM-500 pricing typically ranges from $250,000 to $400,000 depending on options and configuration. The linear motor technology commands a premium over ballscrew machines, but the productivity gain from faster acceleration and the quality improvement from backlash-free motion can deliver positive ROI in precision applications.
02
The LM-500 and LV-500 share similar core specifications including linear motor drives, 20,000 RPM HSK-A50 spindle, and comparable work envelopes. The LM-500 may differ in specific configuration details, base construction, or available options depending on the target application. Both deliver the same class of precision performance. Contact Matsuura for a detailed comparison based on your specific requirements.
03
Linear motors actually require less maintenance than ballscrew systems because there are no mechanical contact components to wear. There are no ballscrews, ballnuts, or bearings to lubricate and replace. The linear motor scales need to be kept clean and the magnetic components protected from chips, but overall maintenance burden is lower than ballscrew machines.
04
The LM-500 handles both roughing and finishing within its work envelope and table load limits. The 11 kW spindle provides adequate power for small-part roughing. Where it truly excels is finishing, where the linear motor motion quality produces surface finishes that ballscrew machines struggle to match. Many shops use the LM-500 as a dedicated finisher in a production cell.
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