Mazak VARIAXIS C

$350,000 - $550,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

600 mm (23.6 in) [C-600], 730 mm (28.7 in) [C-700]

Y Travel

800 mm (31.5 in) [C-600], 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [C-700]

Z Travel

560 mm (22.0 in) [C-600], 600 mm (23.6 in) [C-700]

Max Spindle

12000 rpm

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS No.40

Tool Capacity

30 standard (40, 60, 80, 120 optional)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS C is a simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center designed for heavy-duty cutting in steel, titanium, and other demanding materials. Available in two sizes, the C-600 and C-700, the machine separates itself from the rest of the VARIAXIS family by offering significantly higher spindle power and torque options built for aggressive stock removal rather than high-speed finishing.

The C-600 handles workpieces up to 730 mm (28.7 in) diameter and 450 mm (17.7 in) height with 500 kg (1,102 lb) table load. The C-700 steps up to 850 mm (33.5 in) diameter, 500 mm (19.7 in) height, and 700 kg (1,543 lb) table load. Both share the trunnion-style rotary table with roller gear cam drives on A (+30 to -120 degrees) and C (360-degree continuous).

The standard spindle runs 12,000 RPM at 11 kW (15 hp) with 70 Nm (52 ft-lb) through a BIG-PLUS No.40 taper. The optional high-torque spindle at 15,000 RPM delivers 46 kW (62 hp) and 200 Nm (148 ft-lb) - No.50-level power through a No.40 interface. Two high-speed options at 18,000 RPM / 30 kW and 20,000 RPM / 42 kW cover aluminum and composites. The 20K option with 161 Nm is a serious dual-purpose spindle.

The MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC provides AI-driven thermal compensation and chatter suppression. Ai Thermal Shield monitors temperatures throughout the structure and compensates for thermal growth in real time. Full gantry construction without overhang provides symmetrical rigidity. Rapids hit 60 m/min on X/Y and 56 m/min on Z.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Models Available	C-600, C-700
X-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in) [C-600], 730 mm (28.7 in) [C-700]
Y-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in) [C-600], 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [C-700]
Z-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in) [C-600], 600 mm (23.6 in) [C-700]
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees continuous
Rotary Indexing	0.0001 degree increments
Spindle Speed Standard	12,000 RPM
Spindle Speed Options	15,000 / 18,000 / 20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS No.40
Spindle Power Standard	11 kW / 15 hp
Spindle Power High Torque	46 kW / 62 hp at 15,000 RPM
Spindle Torque Standard	70 Nm (52 ft-lb)
Spindle Torque High Torque	200 Nm (148 ft-lb)
Spindle Power High Speed	42 kW / 56 hp at 20,000 RPM
Spindle Torque High Speed	161 Nm (119 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	30 standard (40, 60, 80, 120 optional)
Max Workpiece Diameter	Φ28.74"
Max Workpiece Height	17.71"
Table Load Capacity	500 kg (1,102 lb) [C-600], 700 kg (1,543 lb) [C-700]
Rapid Traverse Xy	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	56 m/min (2,205 ipm)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC
Construction	Full gantry without overhang
Max Spindle Speed	12000 rpm
Output	11 kW (15 HP)
Torque	52 ft・lbs
Tool Shank	BT40
Model	VARIAXIS C-600
Max Workpiece Weight	1102 lb
C Chamfer	C110 mm
Pallet Size	Φ23.74" × 19.69"
Max Workpiece Size	Φ33.47" × 19.69"
Max Loading Weight	1102 lb
Max Spindle Speed	12000 min-1(rpm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

15K RPM high-torque spindle delivers 46 kW and 200 Nm through No.40 taper - No.50-class power in a smaller machine
Four spindle options from 12K to 20K RPM configure for heavy steel, high-speed aluminum, or dual-purpose work
SmoothAi with Ai Thermal Shield provides real-time thermal compensation during extended heavy-cutting cycles
Full gantry construction maintains accuracy during aggressive roughing that would deflect C-frame machines
700 kg table load on C-700 handles substantial steel and titanium workpieces
AI chatter suppression particularly valuable in hard metals where vibration impacts tool life and surface quality
Roller gear cam drives provide backlash-free 0.0001-degree indexing on both rotary axes

Limitations

Standard 12K/11 kW spindle underpowered for serious work; high-torque upgrade effectively mandatory
No.40 taper even with high-torque has inherent tool rigidity limits vs true No.50 machines
Standard 30-tool magazine needs upgrade for complex multi-operation parts
No No.50 taper option for maximum tool rigidity in hardened steels
Only two frame sizes available

Best For

Aerospace shops machining titanium and Inconel 5-axis parts needing high torque without a larger platform Die and mold shops cutting hardened tool steels with heavy stock removal and 5-axis access Defense manufacturers producing structural components in high-strength alloys Production shops running extended unmanned cycles in heat-generating materials Shops transitioning from 3-axis heavy machining to full 5-axis while maintaining aggressive cutting

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a VARIAXIS C cost?

New pricing typically $350,000-$550,000 depending on frame size, spindle, and automation. C-700 with 15K high-torque and two-pallet changer runs $425,000-$500,000. The 20K spindle adds roughly $25,000-$35,000.

02 VARIAXIS C vs VARIAXIS i?

C-series optimized for heavy-duty cutting with much higher spindle power/torque (46 kW/200 Nm vs typical 22 kW/72 Nm on i-series). C also gets SmoothAi standard vs Matrix 2 on non-NEO i-series. Choose C for hard metals, i for general-purpose.

03 Is the 15K high-torque spindle worth it?

For steel/titanium/Inconel, yes. Jump from 11 kW to 46 kW and 70 Nm to 200 Nm transforms the machine. Most C-series buyers spec the high-torque. The 20K RPM option is better for shops splitting aluminum and steel.

04 Can it handle die and mold?

Yes. High-torque spindle roughs P20 and H13 effectively. Full gantry maintains accuracy during heavy cuts. C-700 covers most medium-size die/mold. 18K/20K spindle options provide finishing surface speeds.

05 Automation options?

Both C-600 and C-700 accept two-pallet changers and integrate with PALLETECH. Upgrading to 80 or 120 tools extends unattended runtime.