Matsuura LX-160

$300,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

360 mm (14.2 in)

Y Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 rpm

Spindle Taper

HSK-A50 (HSK-A63 optional)

Tool Capacity

40 standard (up to 120 with expansion)

Overview

The Matsuura LX-160 is a compact 5-axis machining center with integrated pallet automation, designed for unmanned 5-axis production of small precision parts up to 160 mm in diameter. It represents Matsuura's application of the MAM72 automation philosophy to the smallest workpiece class — providing multi-pallet 5-axis capability for the medical, dental, aerospace, and precision instrument sectors where small complex parts in large families are the norm.

The LX-160's trunnion-type 5-axis table handles workpieces up to 160 mm diameter with A-axis tilt and C-axis full rotation, enabling complete 5-sided and simultaneous 5-axis machining from a single setup. The integrated pallet stocker can hold multiple pallets, allowing the machine to run unattended through several pallet changes — loading the next pallet automatically while the current one machines. This is Matsuura's core differentiator: automation designed into the machine from the ground up rather than bolted on as an afterthought.

The HSK-A50 or HSK-A63 spindle runs at up to 20,000 rpm with Matsuura's G-Tech 31i control (based on FANUC 31i-B5), providing high surface speeds for small-cutter work in aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. Rapid traverse rates of 50 m/min keep non-cutting time minimal between features on dense small-part programs. The tool magazine accommodates 40 to 120 tools depending on configuration, supporting extended unattended programs across diverse part families without operator intervention for tool changes.

The LX-160 targets the same market as the Brother Speedio M200Xd1 and Fanuc Robodrill D14MiA5 but differentiates itself with multi-pallet automation capability that those machines lack in standard configuration. For shops running 24/7 medical implant, dental prosthetic, or aerospace fitting production where maximum spindle utilization is critical, the LX-160's automation-native design delivers compelling economics. Pricing typically falls in the $300,000–$500,000 range including pallet stocker.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Workpiece Diameter	Ø 160 mm (6.3 in)
X-Axis Travel	360 mm (14.2 in)
Y-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
A Axis Range	+30° / -120°
C Axis Range	360° continuous
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 rpm
Spindle Taper	HSK-A50 (HSK-A63 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (14.7 hp)
Rapid Traverse Rate	50 m/min (1,969 ipm)
Tool Capacity	40 standard (up to 120 with expansion)
Pallet System	Integrated multi-pallet stocker
CNC Control	Matsuura G-Tech 31i (FANUC 31i-B5 based)
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.004 mm
Mx Series	MAM72 Series
Mx 330mx 330 Pc10mx 420 Pc10mx 520mx 520 Pc4mx 520tmx 850mx 850 Pc4	MAM72-35VMAM72-42VMAM72-52VMAM72-70VMAM72-100H

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated multi-pallet automation is built into the machine design — not an add-on — enabling extended unattended 5-axis production across multiple workpiece setups
160 mm workpiece capacity covers the full range of medical implants, dental prosthetics, small aerospace fittings, and precision instrument components
20,000 rpm spindle provides high surface speeds for small-cutter finishing in aluminum, titanium, and stainless at the quality levels medical and aerospace customers demand
Matsuura's G-Tech 31i control (FANUC-based) provides familiar programming interface for shops already on FANUC CNC systems

Limitations

160 mm workpiece diameter is the limiting factor — parts that grow beyond this size require moving to the MAM72-35V or larger platforms
Higher capital cost than non-automated 5-axis machines in the compact class (Speedio M200Xd1, Robodrill) — the automation premium requires sustained production volume to justify
Matsuura's North American service and dealer network, while competent, is smaller than FANUC, DMG MORI, or Mazak, affecting response times in some regions

Best For

Medical device manufacturers running 24/7 implant production — orthopedic screws, stems, plates, and surgical instruments — where pallet automation maximizes machine utilization Dental laboratories and CAD/CAM centers producing milled dental restorations in high volumes from zirconia, cobalt-chrome, and titanium Aerospace precision parts manufacturers producing families of small structural fittings, connectors, and fluid system components in titanium and aluminum Job shops with high-mix medical and aerospace contracts where multi-pallet automation allows overnight and weekend unattended production of different part setups

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the Matsuura LX-160 differ from the MAM72-35V?

The LX-160 is optimized for workpieces up to 160 mm diameter, while the MAM72-35V handles 350 mm diameter parts. Both integrate multi-pallet automation, but the MAM72-35V's larger stocker (up to 32 pallets) is designed for longer unattended runs on medium-sized parts. The LX-160 is the choice for small precision work in medical and dental; the MAM72-35V targets medium aerospace and industrial components.

02 What pallet stocker capacity does the LX-160 support?

The LX-160's integrated pallet stocker capacity varies by configuration, typically ranging from 6 to 16 pallet positions. Each pallet can hold one or multiple small workpieces depending on fixturing. Even 6 pallet positions enable several hours of unattended operation when cycle times are in the 10–30 minute range, making overnight unattended production practical for many medical and dental applications.

03 Is the LX-160 suitable for dental milling?

Yes, the LX-160 is well-suited to dental milling. The 20,000 rpm spindle handles zirconia, PMMA, cobalt-chrome, and titanium at appropriate cutting parameters. The small workpiece envelope matches dental blank sizes, and the multi-pallet system allows a technician to load multiple blanks in the morning and return to completed restorations. CAD/CAM integration with dental design software is supported through standard post-processors.

04 What is the tool magazine capacity on the LX-160?

The standard configuration provides 40 tool positions. This is expanded to 80 or 120 tools with optional extended magazine configurations — essential for high-mix unattended production where different pallet setups require different tooling. Matsuura's tool management system tracks tool life and triggers sister-tool substitution, allowing extended unmanned runs without tool failure risk.

05 How does the LX-160 compete with the Brother Speedio M200Xd1?

The Speedio M200Xd1 is faster (27,000 rpm, 0.9-second tool change) and less expensive, but lacks the integrated multi-pallet stocker of the LX-160. The M200Xd1 requires third-party robot integration or a separate pallet changer to approach the LX-160's automation capability. For shops where automation depth is the priority and cost-per-part across extended unattended runs drives ROI, the LX-160's native pallet system delivers more value despite the higher initial cost.