Mazak HCN-5000
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Mazak HCN-5000 is Mazak's workhorse 500mm horizontal machining center, designed for high-volume production with fast cycle times and deep automation integration through Mazak's PALLETECH system. The current NEO generation delivers 730 x 730 x 800 mm (28.7 x 28.7 x 31.5 in) of travel on 500 x 500 mm pallets, with an 18,000 RPM CAT 40 spindle putting out 37 kW (50 hp) and 221 Nm of torque.
Rapid traverse rates hit 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) across all linear axes, and the standard two-pallet changer keeps spindle utilization high by letting operators load one pallet while the other cuts. Tool storage starts at 40 positions and scales all the way to 348 with expanded magazines, giving the HCN-5000 serious capability for high-mix production cells. The machine runs on Mazak's SmoothG CNC on NEO models, featuring a 19-inch touchscreen and conversational programming alongside full G-code capability.
The HCN-5000 competes directly with the Okuma MB-5000HII, DMG Mori NHX 5000, and Makino A51nx in the 500mm HMC class. Mazak's key differentiator is PALLETECH integration — their multi-pallet automation system is one of the most proven and widely deployed in the industry. New HCN-5000 NEO machines price in the $350,000-$475,000 range depending on configuration. Used HCN-5000 units from 2008-2020 trade between $75,000 and $250,000. The CAT 50 variant (HCN-5000/50) is available for shops needing heavier cutting capability with a 10,000 RPM spindle rated at 30 kW (40 hp). Specs sourced from Mazak published data and dealer listings.
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 | 18,000 RPM (CAT 40); 10,000 RPM (CAT 50 variant) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT 40 (CAT 50 on HCN-5000/50) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 kW (50 hp) at 40% ED; 30 kW (40 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 221 Nm (163 ft-lb) at 40% ED |
| Tool Capacity | 40 tools standard (60, 80, 120, 160, 180, 240, 348 optional) |
| Tool Change Time | 1.3 sec tool-to-tool |
| Pallet Size | 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | Ø 800 x 1,000 mm (Ø 31.5 x 39.4 in) |
| Max Work Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Table Indexing | 0.001° increment, full 4th axis |
| Machine Weight | 13,600 kg (30,000 lb) |
| Machine Footprint | 2,690 x 5,910 mm (105.9 x 232.7 in) W x D |
| CNC Control | Mazak SmoothG CNC (NEO); MAZATROL SmoothG (earlier models) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.004 mm (±0.00016 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- PALLETECH automation integration is one of the most proven multi-pallet systems in the industry, allowing seamless scaling from 2-pallet to full FMS cells without changing the base machine
- 18,000 RPM CAT 40 spindle with 37 kW (50 hp) and 60 m/min rapids delivers fast cycle times on aluminum and non-ferrous production work
- Tool magazine scales from 40 to 348 positions, providing massive flexibility for high-mix production environments running many different part programs
- CAT 50 variant (HCN-5000/50) available for shops that need heavier cutting capability in steel and cast iron without stepping up to a larger machine platform
- MAZATROL conversational programming on the SmoothG control makes the machine accessible to operators who aren't full-time G-code programmers
- Strong resale value and wide dealer/service network across North America reduce total cost of ownership and downtime risk
Limitations
- 500 kg (1,102 lb) maximum pallet load limits fixture complexity for heavy tombstone setups compared to 630mm-class HMCs
- CAT 40 taper on the standard model limits heavy roughing capability in hardened steel — shops cutting predominantly ferrous materials should consider the CAT 50 variant or a larger machine
- SmoothG control has a learning curve for shops transitioning from Fanuc or Siemens, and some advanced features require Mazak-specific training
- At 13,600 kg machine weight, the HCN-5000 is lighter than competitors like the DMG Mori NHX 5000, which can mean slightly less rigidity during aggressive cutting in hard materials
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New HCN-5000 NEO machines start around $350,000 for a base configuration. With expanded ATC, high-pressure coolant, probing, and PALLETECH automation, expect $400,000-$475,000+. PALLETECH systems add $150,000-$400,000+ depending on the number of pallets and loading stations. Used HCN-5000 units from 2008-2020 sell for $75,000-$250,000.
02
If you're primarily cutting aluminum, non-ferrous metals, or light steel work, the CAT 40 version with 18,000 RPM is the better choice for cycle time. If your work is predominantly steel, cast iron, or titanium roughing, the CAT 50 variant (HCN-5000/50) at 10,000 RPM with higher torque will hold up better under heavy cuts. Most production shops running mixed materials go CAT 40 and manage steel work with appropriate tooling strategies.
03
Very similar machines in the same class. The Okuma has faster tool-to-tool time (0.9 sec vs 1.3 sec) and Thermo-Friendly Concept thermal stability. The Mazak counters with deeper PALLETECH automation integration and higher tool magazine capacity (up to 348 vs 340). The Mazak typically has a wider service network. Both are excellent 500mm HMCs — the choice often comes down to existing shop control preferences (MAZATROL vs OSP) and automation plans.
04
PALLETECH is Mazak's multi-pallet automation system that connects one or more HCN machines to a linear rail-guided pallet stocker. Systems range from 6 to 120+ pallets with multiple loading stations. It allows lights-out production by queuing jobs across pallets and scheduling them through Mazak's cell controller software. It's one of the most widely deployed HMC automation systems globally.
05
Yes. Even without PALLETECH, the two-pallet changer enables running one pallet while loading the other. Add tool breakage detection, tool life management, and high-pressure coolant, and the machine handles extended unattended runs. PALLETECH takes this further with multi-pallet queuing for full-shift lights-out operation.
06
The NEO generation runs the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC with a 19-inch touchscreen display. It supports both MAZATROL conversational programming and standard G-code (EIA/ISO). The SmoothG includes features like Smooth Machining Configuration for optimizing cutting paths, Intelligent Thermal Shield for thermal compensation, and Smooth Process Support for process monitoring.
Videos
Mazak North America
MazakEurope
Yamazaki Mazak Corporation [English]
Mazak North America
Top Drawer Media
Community Discussions
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Options and configuration advice — This is the fish tank option on a Mazak HCN 5000 iii. - Reddit
Owner experience and review — Experience with Mazak? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — Helpless with connecting PC and Mazak : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
Comparisons
Related Machines
Haas EC-400
Makino a51nx
Okuma MB-5000HII
DMG Mori NHX 5000
Makino a61nx
