Mazak MEGA TURN 500

$180,000 - $280,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

2,000 RPM

Spindle Power

22 kW (30 hp)

max turning diameter

500 mm (19.69 in)

max turning height

460 mm (18.11 in)

chuck size

Φ49.21" to Φ59.06"

spindle torque

1,500 Nm (1,106 ft-lb) approx.

Overview

The Mazak MEGA TURN 500 is a vertical turning center (VTL) designed for medium-to-large diameter chucking work on parts up to 500 mm (19.69 in) in diameter. The vertical spindle orientation uses gravity to naturally seat workpieces into the chuck, simplifying loading and improving concentricity on heavy parts that would be awkward to load horizontally.

The MEGA TURN 500 features a maximum machining diameter of 500 mm (19.69 in) with a maximum machining height of 460 mm (18.11 in). Chuck sizes range from 12 to 18 inches depending on configuration. The main spindle delivers 22 kW (30 hp) at up to 2,000 RPM with strong torque output suited for aggressive roughing in steel, stainless, and cast iron. The compact vertical footprint uses significantly less floor space than a horizontal lathe with equivalent turning diameter.

The MEGA TURN 500 is available in standard (500) and short-bed (500S) configurations. The 500S variant has a reduced Z-axis stroke for shops that primarily machine shorter parts and want to minimize floor space. A 12-station turret handles standard turning operations with optional milling capability available on the 500M/500MS variants.

MAZATROL SmoothG provides conversational programming for vertical turning operations. The vertical orientation also provides excellent chip evacuation since gravity pulls chips down and away from the cutting zone.

The MEGA TURN 500 competes with the Okuma V560, Doosan Puma V400, and DMG Mori CTV 250. New machines price between $180,000 and $280,000. The MEGA TURN 500 is the entry point into Mazak's vertical turning lineup, sitting below the larger MEGA TURN 600 and 900 models.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Turning Diameter	500 mm (19.69 in)
Max Turning Height	460 mm (18.11 in)
Chuck Size	Φ49.21" to Φ59.06"
Max Spindle Speed	2,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque	1,500 Nm (1,106 ft-lb) approx.
Turret Type	12-station disc turret
Machine Orientation	Vertical spindle
Rapid Traverse X	24 m/min (945 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	24 m/min (945 ipm)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG
Machine Weight	7,000 kg (15,432 lb) approx.
Model	1: Diameter
500 500s 500m 500ms	Φ19.69" × H18.11"
600 600s	Φ24.8" × H21.65"
600m 600ms	Φ23.62" × H21.65"
900 900s 900m 900ms	Φ36.22" × H31.5"
1600 1600m	Φ64.96" × H35.43"
Max Machining Diameter	Φ64.96"
Max Machining Height	35.43"

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Vertical spindle orientation uses gravity to seat parts naturally, simplifying loading of heavy workpieces up to 500 mm diameter
Compact vertical footprint uses 30-40% less floor space than a horizontal lathe with equivalent turning capacity
Excellent chip evacuation as gravity pulls chips down and away from the cutting zone
22 kW spindle provides strong torque for aggressive roughing in steel and cast iron
12-18 inch chuck range accommodates various workpiece sizes within the 500 mm envelope
MAZATROL SmoothG conversational programming simplifies setup for vertical turning operations

Limitations

500 mm max diameter limits the machine to medium-size parts; larger work requires the MEGA TURN 600 or 900
No milling capability on the base model; the 500M variant is needed for cross-drilling and tapping
Vertical orientation requires overhead crane access for loading parts that exceed manual lifting weight
2,000 RPM spindle speed is lower than comparable horizontal lathes in this class

Best For

Automotive manufacturers producing brake rotors, hubs, and flange-type parts up to 500 mm diameter Hydraulic component manufacturers turning pump housings, valve bodies, and motor casings Aerospace shops machining bearing housings, spacers, and ring components from forgings Job shops needing a compact VTL for short-cycle chucking work on medium-diameter parts Shops with limited floor space that need significant turning diameter in a small footprint

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak MEGA TURN 500 cost?

New pricing runs $180,000-$280,000 depending on configuration and options. The 500S short variant is at the lower end. Used units from 2012-2022 trade between $80,000 and $180,000.

02 MEGA TURN 500 vs 500S: what is the difference?

The 500S has a shorter Z-axis stroke for shops primarily machining short parts. It uses less floor space and costs less than the standard 500. Both share the same 500 mm turning diameter and spindle specifications.

03 MEGA TURN 500 vs 500M: do I need milling?

The 500M adds live tooling and milling spindle for cross-drilling, tapping, and contouring. If your parts require only turning operations, the base 500 saves $40,000-$60,000. If parts have drilled holes or tapped features, the 500M eliminates a second operation.

04 How do you load parts on the MEGA TURN 500?

Light parts can be loaded manually. Heavier parts use an overhead crane, which is standard in most shops running VTLs. The vertical orientation means the part drops naturally into the chuck under its own weight, improving concentricity. Automated loading via robot or gantry is also available.