Yamazaki Mazak Horizontal Machining Centers

Mazak MU Series

$225,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Y Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Z Travel

630 mm (24.8 in)

Max Spindle

15,000 RPM (20,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 (BIG-PLUS)

Tool Capacity

40 tools standard (60, 80 optional)

Overview

The Mazak MU series (designated with the Greek letter mu on official documentation) is a compact horizontal machining center designed for precision machining of small-to-medium parts in high-volume production environments. The MU platform bridges the gap between vertical machining centers and full-size horizontals, offering the chip evacuation and multi-face access advantages of horizontal architecture in a smaller, more affordable package.

The MU-4000H is the core model, featuring a 400 x 400 mm (15.7 x 15.7 in) pallet with a CAT 40 spindle running up to 15,000 RPM at 22 kW (30 hp). Axis travels measure 560 x 560 x 630 mm (22.0 x 22.0 x 24.8 in), covering the sweet spot for automotive, medical, and electronics components. The compact footprint allows shops to fit horizontal machining capability into the floor space typically occupied by a 40-taper vertical mill.

Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on all linear axes, and the two-pallet changer delivers pallet change times under 8 seconds. The standard 40-tool ATC handles most production requirements, with 60 and 80-tool options available. The MU runs on the MAZATROL SmoothG control and integrates with PALLETECH for multi-machine automation cells.

The MU series targets shops that need horizontal machining productivity without the footprint or cost of a full-size 500mm-class HMC. New MU machines price from $225,000 to $350,000 depending on spindle and ATC configuration. The MU competes with the Makino a40, Brother SPEEDIO, and Okuma MB-4000H in the compact HMC segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in)
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in)
Z-Axis Travel	630 mm (24.8 in)
Max Spindle Speed	15,000 RPM (20,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 (BIG-PLUS)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque	119 Nm (88 ft-lb)
Pallet Size	39.37" × 39.37"
Max Workpiece Size	Φ80.71" × 62.99"
Max Workpiece Weight	400 kg (882 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Pallet Change Time	7.9 sec
Tool Capacity	40 tools standard (60, 80 optional)
Tool Change Time	1.3 sec tool-to-tool
Machine Weight	4840 lbs
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
1 Max Workpiece Diameter	Φ57.09"
2 Max Workpiece Height	57.09"
Table Indexing Time	3.2 sec / 1.7 sec*.
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	10000 min-1(rpm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint delivers horizontal machining advantages (chip evacuation, multi-face access, automation) in floor space similar to a 40-taper VMC
60 m/min rapids and sub-8-second pallet changes keep non-cutting time minimal for fast cycle times on production parts
15,000 RPM standard spindle with 22 kW handles mixed material work; 20,000 RPM option available for high-speed aluminum applications
PALLETECH integration allows scaling from standalone two-pallet operation to multi-machine FMS cells without changing the base platform
Lower entry price than 500mm-class HMCs makes horizontal machining accessible to shops that previously could only afford verticals
Light machine weight of 8,500 kg simplifies installation and allows placement on standard shop floors without reinforced foundations

Limitations

400 mm pallet and 400 kg max load limits this machine to small-to-medium parts; shops needing larger work envelopes should look at HCN-5000 class machines
560 mm axis travels are tight for parts with features spread across a large area; the compact envelope requires careful fixture design
CAT 40 only limits heavy-duty roughing capability in harder materials compared to larger HMCs with CAT 50 options
Compact construction means less thermal mass and potentially more thermal sensitivity during long high-power cutting cycles

Best For

Automotive suppliers running high-volume production of smaller aluminum and cast iron components like brackets, housings, and covers Medical device manufacturers machining small precision components that benefit from horizontal chip evacuation Job shops adding their first horizontal machining center without the floor space or budget for a full-size 500mm HMC Electronics and connector manufacturers running small complex parts that need multi-face access in a single setup Production cells pairing multiple MU machines with PALLETECH automation for high-volume lights-out manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak MU cost?

New MU machines start around $225,000 for a base configuration with 40-tool magazine and standard spindle. Adding the 20,000 RPM spindle, expanded ATC, probing, and high-pressure coolant pushes pricing to $300,000-$350,000. Used MU machines are less common than larger HCN models on the secondary market.

02 How does the MU compare to a vertical machining center?

The MU offers three key advantages over a VMC: superior chip evacuation (gravity pulls chips away from the cut), multi-face access without a rotary table, and pallet change automation that doubles spindle utilization. The tradeoff is higher purchase price and slightly more complex setup compared to a VMC. For production environments, the MU will outperform a similar-travel VMC on cycle time and consistency.

03 Can the MU run with PALLETECH?

Yes. The MU integrates with PALLETECH for multi-pallet flexible manufacturing cells. This is one of the key advantages over compact HMCs from other manufacturers that may not have equivalent automation ecosystems.

04 Is the MU suitable for tool and die work?

The MU can handle small mold components and die inserts, but the 400 mm pallet and 400 kg load limit constrains it to smaller work. For general mold and die work, a larger VMC or HMC with more Z-axis stroke is usually a better choice.