Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 AWC

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

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.78 in)

Y Travel

550 mm (21.65 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.08 in)

Max Spindle

Standard

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS BT40 (HSK-A63 / HSK-F63 optional)

Tool Capacity

145 standard (expandable to 505)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i-300 AWC is a compact simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center built around unattended production of small, complex parts. Where most 5-axis machines require an operator standing by between setups, the i-300 ships with an integrated Auto Work Changer that holds up to 32 workpieces (expandable to 40), cycling parts in and out while the spindle keeps cutting.

Travel sits at 350 x 550 x 510 mm (13.8 x 21.7 x 20.1 in) on the linear axes. The trunnion table tilts -120 to +30 degrees on A and rotates 360 degrees continuous on C, indexing in 0.0001-degree increments. Table load capacity is 65 kg (143 lb) including the HSK-A100 work holder.

The standard spindle runs 12,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) and 72 Nm (53 ft-lb) through BIG-PLUS BT40. Optional spindles push to 18,000 RPM high-torque (35 kW / 134 Nm), 25,000 RPM HSK-A63, and 30,000 RPM HSK-F63 for aluminum and composites. Built-in motor construction with temperature-controlled coolant keeps thermal growth in check.

Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min with 0.7G acceleration. The standard tool magazine holds 145 tools in a stacked drum, expandable to 505 tools. The drum saves 35.6% floor space vs rack-type systems while covering diverse part mixes overnight.

The MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC with optional Smooth Ai Spindle detects and suppresses chatter automatically. Smooth AWC software handles scheduling through a 19-inch touchscreen. Competitors include the Makino DA300, Hermle C 250, and Matsuura MX-330. The i-300 differentiates on tool capacity and integrated AWC at a price point under most European alternatives.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.78 in)
Y-Axis Travel	550 mm (21.65 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.08 in)
A Axis Tilt	-120 to +30 degrees (150 total)
C Axis Rotation	360 degrees continuous
Rotary Indexing	0.0001 degree increments (A and C)
Max Spindle Speed	Standard
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS BT40 (HSK-A63 / HSK-F63 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW / 30 hp (40% ED)
Spindle Torque	72 Nm (53 ft-lb) at 40% ED
High Torque Option	35 kW / 47 hp, 134 Nm (99 ft-lb) at 18,000 RPM
Tool Capacity	145 standard (expandable to 505)
Awc Capacity	32 workpieces (expandable to 40)
Max Workpiece Diameter	350 mm (13.78 in)
Max Workpiece Height	315 mm (12.40 in)
Max Table Load	65 kg (143 lb) including work holder
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X, Y, Z
Acceleration	0.7G
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC
Coolant Capacity	1,100 L (290 gal)
12000 Min 1	18000 min-1
Output	22 kW (30 HP)
Max Torque	53 ft・lbs
Tool Shank	BIG-PLUS No.40
Clamp Interface	HSK-A100 holder
Max Spindle Speed	12000 min-1(rpm)
Max Workpiece Size	Φ13.78″ × 12.4″

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated 32-position AWC enables true lights-out production without third-party automation
145-tool standard magazine expandable to 505 covers diverse part mixes without intervention
60 m/min rapids with 0.7G acceleration keep non-cutting time low during 5-axis repositioning
Four spindle options from 12K to 30K RPM configure for steel cutting or high-speed aluminum
Smooth Ai Spindle with AI adaptive control automatically suppresses chatter
SmoothAi CNC with Smooth AWC software simplifies multi-part queue management
Compact footprint delivers high throughput per square foot vs larger 5-axis cells

Limitations

65 kg table load limits this to small parts; anything over 50 kg net weight will not fit
350 mm X travel restricts part size; compact envelope limits larger component work
AWC and multi-drum tool magazine add mechanical complexity requiring careful maintenance
AWC sensor sensitivity can cause false stops from excess light or coolant mist
Requires consistent high-volume small-part work to justify automation investment

Best For

Medical device manufacturers running lights-out production of implants and surgical instruments Aerospace shops machining small aluminum and titanium fittings and brackets in batch quantities Automotive suppliers producing complex sensor housings and turbocharger components Watch and precision instrument manufacturers requiring simultaneous 5-axis on small workpieces Job shops seeking unattended overnight and weekend production of diverse small-part mixes

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a VARIAXIS i-300 AWC cost?

New machines typically $350,000-$550,000 depending on spindle, tool magazine size, and AWC config. High-speed spindle options and expanded drums add significantly. Used 2018-2019 units appear at $180,000-$250,000.

02 How many parts can AWC run unattended?

Standard 32 workpieces on HSK-A100 holders, expandable to 40. Combined with up to 505 tools, shops can run diverse batches overnight or over weekends. Smooth AWC software handles scheduling across stocker positions.

03 Is it rigid enough for steel and titanium?

With the 18K high-torque spindle (35 kW, 134 Nm), it handles steel and Ti at moderate depths. Dual-support trunnion and roller guides provide good rigidity for small Ti/steel parts, not heavy roughing.

04 How does it compare to the Makino DA300?

DA300 has tighter out-of-box accuracy and stiffer spindle. VARIAXIS i-300 counters with higher tool capacity (145-505 vs 60-313), more AWC positions, and SmoothAi with AI chatter suppression. Choose DA300 for ultra-precision; i-300 for part variety and tool count.

05 How reliable is the AWC in practice?

Users report 2-3 months to dial in for reliable all-night operation, several more for full weekends. Sensor sensitivity to ambient light and coolant mist causes early stops. Once calibrated, the system runs consistently.