Matsuura Machinery Vertical Machining Centers

Matsuura LV-500

$250,000 - $400,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A50

Tool Capacity

20 standard

Overview

The Matsuura LV-500 is a linear motor-driven vertical machining center designed for high-speed precision machining of small-to-medium parts. The LV designation indicates Linear Vertical, placing this machine in Matsuura's premium linear motor series alongside the LX-160 and LF models. Linear motor drives eliminate the backlash, friction, and heat generation associated with ballscrew systems, delivering superior positioning accuracy, faster acceleration, and smoother motion quality that directly translates to better surface finish on the workpiece.

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 three linear axes. The compact work envelope is optimized for precision applications rather than large-part production. The table is 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in) with a load capacity of 100 kg (220 lb). The spindle runs at 20,000 RPM through an HSK-A50 taper with 11 kW (14.7 hp) of power, optimized for small-diameter cutters and high surface speeds.

Rapid traverse reaches 60 m/min on all axes, with acceleration rates exceeding 1.0 G thanks to the linear motors' ability to apply force directly without mechanical transmission losses. This acceleration advantage reduces non-cutting time significantly on programs with many rapid moves between features. Positioning accuracy is within +/- 0.002 mm with repeatability of +/- 0.001 mm, rivaling jig-borer levels of precision.

The tool magazine holds 20 tools standard. Through-spindle coolant is included. The machine runs on Matsuura's G-Tech 31i control (FANUC 31i-B5 based). At approximately 4,000 kg (8,818 lb), the LV-500 is compact but dense, with the granite or polymer concrete base providing thermal mass and vibration damping. The machine targets lens mold finishing, medical implant machining, and any precision application where surface finish quality and positioning accuracy are paramount. It competes with the Roku Roku MEGA-S, Makino iQ300, and Yasda YMC 430 in the compact precision 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	300 mm (11.8 in)
Table Size	600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 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	4,000 kg (8,818 lb)
Floor Space Required	2,200 x 1,800 mm
CNC Control	Matsuura G-Tech 31i (FANUC 31i-B5 based, touch screen)
Mx Series	MAM72 Series
Mx 330mx 330 Pc10mx 420 Pc10mx 520mx 520 Pc4mx 520tmx 850mx 850 Pc4	MAM72-35VMAM72-42VMAM72-52VMAM72-70VMAM72-100H
Max Work Sizemm	Ø160 mm × H230 mm (Ø6.29 in × H7.87 in)Standard\| Ø160 mm x H200 mm (Ø6.29 in × H7.87 in) [with PC]
Spindle Speedrpm	46,000:BT30Standard\| 46,000:HSK-E40Option
Travel Mm	500/350/300 \| (19.68/13.77/11.81)
Industriesdie Mold Medical	TechnologyLinear Motor Machining Center ›

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Linear motor drives on all axes eliminate backlash and ballscrew thermal expansion for superior positioning accuracy
Greater than 1.0 G acceleration dramatically reduces non-cutting time on programs with frequent rapid moves between features
20,000 RPM HSK-A50 spindle delivers high surface speeds for small-cutter finishing in hardened steels and aluminum
+/- 0.002 mm positioning accuracy with +/- 0.001 mm repeatability approaches jig-borer precision levels
60 m/min rapid traverse across all axes is significantly faster than ballscrew-driven machines in this class
Compact footprint fits into precision machining cells alongside other high-accuracy equipment

Limitations

100 kg table load capacity severely limits workpiece and fixture weight, restricting the machine to small parts only
Linear motor premium pushes acquisition cost significantly higher than ballscrew-driven machines with similar envelopes
500 x 400 x 300 mm travel is compact, limiting the machine to small workpieces only
HSK-A50 tooling is less common and more expensive than BT40 or HSK-A63, adding to ongoing tooling costs

Best For

Lens and optical mold finishing where surface finish quality measured in nanometers drives mold performance Medical implant manufacturers machining small titanium and cobalt chrome components requiring micrometer-level accuracy Precision die and mold shops finishing EDM electrodes and small mold inserts with mirror-like surface quality Semiconductor and electronics manufacturers machining small precision housings and components at the highest accuracy levels Research and prototype shops where positioning accuracy and surface finish quality are more important than workpiece size

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Matsuura LV-500 cost?

New LV-500 pricing typically ranges from $250,000 to $400,000 depending on options. The linear motor technology commands a substantial premium over ballscrew-driven machines with similar work envelopes. For shops where the positioning accuracy and surface finish quality drive part value, the premium is justified by reduced polishing labor and higher first-pass yield.

02 What are the advantages of linear motors over ballscrews?

Linear motors eliminate mechanical contact between drive and axis, removing backlash, friction, and ballscrew thermal expansion from the positioning equation. The result is superior accuracy, faster acceleration (over 1.0 G vs 0.3-0.5 G for ballscrews), smoother motion during contouring, and no mechanical wear over time. The trade-off is higher cost and the need for robust magnetic shielding.

03 How does the LV-500 compare to the LX-160?

The LX-160 is a 5-axis machine with integrated pallet automation designed for automated production of small parts. The LV-500 is a 3-axis VMC focused on precision surface finishing and accuracy. Both use linear motors, but the LV-500 has a larger table (600 x 400 mm vs 160 mm diameter workpiece) and emphasizes finishing quality. Choose the LX-160 for automated 5-axis production, the LV-500 for 3-axis precision finishing.

04 Is the LV-500 suitable for hardened steel machining?

Yes. The 20,000 RPM spindle provides excellent surface speeds for small-diameter hard milling cutters used in steels up to 65 HRC. The linear motor motion quality produces superior surface finish in hard milling compared to ballscrew machines, often eliminating the need for hand polishing on mold surfaces.