Mazak VARIAXIS i

$300,000 - $700,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 900 mm (35.4 in) [i-1050]

Y Travel

560 mm (22.0 in) [i-500] to 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [i-1050]

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 750 mm (29.5 in) [i-1050]

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM [i-500], 18,000 RPM [i-700T], 10,000 RPM [i-800T/i-1050]

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS No.40 [i-500], CAT No.40 [i-700T], CAT No.50 [i-800T/i-1050]

Tool Capacity

30 standard (40, 80, 120 optional)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i series is the workhorse of Mazak's simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center lineup, spanning five models from the compact i-500 to the large-envelope i-1050. The series splits into standard milling-only machines (i-500, i-1050) and turning-capable T variants (i-700T, i-800T, i-1050T) that add C-axis turning to the 5-axis milling platform, effectively combining a VMC and a lathe in one setup.

The i-500 sits at the entry point with a 500 mm (19.7 in) diameter table, 12,000 RPM standard spindle, and BIG-PLUS No.40 taper. At the other end, the i-1050 handles workpieces up to 1,250 mm (49.2 in) diameter and 900 mm (35.4 in) height on a BIG-PLUS No.50 taper spindle running 10,000 RPM.

The T variants add a rotary table capable of turning operations, letting shops machine a part in one chucking that would otherwise bounce between a 5-axis mill and a lathe. The i-700T runs an 18,000 RPM CAT No.40 spindle with turning capability on parts up to 850 mm diameter. The i-800T steps up to CAT No.50 at 10,000 RPM.

All VARIAXIS i machines share full gantry construction without overhang. Mazak's roller gear cam drives on both the A-axis (+30 to -120 degrees) and C-axis (360-degree continuous) eliminate backlash without worm gear wear. The MX Hybrid Roller Guide System provides rapid traverse up to 60 m/min (2,362 ipm). MAZA-CHECK automatic 5-axis calibration uses a precision sphere and touch probe to measure and compensate rotary axis geometry errors.

Automation integration is a core design principle. All models accept two-pallet changers and integrate with PALLETECH flexible manufacturing systems. The MAZATROL Matrix 2 control handles both conversational Mazatrol programming and full ISO G-code.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Models Available	i-500, i-1050, i-700T, i-800T, i-1050T
X-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 900 mm (35.4 in) [i-1050]
Y-Axis Travel	560 mm (22.0 in) [i-500] to 1,050 mm (41.3 in) [i-1050]
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in) [i-500] to 750 mm (29.5 in) [i-1050]
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees continuous
Rotary Indexing	0.0001 degree increments
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM [i-500], 18,000 RPM [i-700T], 10,000 RPM [i-800T/i-1050]
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS No.40 [i-500], CAT No.40 [i-700T], CAT No.50 [i-800T/i-1050]
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW / 30 hp [No.40], 30 kW / 40 hp [No.50]
Tool Capacity	30 standard (40, 80, 120 optional)
Max Workpiece Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in) [i-500] to 1,250 mm (49.2 in) [i-1050]
Max Workpiece Height	350 mm (13.8 in) [i-500] to 900 mm (35.4 in) [i-1050]
Table Load Capacity	400 kg (882 lb) [i-500] to 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) [i-1050]
Rapid Traverse Xy	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	56 m/min (2,205 ipm)
CNC Control	MAZATROL Matrix 2
Construction	Full gantry without overhang
Calibration	MAZA-CHECK automatic 5-axis calibration
Pallet Size	Φ41.34″
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	10000 mm-1(rpm)
Max Workpiece Size	Φ49.21″ × 35.43″

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Five model range from i-500 to i-1050 covers 500 mm to 1,250 mm diameter workpieces on one proven platform
T variants integrate turning with 5-axis milling, eliminating secondary lathe operations
Full gantry construction distributes loads symmetrically for sustained accuracy
MAZA-CHECK automatic 5-axis calibration keeps rotary axis geometry in spec without manual intervention
Roller gear cam drives provide backlash-free positioning with lower maintenance than worm gears
Automation-ready with two-pallet changer and PALLETECH integration across all models
MAZATROL Matrix 2 supports conversational and ISO G-code programming

Limitations

Matrix 2 control lacks AI chatter suppression of the newer SmoothAi on NEO models
Standard 30-tool magazine limiting for complex parts; 80+ tool options add significant cost
No Siemens or Heidenhain control option
No.40 taper on i-500 and i-700T limits heavy roughing in hardened steels
T variant turning adds complexity and maintenance requirements

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers machining complex structural parts requiring simultaneous 5-axis Shops needing combined mill-turn capability (i-700T, i-800T, i-1050T) Die and mold shops requiring 5-axis access for deep cavities on medium-to-large molds Production cells using PALLETECH for unattended multi-part manufacturing Job shops seeking a standardized 5-axis platform across multiple frame sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak VARIAXIS i cost?

Pricing ranges from about $300,000 for a base i-500 to over $700,000 for a fully optioned i-1050T with PALLETECH. The i-700T in 2-pallet config runs $400,000-$550,000. Used 2012-2018 machines trade at $150,000-$350,000.

02 VARIAXIS i vs T variants?

T variants (i-700T, i-800T, i-1050T) add turning capability. The rotary table spins at turning speeds for OD/ID turning, facing, and grooving without moving to a separate lathe.

03 VARIAXIS i vs NEO?

NEO has SmoothAi control with AI chatter suppression and thermal compensation. Standard i uses Matrix 2. For lights-out production, NEO is worth the premium. For attended ops with skilled operators, Matrix 2 is capable.

04 How does MAZA-CHECK work?

Uses a precision sphere on the table and a touch probe in the spindle to measure rotary axis geometry errors across multiple positions, then automatically applies compensation. Takes about 15-20 minutes.

05 Largest part capacity?

The i-1050/i-1050T handles workpieces up to 1,250 mm (49.2 in) diameter and 900 mm (35.4 in) height with 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) table load. No.50 taper provides the torque for productive cuts.