Yamazaki Mazak Horizontal Machining Centers

Mazak HCN-6800

$800,000 - $1,300,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Y Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Z Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Max Spindle

8,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A100 (HSK-A63 optional)

Tool Capacity

60 tools standard (120, 180, 240 optional)

Overview

The Mazak HCN-6800 is a mid-range horizontal machining center built around a 630 mm (24.8 in) pallet, the industry's most common HMC pallet size for production machining of medium-to-large prismatic parts. It occupies the center of Mazak's HCN lineup between the compact 4000 III and the large-format 8800, targeting aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment shops running parts too large for 400 mm pallets but not requiring the capacity of 800 mm class machines.

Axis travels of 900 x 900 x 900 mm (35.4 x 35.4 x 35.4 in) define a generous 3D work cube capable of reaching all four faces of large prismatic workpieces in a single setup. The 630 mm pallet accommodates workpieces up to 900 mm (35.4 in) diameter and 1,250 mm (49.2 in) height, with 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) table load capacity. The standard twin-pallet APC is integrated into the base, maintaining continuous production without supplemental automation investment.

The standard spindle runs at 8,000 RPM with 30 kW (40 hp) through an HSK-A100 interface, providing high torque for aggressive roughing in steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. An optional 15,000 RPM HSK-A63 high-speed spindle is available for lighter alloys. The B-axis offers 1-degree standard indexing or optional CNC positioning. The standard ATC holds 60 tools with options up to 240 tools for extended runs.

The HCN-6800 runs on MAZATROL SmoothAi and competes against the DMG Mori NHX 6300, the Makino a81, the Okuma MA-600HIII, and the Chiron FZ 16L. New machine pricing typically runs $800,000 to $1,300,000 depending on spindle, ATC size, pallet pool configuration, and automation scope.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Pallet Size	630 mm (24.8 in) square
Number Of Pallets	2 (standard, expandable via PALLETECH)
X-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Y-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Z-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
B Axis Indexing	1-degree increments (CNC 0.001-degree optional)
Max Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A100 (HSK-A63 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	30 kW (40 hp) at 25% ED
Spindle Torque	590 Nm (435 ft-lb) at 25% ED
Max Workpiece Size	900 mm dia x 1,250 mm H (35.4 x 49.2 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	50 m/min (1,969 ipm)
Tool Capacity	60 tools standard (120, 180, 240 optional)
Machine Weight	24,000 kg (52,911 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC
Capacity	Pallet Size
Spindle	Spindle Taper
Magazine	Number of Tools
Feed Axes	Travel (X Axis)

Specifications sourced from virtual.mazakusa.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

630 mm pallet -- the industry standard for production horizontal machining -- enables direct compatibility with standardized fixturing, tombstones, and FMS pallet systems across multiple machine brands
30 kW HSK-A100 spindle delivers the torque required for heavy roughing in cast iron, steel, and stainless without spindle overload conditions in production environments
1,000 kg table load capacity handles large castings and weldments that exceed the capacity of smaller 400 mm HMC competitors
900 mm cube travel provides genuine four-face access on large prismatic workpieces including aerospace engine cases and industrial gearboxes

Limitations

8,000 RPM standard spindle limits aluminum machining productivity; the optional 15,000 RPM spindle adds cost and requires committing to HSK-A63 tooling standardization
24,000 kg machine weight and 630 mm HMC footprint require dedicated floor space and structural planning that smaller shops may find challenging
Pricing at $800,000-$1,300,000 makes the HCN-6800 a significant capital investment requiring high utilization rates to achieve acceptable ROI

Best For

Aerospace Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers machining large structural components, engine cases, and gearbox housings from multiple faces in a single setup Energy sector shops producing valve manifolds, pump bodies, and compressor housings where four-face access eliminates repositioning errors and fixture changes Automotive and heavy equipment manufacturers running large-volume production of transmission cases, axle housings, and engine blocks on standardized 630 mm pallet tooling Precision job shops building FMS cells with PALLETECH automation for extended unattended production across multiple part families

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Why is 630 mm the most common horizontal machining center pallet size?

The 630 mm pallet became the de facto standard for production HMCs because it offers the right balance of workpiece capacity, machine footprint, and tombstone flexibility for the majority of aerospace, automotive, and general industrial prismatic parts. Standardized 630 mm pallets also enable interoperability across FMS cells that mix machines from different builders. The 400 mm size covers smaller parts and the 800-1000 mm size covers the heaviest castings, but 630 mm handles the broadest application range.

02 What is the pallet change time on the HCN-6800?

Mazak specifies automatic pallet change time at approximately 12-15 seconds for the HCN-6800, depending on pallet weight. This fast swap minimizes door-open idle time between parts and contributes to the high spindle utilization rates that make horizontal machining centers economically superior to VMCs in production environments.

03 What is the HSK-A100 taper and how does it compare to CAT 50?

HSK-A100 is a hollow shank taper that clamps from the inside of the tool shank, providing extremely rigid tool retention with face contact. It achieves higher rigidity and repeatability than CAT 50 at comparable speeds, and supports higher spindle speeds with better balance characteristics. The HSK system requires HSK-compatible tooling, so shops with a large CAT 50 inventory should factor tooling investment into the total cost of ownership.

04 Can the HCN-6800 be paired with a pallet pool for lights-out production?

Yes. The HCN-6800 interfaces with Mazak's PALLETECH system, which can manage pools of 8 to over 60 pallets distributed across multiple machines. PALLETECH schedules part families, manages program selection, monitors tool life, and enables weekend production runs without operator presence.

05 How does the HCN-6800 compare to the DMG Mori NHX 6300?

Both are 630 mm HMCs targeting similar production applications. The NHX 6300 offers Siemens and Heidenhain control options for shops standardized on European controls. The HCN-6800 offers MAZATROL conversational programming and Mazak's broad North American service and parts network. The decision often comes down to control preference, service infrastructure, and application-specific test results.