Mazak VARIAXIS i-500

Est. $275,000 - $400,000 Specs verified 2026-10-02 · mazak.com Updated 2026-10-02

Key Specifications

X Travel

14 in (356 mm)

Y Travel

22 in (559 mm)

Z Travel

20 in (508 mm)

Max Spindle

12,000 rpm

Spindle Taper

CAT No.40

Tool Capacity

30 tools

How much does the Mazak VARIAXIS i-500 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$275,000 - $400,000

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-500 is a 5-axis machining center with a Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm) table, 14 in (356 mm) of X travel, 22 in (559 mm) of Y and 20 in (508 mm) of Z, and a 12,000 rpm CAT No.40 spindle. It weighs 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) and occupies 94 in (2,388 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm).

The comparison that explains the machine is with the VARIAXIS j-500, which has the same table size, the same travels and the same top speed. On every figure that governs output the i-500 is ahead: 15 kW (20 HP) continuous against 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous on the VARIAXIS j-500, rapids of 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) in X and Y against 1,181 ipm (30 m/min), a table load of 661 lb (300 kg) against 441 lb (200 kg), and 30 tools against 18. The step is in power, speed between cuts and tool count, not in envelope.

At 40% ED the spindle is rated 22 kW (30 HP) and 53 ft-lb (72 Nm), and continuous torque is 39 ft-lb (53 Nm). That supports productive milling in aluminium and moderate cuts in steel with tools up to Ø4 in (102 mm), or Ø5 in (127 mm) when the adjacent pockets are empty. Mazak describes the spindles of the VARIAXIS i series as built-in motor units with temperature-controlled cooling oil around the bearings and headstock.

The A axis tilts from -120° to +30°, and the largest workpiece is Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm). The spindle nose sits 2 in (51 mm) to 22 in (559 mm) from the table and tools can be 12 in (305 mm) long, so a tall part with a long tool needs checking in Z. Two notes from Mazak's series page apply here: the construction of the VARIAXIS i-500 differs from the full gantry construction of the rest of the series, and the MPP pallet pool is compatible with the VARIAXIS i-700T only.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm)
Max Workpiece Size	Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm)
Max Table Load	661 lb (300 kg)
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	30 tools
Max Tool Diameter (full magazine)	Ø4 in (102 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	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	2 in (51 mm) to 22 in (559 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	94 in (2,388 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm) (W × L, MAZATROL SmoothX)
Machine Height	117 in (2,972 mm)
Machine Weight	17,637 lb (8,000 kg)

Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-10-02

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

12,000 rpm spindle rated 15 kW (20 HP) continuous and 22 kW (30 HP) at 40% ED
Rapids of 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) in X and Y and 2,205 ipm (56 m/min) in Z, double the 1,181 ipm (30 m/min) of the VARIAXIS j-500
Table load of 661 lb (300 kg) on a Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm) table
30-tool magazine for tools up to 12 in (305 mm) long and 18 lb (8 kg)
Small installation: 94 in (2,388 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm) and 17,637 lb (8,000 kg)
MAZA-CHECK, described for the VARIAXIS i series, measures and compensates the centers of rotation of the C and A axes automatically

Limitations

X travel is 14 in (356 mm), the short axis, so long parts have to lie along Y
Workpiece height is limited to 13.78 in (350 mm)
Mazak notes that the i-500's construction differs from the full gantry construction of the other VARIAXIS i machines
The MPP pallet pool is compatible with the VARIAXIS i-700T only, so that automation route is closed here
Continuous torque of 39 ft-lb (53 Nm) limits large-diameter roughing in steel

Best For

Small 5-axis parts up to Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm) Multi-face machining in one chucking with a 30-tool magazine Aluminium and steel work that needs 15 kW (20 HP) continuous in a small footprint Shops with limited floor space: 94 in (2,388 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm)

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the VARIAXIS i-500 and the VARIAXIS j-500?

The two share the table, the travels and the 12,000 rpm speed. The VARIAXIS j-500 has 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous, 1,181 ipm (30 m/min) rapids, a 441 lb (200 kg) table load and 18 tools, and weighs 15,432 lb (7,000 kg). The i-500 has 15 kW (20 HP) continuous, 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) rapids in X and Y, a 661 lb (300 kg) table load and 30 tools.

02 What is the next size up from the VARIAXIS i-500?

The VARIAXIS i-600 NEO has a Ø23.62 in (600 mm) × 19.69 in (500 mm) table with a 1,102 lb (500 kg) load, travels of 20 in (508 mm), 36 in (914 mm) and 20 in (508 mm), and an 18,000 rpm spindle rated 26 kW (35 HP) continuous. The VARIAXIS i-600 NEO weighs 28,660 lb (13,000 kg), against 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) for the i-500.

03 How large and heavy a workpiece does the VARIAXIS i-500 take?

The maximum workpiece is Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm) and the table load is 661 lb (300 kg), fixture included. The A axis tilts from -120° to +30°, and the distance from spindle nose to table runs from 2 in (51 mm) to 22 in (559 mm).

04 What tools can the VARIAXIS i-500 magazine hold?

It holds 30 tools. A tool can be up to Ø4 in (102 mm) in diameter with the magazine full, or Ø5 in (127 mm) when the adjacent pockets are left empty, up to 12 in (305 mm) long and up to 18 lb (8 kg). The spindle taper listed in the table is CAT No.40.

05 Can the VARIAXIS i-500 be automated with pallets?

Mazak's VARIAXIS i series page describes a 2-pallet changer, which lets the next workpiece be set up while machining is in progress, and the PALLETECH system. It states that the MPP (MULTI PALLET POOL) is compatible with the VARIAXIS i-700T only. Ask Mazak which of the series options apply to the i-500, because its construction differs from the rest of the series.