Matsuura MX-520

$250,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Y Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (optional 15,000 / 20,000 RPM)

Spindle Taper

BT40 / CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional)

Tool Capacity

60 (90, 120, Dominator external loader optional)

Overview

The Matsuura MX-520 is a compact trunnion-style 5-axis vertical machining center that's become one of the most popular entry points into simultaneous 5-axis work. Since its debut in 2010, Matsuura has installed over a hundred of these in the U.S. alone, and it's not hard to see why. The machine was purpose-built for shops stepping up from 3-axis, and it doesn't punish you with a steep learning curve or a massive footprint.

Axis travel runs 630 x 560 x 510 mm (24.8 x 22.0 x 20.1 in) on X/Y/Z. The A-axis tilts from +10 to -125 degrees while the C-axis rotates a full 360 degrees. That generous A-axis tilt gives you access to undercuts and complex geometry without flipping parts. The standard table is 300 mm (11.8 in) diameter with an optional 500 mm (19.7 in) table for larger work. Max workpiece envelope is 520 mm diameter by 350 mm tall (20.5 x 13.8 in) with a 200 kg (440 lb) table load capacity, or up to 710 mm diameter under certain conditions with the larger table.

The standard spindle turns at 12,000 RPM through a BT40 taper with 7.5/11 kW (10/15 hp) continuous and 30-minute rated power. A 20,000 RPM high-speed option is available for aluminum-heavy work, and Matsuura recently added a 15,000 RPM option to split the difference. HSK-A63 tooling is available as an option for shops that want better high-speed rigidity. Rapid traverse hits 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) on all three linear axes, and tool-to-tool change happens in 1.1 seconds flat.

The RAM-type column structure gives the MX-520 a rigid, compact platform. Matsuura's design philosophy here is simplicity and reliability over bleeding-edge specs. The machine runs on Matsuura's G-Tech 31i control, which is a FANUC 31i-B5 with Matsuura's custom touch-screen interface layered on top. It's intuitive enough that operators transitioning from 3-axis Fanuc controls won't feel lost.

Tool magazine options include 60 or 90 positions as standard, with a 120-tool option and an external Dominator loader for high-mix production. The MX-520 PC4 variant adds a Matsuura-designed 4-pallet changer that turns the machine into a lights-out cell without expanding the footprint much. At roughly 8,850 kg (19,510 lb) and a floor footprint of 3,831 x 2,260 mm, it fits into shops where a bigger 5-axis simply won't go.

CAMplete TruePath comes standard, giving you integrated G-code verification and optimization without buying third-party simulation software. Direct competitors include the DMG Mori DMU 50, Hermle C 250, and Haas UMC-750. The MX-520 sits in the value sweet spot: more machine than the Haas, more approachable than the Hermle, and priced competitively against the DMU 50.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
A Axis Range	+10° to -125°
C Axis Range	360° (continuous)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (optional 15,000 / 20,000 RPM)
Spindle Taper	BT40 / CAT40 (HSK-A63 optional)
Spindle Torque	159 Nm @ 1,500 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	7.5 / 11 kW (10 / 15 hp)
Tool Capacity	60 (90, 120, Dominator external loader optional)
Table Diameter	300 mm (11.8 in) standard; 500 mm (19.7 in) optional
Max Workpiece Size	520 mm dia x 350 mm H (20.5 x 13.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	200 kg (440 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	40 m/min (1,575 ipm)
Rotary Rapid Ac	17 / 33 min⁻¹ (A / C axis)
Tool Change Time	1.1 sec (tool-to-tool)
Max Tool Diameter	80 mm with adjacent tools; 150 mm without
Max Tool Weight	10 kg (22 lb)
Machine Weight	8,850 kg (19,510 lb)
Floor Space Required	3,831 x 2,260 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

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Purpose-built for 3-axis-to-5-axis transition with intuitive G-Tech touch-screen control and standard CAMplete TruePath simulation
Compact footprint (3.8 x 2.3 m) fits into shops where larger 5-axis machines simply won't go
1.1-second tool-to-tool change time is among the fastest in this machine class, reducing non-cutting time significantly
PC4 pallet changer option turns the single-table machine into a lights-out automation cell without a major footprint increase
RAM-type column structure provides high rigidity relative to machine size, with proven reliability across hundreds of installations
Tool magazine scales from 60 to 120 tools with an external Dominator loader option for high-mix production
Generous A-axis tilt range (+10° to -125°) provides excellent undercut access for complex 5-axis geometry

Limitations

BT40 taper limits heavy roughing capability compared to machines with BT50 or HSK-A100 spindles
Standard 12,000 RPM spindle with 11 kW power is modest for aggressive material removal in steel and titanium
Single-sided trunnion drive design can contribute to thermal growth issues, requiring probing routines for tight-tolerance work
200 kg table load capacity is lower than competitors like the DMU 50 (300 kg) or Hermle C 250 (300 kg)
Matsuura's U.S. service network is smaller than Haas, DMG Mori, or Mazak, which can mean longer response times in some regions

Best For

Job shops transitioning from 3-axis to 5-axis that need a proven, approachable platform without a steep learning curve Medical device and aerospace prototype shops machining complex geometry in aluminum and softer alloys High-mix low-volume production cells using the PC4 pallet system for unattended overnight runs Shops with limited floor space that need full simultaneous 5-axis capability in a compact footprint Contract manufacturers running diverse part families that benefit from fast tool changes and flexible fixturing

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Matsuura MX-520 cost?

New MX-520 pricing typically falls between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, and table options. The PC4 four-pallet version pushes the upper end past $400,000 with full automation options. Used MX-520 machines from the 2015-2018 era show up in the $130,000-$200,000 range on the secondary market.

02 How does the MX-520 compare to the DMG Mori DMU 50?

The MX-520 and DMU 50 are direct competitors in the compact 5-axis space. The MX-520 has more X-axis travel (630 vs 500 mm) and faster tool changes (1.1 vs ~3.5 sec). The DMU 50 offers Siemens or Heidenhain control options, a higher table load (300 vs 200 kg), and a stronger spindle. The DMU 50 is arguably the more rigid machine for hard metal work, while the MX-520 shines in high-mix production with its faster tool changes and PC4 automation option.

03 Is the MX-520 good for beginners moving to 5-axis?

That's exactly what it was designed for. The G-Tech 31i interface is built on familiar FANUC architecture, CAMplete TruePath comes standard for collision checking and code verification, and the machine's compact trunnion design is straightforward to program. Matsuura specifically markets it as a 3-axis-to-5-axis bridge machine, and hundreds of shops have made that transition on this platform.

04 What's the difference between the MX-520 and MX-520 PC4?

The MX-520 PC4 adds a Matsuura-designed 4-pallet changer to the standard MX-520 platform. It comes standard with 90 or 120 tools and includes a Universal Robot Interface for robotic loading. The PC4 config enables unattended multi-part production but slightly reduces max workpiece size to 520 mm diameter by 330 mm tall (vs 350 mm on the single-table version). The pallet version also reduces table load to 175 kg per pallet.

05 Can the MX-520 handle steel and titanium?

It can cut steel and titanium, but it's not optimized for heavy hogging in those materials. The BT40 spindle with 11 kW of power and 159 Nm of torque is adequate for finishing and light roughing in hardened steel. For aggressive titanium material removal, you'd want a machine with a BT50 or HSK-A100 spindle. The MX-520 is at its best in aluminum, brass, plastics, and light steel work.