Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 AWC
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 i-300 AWC 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 i-300 AWC is a small 5-axis machining center delivered as an automation cell: an Auto Work Changer with a 32-position work stocker and a 145-tool magazine are part of the machine as listed. Travels are 14 in (356 mm) in X, 22 in (559 mm) in Y and 20 in (508 mm) in Z, under a 12,000 rpm CAT No.40 spindle.
The changer works to a schedule. Material stored in the work stocker is carried into the machine, and once machining is complete it is removed and put back, one job after another in the order that was set. After installation the stocker can be expanded from 32 to 40 positions. What the loader can carry defines the cell: the work holder is Ø5 in (127 mm), the largest workpiece is Ø13.78 in (350 mm) × 12.40 in (315 mm), and the 143 lb (65 kg) limit includes the work holder.
The cutting side matches the VARIAXIS i-500, with identical travels and a spindle rated 15 kW (20 HP) continuous and 39 ft-lb (53 Nm) continuous. Everything else is arranged for running unattended. The VARIAXIS i-500 has 30 tools and a 661 lb (300 kg) table load, where this machine has 145 tools and moves 143 lb (65 kg) per work holder. The AWC version weighs 28,660 lb (13,000 kg), against 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) for the VARIAXIS i-500, and occupies 135 in (3,429 mm) × 156 in (3,962 mm).
Smooth AWC, the setup management and automatic operation software, is standard and runs inside the MAZATROL SmoothAi control on a 19-inch touch panel. It shows the status of the whole AWC system, the production schedule and a list of missing and unnecessary tools, and it displays setup instructions during automatic operation. At 40% ED the spindle is rated 22 kW (30 HP) and 53 ft-lb (72 Nm).
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Size | Ø13.78 in (350 mm) × 12.40 in (315 mm) |
| Table Work Holder Diameter | Ø5 in (127 mm) |
| Max Table Load | 143 lb (65 kg) |
| Table Work Stocker | 32 |
| Spindle Taper | CAT No.40 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm |
| Spindle Torque Intermittent | 53 ft-lb (72 Nm) (40% ED) |
| Spindle Torque | 39 ft-lb (53 Nm) continuous |
| Spindle Power Intermittent | 22 kW (30 HP) (40% ED) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 HP) continuous |
| Tool Capacity | 145 tools |
| Max Tool Diameter (full magazine) | Ø4 in (102 mm) |
| Max Tool Diameter (adjacent pockets empty) | Ø5 in (127 mm) |
| Max Tool Length | 14 in (356 mm) |
| Max Tool Weight | 18 lb (8 kg) |
| X-Axis Travel | 14 in (356 mm) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 22 in (559 mm) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 20 in (508 mm) |
| A Axis Range | -120° - +30° |
| Spindle Nose to Table | 4 in (102 mm) to 24 in (610 mm) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 2,205 ipm (56 m/min) |
| Floor Space Required | 135 in (3,429 mm) × 156 in (3,962 mm) (W × L, MAZATROL SmoothAi) |
| Machine Height | 117 in (2,972 mm) |
| Machine Weight | 28,660 lb (13,000 kg) |
Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-10-02
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Auto Work Changer with a 32-position work stocker, expandable to 40 after the initial installation
- 145-tool magazine, against 30 tools on the VARIAXIS i-500
- Smooth AWC scheduling and setup software is standard and built into the MAZATROL SmoothAi control
- Rapids of 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) in X and Y and 2,205 ipm (56 m/min) in Z
- A-axis tilt of -120° to +30° on parts up to Ø13.78 in (350 mm) × 12.40 in (315 mm)
Limitations
- The loader carries 143 lb (65 kg) including the work holder, far below the 661 lb (300 kg) table load of the VARIAXIS i-500
- The work holder is Ø5 in (127 mm) in diameter, so every part needs a fixture built on that small base
- Takes 135 in (3,429 mm) × 156 in (3,962 mm) of floor and weighs 28,660 lb (13,000 kg) for a 14 in (356 mm) X travel
- Continuous spindle torque is 39 ft-lb (53 Nm), which limits heavy roughing in steel
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
AWC is Mazak's Auto Work Changer. Materials stored in the work stocker are carried into the machine by a loader that moves vertically, moves horizontally and rotates. After machining they are removed and stored in the stocker again. Loading and unloading follow the set schedule in sequence, so the machine keeps cutting without an operator at the loading station.
02
The work stocker is listed with 32 positions. Mazak states that after the initial installation it can be expanded from 32 to 40, depending on production. The tool magazine holds 145 tools, so a full stocker of different jobs can usually be covered without changing tools by hand.
03
The maximum workpiece is Ø13.78 in (350 mm) × 12.40 in (315 mm). The transportable weight is 143 lb (65 kg), and Mazak states that this includes the work holder, whose diameter is Ø5 in (127 mm). Subtract the weight of the holder and fixture to find the real limit for the part.
04
The VARIAXIS i-500 has the same 14 in (356 mm), 22 in (559 mm) and 20 in (508 mm) travels and the same 15 kW (20 HP) continuous, 12,000 rpm spindle, with 30 tools, a 661 lb (300 kg) table load and a weight of 17,637 lb (8,000 kg). The AWC machine adds the work changer, the stocker and 145 tools, and weighs 28,660 lb (13,000 kg).
05
Smooth AWC is the setup management and automatic operation software for the VARIAXIS i-300 AWC, incorporated in the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC and listed as standard. On a 19-inch touch panel it shows a system monitoring screen, the production schedule and a list of missing and unnecessary tools, and it displays setup instructions during automatic operation.
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