Mazak VARIAXIS C
Image: mazak.com, Yamazaki Mazak
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
How much does the Mazak VARIAXIS C cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a 5-axis machining center in this class — not a quote from Yamazaki Mazak. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Mazak VARIAXIS C series is a two-model family of 5-axis machining centers with a tilting rotary table: the VARIAXIS C-600 and the VARIAXIS C-700. Both list a CAT No.40 spindle at 12,000 rpm, a 30-tool magazine and 21 in (533 mm) of Z travel. X runs from 26 in (660 mm) to 34 in (864 mm), Y from 22 in (559 mm) to 24 in (610 mm) and table load from 1,102 lb (500 kg) to 1,543 lb (700 kg).
The VARIAXIS C-600 is the lower end of each range: 26 in (660 mm) of X, 22 in (559 mm) of Y, a Ø23.62 in (600 mm) × 19.69 in (500 mm) table rated for 1,102 lb (500 kg), and a machine weight of 22,046 lb (10,000 kg). What the series adds above that is travel and load, up to 24,691 lb (11,200 kg) of machine. Spindle, tool limits and the 1,654 ipm (42 m/min) rapids on X, Y and Z are the same throughout, so the choice between the two is a question of part size and fixture weight.
The table tilts on a B-axis from -30° to +120° and is supported at two ends. Mazak fits roller gear cams on the B- and C-axis and says they eliminate backlash. Tilting past the upright position on one side lets the tool reach features that slope back under the part, which matters for undercuts and for five-sided work in one clamping.
The spindle in the table is a light one: 11 kW (15 HP) continuous, with 42 ft-lb (57 Nm) continuous torque and 52 ft-lb (71 Nm) (40% ED). Mazak states that a range of spindles is offered, from high-speed aluminium cutting to stainless steel, nickel and titanium. Its published cutting test used a 15000 rpm high-torque spindle and a Ø3.15 in face mill in S45C at 995 rpm and 61 IPM. Read that result as belonging to that spindle.
Automation is where the series is broad. A 2-pallet changer is optional, a multi-pallet changer system is offered, and the MPP pallet stocker comes in 6, 12 and 18 pallet capacities that Mazak says can be added after installation. The control is MAZATROL SmoothAi.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Models in Series | 2 models: VARIAXIS C-600, VARIAXIS C-700 |
| Max Table Load | 1,102 lb (500 kg) to 1,543 lb (700 kg) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT No.40 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm |
| Spindle Torque Intermittent | 52 ft-lb (71 Nm) (40% ED) |
| Spindle Torque | 42 ft-lb (57 Nm) continuous |
| Spindle Power Intermittent | 11 kW (15 HP) (40% ED) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (15 HP) continuous |
| Tool Capacity | 30 tools |
| Max Tool Diameter (full magazine) | Ø3 in (76 mm) |
| Max Tool Diameter (adjacent pockets empty) | Ø5 in (127 mm) |
| Max Tool Length | 12 in (305 mm) |
| Max Tool Weight | 18 lb (8 kg) |
| X-Axis Travel | 26 in (660 mm) to 34 in (864 mm) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 22 in (559 mm) to 24 in (610 mm) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 21 in (533 mm) |
| B Axis Range | -30° - +120° |
| Rapid Traverse X | 1,654 ipm (42 m/min) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 1,654 ipm (42 m/min) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 1,654 ipm (42 m/min) |
| Machine Height | 120 in (3,048 mm) to 126 in (3,200 mm) |
| Machine Weight | 22,046 lb (10,000 kg) to 24,691 lb (11,200 kg) |
Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-10-02
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- B-axis tilt from -30° to +120° on a tilting rotary table supported at two ends
- Roller gear cams on the B- and C-axis, which Mazak says eliminate backlash
- 1,654 ipm (42 m/min) rapid traverse on X, Y and Z across the series
- Automation choices include an optional 2-pallet changer and an MPP stocker in 6, 12 and 18 pallet capacities
- MAZA-CHECK measures and compensates the position and inclination of the rotary axes automatically
- 30 tools up to Ø3 in (76 mm), or Ø5 in (127 mm) with adjacent pockets empty
Limitations
- The listed spindle is 11 kW (15 HP) continuous with 42 ft-lb (57 Nm) continuous torque, light for roughing steel
- Table load stops at 1,543 lb (700 kg) at the top of the series, fixture included
- Tools are limited to 12 in (305 mm) in length and 18 lb (8 kg)
- The series table lists 30 tools and no larger magazine
- The 2-pallet changer and the RMP600 wireless touch probe are optional equipment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Size. The VARIAXIS C-600 has 26 in (660 mm) of X and 22 in (559 mm) of Y, a Ø23.62 in (600 mm) × 19.69 in (500 mm) table, a 1,102 lb (500 kg) table load and a weight of 22,046 lb (10,000 kg). The series ranges reach 34 in (864 mm) of X, 24 in (610 mm) of Y, 1,543 lb (700 kg) and 24,691 lb (11,200 kg). Z travel of 21 in (533 mm), the spindle and the tool magazine are shared.
02
The series table lists a CAT No.40 spindle at 12,000 rpm with 11 kW (15 HP) continuous, 42 ft-lb (57 Nm) continuous torque and 52 ft-lb (71 Nm) (40% ED). Mazak says other spindles can be selected to suit the material, covering high-speed aluminium work and heavier cutting in steel, and it shows a test made with a 15000 rpm high-torque spindle.
03
With the 15000 rpm high-torque spindle and a Ø3.15 in face mill with 6 teeth, cutting S45C at 995 rpm, a feedrate of 61 IPM and a 0.23 in depth of cut, Mazak reports a material removal rate of 581 cm³/min. The result applies to that spindle and should not be assumed for the 12,000 rpm spindle in the table.
04
Mazak lists a 2-pallet changer as an option, an expandable multi-pallet changer system, a robot and hydraulic or pneumatic fixtures. The MPP (MULTI PALLET POOL) is a multi-stage pallet stocker with 6, 12 and 18 pallet capacities that can be chosen after initial installation. Mazak states that pallet size, workpiece size and load on the multi-pallet system match the 2-pallet changer specification.
05
The VARIAXIS i-700T has a 1,543 lb (700 kg) table load, the same as the top of the C series, with 25 in (635 mm) of X, 43 in (1,092 mm) of Y and 24 in (610 mm) of Z, an 18,000 rpm spindle and a weight of 35,273 lb (16,000 kg). The C series is lighter, at 22,046 lb (10,000 kg) to 24,691 lb (11,200 kg), and lists 12,000 rpm.
06
Mazak describes MAZA-CHECK, which measures and compensates misalignment and inclination of the rotary axes automatically; the wireless touch probe RMP600 it works with is optional equipment. Ai Thermal Shield adjusts for spindle speed and machine temperature to hold the cutting edge position during continuous machining.
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