Yamazaki Mazak Horizontal Machining Centers

Mazak FF-5000

$350,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Y Travel

730 mm (28.7 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

5000 rpm

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 (BIG-PLUS) or CAT 50

Tool Capacity

40 tools standard (60, 80 optional)

Overview

The Mazak FF-5000 is a high-speed horizontal machining center engineered specifically for mass production of automotive and similar high-volume parts. Available in CAT 40 (FF-5000/40) and CAT 50 (FF-5000/50) configurations, plus the compact FF-n5000/40 variant, the FF platform emphasizes fast cycle times through rapid axis acceleration, quick spindle speed changes, and minimized non-cutting time.

The FF-5000/40 runs a built-in motor spindle at 12,000 RPM with spindle acceleration from 0 to 12,000 RPM in just 1.4 seconds. The Z-axis uses a ram structure with 1.5G acceleration, enabling rapid approach and retract speeds of 62 m/min (2,441 ipm). The NC table rotates at up to 50 RPM with 90-degree indexing in 1.5 seconds, keeping pallet-to-cut time to an absolute minimum.

Pallet size is 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) with maximum workpiece diameter of 720 mm (28.4 in). The compact FF-n5000/40 reduces the machine width to allow just 650 mm (25.6 in) spacing between machines in a production line, maximizing floor space utilization in high-density manufacturing cells. Multiple table configurations are available including B-axis, A-axis, and combined A/B-axis setups for complex part geometries.

The FF-5000 targets transfer line replacement and high-volume production environments where every tenth of a second in cycle time matters. New FF-5000 machines price from $350,000 to $500,000. The FF competes with Makino a51nx, Toyoda FH series, and Heller H-series in the high-speed production HMC segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	730 mm (28.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Spindle Speed	5000 rpm
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 (BIG-PLUS) or CAT 50
Spindle Acceleration	1.4 sec (0-12,000 RPM)
Spindle Motor Power	30 kW (40 hp)
Spindle Torque	200 Nm (148 ft-lb)
Pallet Size	19.69" × 19.69"
Max Workpiece Size	Φ28.35" × 34.25"
Z Axis Acceleration	1.5G
Rapid Traverse Z	62 m/min (2,441 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Xy	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Table Speed	50 RPM max
Table Index 90	1.5 sec
Machine Spacing N Variant	650 mm (25.6 in) between machines
Tool Capacity	40 tools standard (60, 80 optional)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
Truncation	0.09ft3/min
Cutting Depth Width	0.22" / 2.56"
Workpiece Materials	A5052
Rapid Traverse Rate	50 rpm
Table Indexing Time	1.5 sec
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	12000 min-1(rpm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1.4-second spindle acceleration and 1.5G Z-axis acceleration minimize non-cutting time, shaving seconds off every cycle in high-volume production
Built-in motor spindle eliminates belt and gear vibration, improving surface finish and extending tool life during sustained production runs
Compact FF-n5000/40 variant allows 650mm machine spacing, maximizing production density on the shop floor
Multiple table configurations (B-axis, A-axis, A/B combined) accommodate complex part geometries without external rotary tables
50 RPM table speed with 1.5-second 90-degree indexing keeps part repositioning time to a minimum between operations
Ram-type Z-axis with 62 m/min rapid traverse delivers fast approach and retract for shallow-feature production parts

Limitations

12,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is moderate; shops running high-speed aluminum at 20,000+ RPM need to look at other options
Purpose-built for production means limited flexibility for job shop environments with frequent part changeovers
Built-in motor spindle is more expensive to repair or replace than a belt-driven spindle if the motor fails
Standard 40-tool magazine is tight for complex multi-feature parts; expanding to 80 tools adds significant cost

Best For

Automotive OEMs and tier-1 suppliers running high-volume production of engine blocks, transmission cases, and structural components Transfer line replacement where multiple FF machines in a line replicate dedicated station operations with more flexibility High-volume production cells where cycle time reduction of even 0.5 seconds per part translates to significant annual savings Manufacturers running three-shift production needing maximum uptime and minimal non-cutting time per cycle Plants standardizing on a single HMC platform for multiple production lines with the compact n-variant maximizing floor utilization

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak FF-5000 cost?

New FF-5000/40 machines start around $350,000. The CAT 50 variant and expanded ATC push pricing toward $450,000-$500,000. The compact FF-n5000/40 prices similarly to the standard FF-5000/40. Used FF machines occasionally appear on the secondary market at $150,000-$250,000 depending on condition.

02 What is the difference between FF-5000/40 and FF-n5000/40?

The FF-n5000/40 is a narrow-body version designed for close spacing in production lines. Machine-to-machine distance drops to 650 mm (25.6 in). Maximum workpiece height is slightly reduced to 715 mm (28.1 in). The spindle and axis performance specifications are identical.

03 Is the FF suitable for job shop work?

The FF can handle job shop work, but it is optimized for production. The fast acceleration and deceleration cycles are most valuable in high-volume environments. Job shops that run shorter batches may not see enough cycle time savings to justify the FF over a standard HCN-5000 at a lower price point.

04 How does the FF compare to a Makino a51nx?

Both target high-speed production. The Makino a51nx offers higher spindle speeds (up to 14,000 RPM standard) and is known for tight accuracy retention. The FF counters with faster spindle acceleration (1.4 sec vs typical 2+ sec) and the compact n-variant for dense production lines. Both are excellent production HMCs; the choice often comes down to existing platform preference and service relationships.