Yamazaki Mazak Vertical Machining Centers

Mazak NEXUS 510C-II

$95,000 – $160,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 (BT 40 optional)

Tool Capacity

30 tools standard (60 optional)

Table Size

1,150 x 510 mm (45.3 x 20.1 in)

Spindle Power

18.5 kW (25 hp) at 25% ED; 11 kW (15 hp) continuous

x axis travel

1,020 mm (40.2 in)

Overview

The Mazak NEXUS 510C-II is a mid-size vertical machining center in the NEXUS production VMC lineup, designed for general-purpose 3-axis machining across automotive, aerospace, medical, and job shop applications. The 510C-II represents the second-generation update to the NEXUS 510C, bringing improved thermal compensation, an updated MAZATROL SmoothG control, and refined casting geometry to the proven platform.

Work area dimensions are 1,020 x 510 mm (40.2 x 20.1 in) on the table with a 510 x 510 mm working surface. X-axis travel is 1,020 mm, Y-axis is 510 mm, and Z-axis is 510 mm. The table supports workpieces up to 800 kg (1,764 lb). These dimensions place the NEXUS 510C-II in the mid-size VMC category — larger than the 410C-II and smaller than the 6800-II, bridging general-purpose 3-axis work and larger-format production needs.

The standard spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 18.5 kW (25 hp) through a CAT 40 taper. A high-speed 15,000 RPM option is available for aluminum and light machining applications. Rapid traverse is 42 m/min in X and Y and 36 m/min in Z — fast enough for efficient production cycling. The standard ATC holds 30 tools, with options for 30+1 and 60-tool magazines.

MAZATROL SmoothG controls the machine with its full-color 15-inch touchscreen and dual-mode conversational/G-code programming environment. The -II generation machines include factory-standard preparation for high-pressure coolant and through-spindle coolant. The NEXUS 510C-II competes against the Haas VF-3, DMG Mori NVX 5080, and Okuma GENOS M560-V, offering stronger conversational programming and typically better thermal management at a moderate premium over the Haas.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	1,020 mm (40.2 in)
Y Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Table Size	1,150 x 510 mm (45.3 x 20.1 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	800 kg (1,764 lb)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 (BT 40 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	18.5 kW (25 hp) at 25% ED; 11 kW (15 hp) continuous
Spindle Torque	119 Nm (88 ft-lb) at 25% ED
Rapid Traverse Xy	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
Tool Capacity	30 tools standard (60 optional)
Max Tool Diameter	100 mm (3.94 in)
Max Tool Length	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Tool Weight	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Machine Weight	8,500 kg (18,739 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

MAZATROL SmoothG conversational programming significantly reduces setup time on short-run and prototype work versus G-code-only controls
42 m/min rapid traverse enables fast part cycling on production programs with many tool changes
Thermally compensated structure in the -II generation maintains dimensional accuracy during extended production runs without operator intervention
Standard high-pressure coolant preparation on the -II series reduces cost of equipping the machine for aerospace and die/mold applications
800 kg workpiece capacity covers the full range of typical mid-size production components without the footprint of a larger VMC
CAT 40 tooling is widely available from all major tooling manufacturers, keeping consumable costs predictable

Limitations

12,000 RPM standard spindle speed is adequate for steel and stainless but less productive than 15,000–18,000 RPM spindles for aluminum high-speed machining
30-tool ATC is tight for complex programs — many aerospace and mold jobs require the 60-tool upgrade
510 mm Y-axis travel limits the machine to squarish work envelopes; long narrow parts should be evaluated on the 6800-II or a larger VMC
Price premium over Haas VF-3 requires justification through cycle time, control ease of use, or thermal consistency advantages
Single-table configuration — no pallet changer available — limits unattended production capability compared to HMC platforms

Best For

Automotive component manufacturers running medium-complexity 3-axis parts in aluminum, steel, and cast iron on production shifts Aerospace job shops machining structural brackets, fittings, and housings requiring tight tolerances with good thermal management Medical device manufacturers producing mid-size implant components, surgical instrument bodies, and device housings in stainless and titanium Mold and die shops cutting medium-size mold cavities and cores in tool steel with through-spindle coolant General job shops wanting Mazak conversational programming capability on a reliable mid-size 3-axis VMC platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak NEXUS 510C-II cost new?

New pricing typically ranges from $95,000 to $160,000 depending on spindle speed option, ATC size, and optional packages such as high-pressure coolant, through-spindle coolant, and fourth-axis preparation. Used NEXUS 510C-II machines from 2012–2020 appear regularly on the secondary market in the $40,000–$85,000 range.

02 What is the difference between the NEXUS 510C and 510C-II?

The -II generation introduced improved thermal compensation with updated compensation algorithms in the SmoothG control, a revised spindle bearing arrangement for longer bearing life, standard high-pressure coolant preparation, and updated MAZATROL SmoothG software replacing the older MAZATROL Matrix control. Mechanically the machines are similar, but the -II delivers better thermal performance and a more capable control environment.

03 Can the NEXUS 510C-II be equipped with a fourth axis?

Yes. The machine has preparation for a fourth rotary axis, and Mazak offers compatible fourth-axis rotary table units that mount to the standard table. The fourth axis is driven by the machine's CNC and programmed through MAZATROL SmoothG or G-code. This is a popular option for shops that need to index parts for multi-face machining.

04 What spindle taper options are available?

The NEXUS 510C-II is available with CAT 40 or BT 40 (BBT 40) taper. For shops in North America, CAT 40 is the most common. BT 40 / BBT 40 provides better rigidity at high speeds due to the dual-contact taper design and is preferred by many aerospace and high-precision shops.

05 How does the NEXUS 510C-II compare to the Haas VF-3?

The Mazak offers MAZATROL SmoothG conversational programming which is more intuitive than Haas' Intuitive Programming System for many job shop operators. Mazak's thermal management is generally more sophisticated. The Haas VF-3 costs 20–35% less new. For shops where easy programming and thermal stability matter more than initial purchase price, the Mazak often justifies the premium.