Mazak Variaxis C-500

$250,000 - $380,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

550 mm (21.7 in)

Y Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Z Travel

475 mm (18.7 in)

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 (BT 40 optional)

Tool Capacity

30 tools (48 optional)

Spindle Power

18.5 kW (25 hp)

Overview

The Mazak Variaxis C-500 is Mazak's entry-level 5-axis machining center, designed to make simultaneous 5-axis machining accessible to shops stepping up from 3-axis or 3+2 VMCs. The C-series positions below the full-spec Variaxis i-series in capability and price, providing genuine 5-axis contouring in a compact, affordable platform that opens the door to aerospace, medical, and complex mold work without the investment required for the top-tier Variaxis models.

The spindle delivers 18.5 kW (25 hp) at 12,000 RPM through a CAT 40 taper (BT 40 available), with a high-speed 15,000 RPM option. The trunnion-style rotary tilting table provides the A-axis (tilting, +30 to -120 degrees) and C-axis (360-degree continuous rotation), enabling full simultaneous 5-axis interpolation. The 500 mm (19.7 in) diameter table accepts workpieces up to 500 mm diameter and 350 mm (13.8 in) tall with a maximum table load of 300 kg (661 lb).

Linear axis travels span 550 mm (21.7 in) on X, 510 mm (20.1 in) on Y, and 475 mm (18.7 in) on Z. Rapids hit 42 m/min on all linear axes. The standard 30-tool ATC with servo arm-type tool changer provides fast chip-to-chip times. Through-spindle coolant at 20 bar standard (70 bar optional) handles deep-hole operations and pocket chip evacuation.

The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC supports full 5-axis simultaneous programming with tool center point control (RTCP), 3D tool compensation, and collision avoidance. The machine weighs approximately 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) with a compact footprint of roughly 2.8 x 2.8 meters. Competitors include the DMG Mori CMX 50 U, Hermle C 250, Okuma MU-4000V, and Haas UMC-500. New machines price between $250,000 and $380,000, with limited used availability as the C-series is relatively recent.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	550 mm (21.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	475 mm (18.7 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -120°
C Axis Rotation	360° continuous
Table Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Height	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Table Load	300 kg (661 lb)
Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Motor Power	18.5 kW (25 hp)
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 (BT 40 optional)
Tool Capacity	30 tools (48 optional)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Through Spindle Coolant	20 bar (70 bar optional)
Machine Weight	6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Entry-level pricing for genuine simultaneous 5-axis capability makes 5-axis machining accessible to shops that cannot justify the $400K+ Variaxis i-series investment
Compact 2.8 x 2.8 meter footprint fits into existing shop layouts without major floor space reallocation, ideal for shops adding their first 5-axis machine
Trunnion-style table provides excellent rigidity and accessibility for fixturing compared to swivel-head 5-axis designs, simplifying workholding for new 5-axis users
MAZATROL SmoothG with RTCP, 3D tool compensation, and collision avoidance reduces the learning curve for shops transitioning from 3-axis to 5-axis programming
42 m/min rapids on all axes and fast tool changes keep non-cutting time short for competitive cycle times on production parts
500 mm table diameter and 300 kg load capacity handle the majority of 5-axis medical implants, aerospace brackets, and complex mold components

Limitations

300 kg table load limits workpiece weight — heavier steel and titanium parts may require a larger platform like the Variaxis i-600 or i-700
12,000 RPM CAT 40 spindle is adequate but not exceptional — shops doing primarily aluminum aerospace work may want the 15,000 RPM upgrade or a machine with a faster standard spindle
550 mm X-travel and 475 mm Z-travel are compact — parts requiring longer reaches or deeper Z-axis work need a larger 5-axis machine
Entry-level positioning means some advanced features available on the i-series (like high-speed HSK spindle, expanded tool magazine, and pallet changer) may not be available or are limited
5-axis CAM software investment ($15,000-$50,000) and programmer training must be factored into the total cost of entry — the machine alone is not the full investment

Best For

Job shops adding their first 5-axis machine to expand capability into aerospace, medical, and complex mold work without a massive capital commitment Medical device manufacturers machining knee and hip implants, spinal cages, and surgical instruments from titanium and cobalt-chrome in a compact 5-axis platform Aerospace subcontractors producing structural brackets, fittings, and airframe components with complex compound-angle features requiring simultaneous 5-axis access Mold and die shops machining complex mold inserts, cores, and cavities with undercuts and compound surfaces that benefit from 5-axis tool access for shorter tools and better finish Educational institutions and technical colleges adding affordable 5-axis training capability for workforce development programs

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak Variaxis C-500 cost?

Base Variaxis C-500 configurations start around $250,000. Production-ready setups with high-speed spindle, high-pressure coolant, expanded tool magazine, probing package, and chip management typically run $320,000-$380,000. As a relatively recent model, used C-500 machines are limited but expect $160,000-$250,000 when available.

02 What is the difference between the Variaxis C-500 and i-500?

The i-500 is Mazak's full-spec 5-axis platform with higher spindle speeds (standard HSK options), larger tool magazines, pallet changer options, and more powerful spindles. The C-500 is the entry-level version at a lower price point. The i-500 targets dedicated 5-axis production shops, while the C-500 suits shops adding 5-axis capability alongside existing 3-axis machines. Price difference is typically $80,000-$150,000 for comparable spindle configurations.

03 How does the Variaxis C-500 compare to the Haas UMC-500?

Both are entry-level 5-axis machines with 500 mm tables. The Variaxis C-500 offers the MAZATROL SmoothG control with more advanced 5-axis programming support, higher build quality, and Mazak's service network. The Haas UMC-500 is significantly cheaper (starting under $200,000) with the familiar Haas NGC control. For budget-conscious shops, the Haas wins on price; for shops valuing control sophistication and build quality, the Mazak justifies its premium.

04 What CAM software do I need for the Variaxis C-500?

Any major CAM system supporting simultaneous 5-axis machining works: Mastercam, NX, CATIA, hyperMILL, GibbsCAM, and Fusion 360 (Manufacturing extension). You will need a 5-axis post processor configured for the Variaxis C-500's trunnion kinematics. Budget $15,000-$50,000 for CAM software with 5-axis capability. MAZATROL conversational programming handles simpler 3+2 positioning work without CAM, which is useful for indexed 5-axis operations.