Matsuura MX-520 PC7

$400,000 - $525,000 Updated 2026-03-19

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

90 standard (120 optional)

Overview

The Matsuura MX-520 PC7 extends the popular MX-520 platform with a 7-pallet two-tier tower system, delivering nearly double the automation capacity of the PC4 variant. Matsuura developed this configuration specifically for shops that found 4 pallets insufficient for their production mix but did not want to jump to the complexity and cost of the MAM72 FMS platform. Seven pallets hit a practical sweet spot: enough capacity for a full shift of unattended operation across diverse part families.

The machining envelope is identical to the standard MX-520: 630 x 560 x 510 mm (24.8 x 22.0 x 20.1 in) on X/Y/Z with an A-axis tilt from +10 to -125 degrees and continuous 360-degree C-axis rotation. Max workpiece size is 520 mm diameter by 330 mm tall (20.5 x 13.0 in) with 175 kg (386 lb) load capacity per pallet. The standard BT40 spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 7.5/11 kW (10/15 hp), with 15,000 and 20,000 RPM options available.

The two-tier tower pallet system stacks pallets vertically to keep the cell footprint compact. Matsuura's chip disposal system is engineered to handle the extended unattended runs that 7 pallets enable — a critical detail since chip management is often the limiting factor in lights-out operation, not the machine itself. The tool magazine holds 90 tools standard with a 120-tool option. The G-Tech 31i control with MIMS cell management handles pallet scheduling and tool life tracking across the full pallet pool.

The MX-520 PC7 weighs approximately 11,500 kg (25,353 lb) with a footprint of roughly 4,500 x 2,600 mm. CAMplete TruePath comes standard. This machine represents a pragmatic step up from the PC4 for shops that have proven the automation concept and want more capacity without fundamentally changing their workflow.

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 Motor Power	7.5 / 11 kW (10 / 15 hp)
Tool Capacity	90 standard (120 optional)
Pallet Capacity	7 pallets (two-tier tower)
Table Diameter	300 mm (11.8 in)
Max Workpiece Size	520 mm dia x 330 mm H (20.5 x 13.0 in)
Table Load Capacity	175 kg (386 lb) per pallet
Rapid Traverse Xyz	40 m/min (1,575 ipm)
Tool Change Time	1.1 sec (tool-to-tool)
Pallet Change Time	~25 sec
Machine Weight	11,500 kg (25,353 lb)
Floor Space Required	4,500 x 2,600 mm
CNC Control	Matsuura G-Tech 31i (FANUC 31i-B5 based, touch screen)

Specifications sourced from matsuura.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

7-pallet two-tier tower provides 75% more automation capacity than the PC4 in a modest footprint increase
Proven MX-520 machining platform carries over unchanged — same spindle, travels, and rigidity as the single-table and PC4 versions
Two-tier tower design stacks pallets vertically to minimize floor space impact relative to pallet count
Enhanced chip disposal system engineered for the extended unattended runs that 7 pallets enable
MIMS cell controller provides intelligent pallet scheduling and tool life management across all 7 stations
CAMplete TruePath standard ensures crash-free operation during unattended overnight and weekend production runs

Limitations

Price premium over the PC4 is $50K-$75K, which requires consistent use of all 7 pallets to justify
Larger footprint (4.5 x 2.6 m) than the PC4 may not fit in shops already tight on floor space
BT40 spindle limits heavy roughing capability — not ideal for aggressive steel and titanium material removal
175 kg per-pallet load capacity constrains fixture weight, especially across 7 different setups

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing families of implant components across 5-7 different part numbers in continuous rotation Aerospace job shops running diverse small structural components that need full-shift unattended 5-axis production Shops that outgrew the MX-520 PC4's 4-pallet capacity but don't need the MAM72's full FMS capabilities Contract manufacturers wanting maximum unattended runtime on a proven 5-axis platform without moving to a new machine architecture Production cells running weekend shifts unattended where 7 pallets provide enough work to cover 12-16 hours without operator touch

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Matsuura MX-520 PC7 cost?

New MX-520 PC7 pricing typically ranges from $400,000 to $525,000, positioned between the PC4 ($350K-$450K) and the entry-level MAM72-35V ($600K-$900K). The incremental cost over the PC4 buys three additional pallet stations and the two-tier tower system. For shops running 5-7 active part setups, the per-part economics are compelling.

02 How does the MX-520 PC7 compare to the MX-520 PC4?

The machining platform is identical — same spindle, travels, tool change speed, and control. The PC7 adds three more pallet stations in a two-tier tower configuration, increasing unattended capacity by 75%. The PC7 has a modestly larger footprint (4.5 x 2.6 m vs 4.2 x 2.5 m) and weighs about 1,000 kg more. The chip disposal system is upgraded for longer unattended runs. Choose the PC7 if you consistently need more than 4 setups running or want longer unattended windows.

03 Is the two-tier tower system reliable?

Yes. Matsuura's tower pallet systems have an extensive track record across the MX and MAM72 product lines. The two-tier design is mechanically simpler than the MAM72's multi-level stocker. Pallet change time is approximately 25 seconds — slightly longer than the PC4 due to the vertical pallet retrieval, but negligible relative to typical cycle times of 20-90 minutes per pallet.

04 When should I choose the MX-520 PC7 over the MAM72-35V?

Choose the PC7 if your parts fit within the 520 mm diameter MX-520 envelope, you need 7 or fewer pallet stations, and you want a simpler, less expensive automation system. Choose the MAM72-35V if you need 32+ pallet stations, expandable tool magazines up to 240 tools, and true FMS-level cell management. The MAM72 costs roughly 50-80% more but delivers 4-5x the pallet capacity.