Mazak VARIAXIS i-600

$300,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

550 mm (21.65 in)

Y Travel

460 mm (18.11 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.08 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS No.40

Tool Capacity

30 (40, 80, 120 optional)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i-600 sits between the i-500 and i-700T in Mazak's flagship simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center lineup. It bridges the gap for shops that have outgrown the i-500's work envelope but do not need the i-700T's extended Y-axis reach, offering a 600 mm (23.62 in) diameter table and a balanced set of axis travels.

Axis travels measure 550 x 460 x 510 mm (21.65 x 18.11 x 20.08 in) on X, Y, and Z. The trunnion table tilts from -120 to +30 degrees on A and rotates 360 degrees continuously on C, driven by Mazak's roller gear cam system for backlash-free positioning. Maximum workpiece size is 600 mm (23.62 in) diameter by 400 mm (15.75 in) height with a table load capacity of 500 kg (1,102 lb).

The standard spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) through a BIG-PLUS No.40 taper. High-speed options push to 18,000 RPM for shops running predominantly aluminum and non-ferrous materials. The MX Hybrid Roller Guide System delivers rapid traverse rates of 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X/Y and 56 m/min (2,205 ipm) on Z.

A 30-tool ATC comes standard, with optional 40, 80, and 120-tool magazines for longer unattended runs. The MAZATROL Matrix 2 control supports both conversational Mazatrol and full ISO/G-code programming. At approximately 13,000 kg (28,660 lb), the machine provides solid vibration damping for consistent surface finishes.

The i-600 competes with machines like the DMG Mori DMU 60 eVo, Hermle C 400, and Okuma MU-5000V. With a two-pallet changer option and PALLETECH integration capability, the i-600 works equally well as a standalone cell or as part of a larger flexible manufacturing system. Pricing typically runs $300,000 to $450,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	550 mm (21.65 in)
Y-Axis Travel	460 mm (18.11 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.08 in)
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees (continuous)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS No.40
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Tool Capacity	30 (40, 80, 120 optional)
Table Diameter	600 mm (23.62 in)
Max Workpiece Size	Φ49.21″ × 35.43″
Table Load Capacity	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	56 m/min (2,205 ipm)
Machine Weight	13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL Matrix 2
Pallet Size	Φ41.34″
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	10000 mm-1(rpm)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

600 mm table diameter and 500 kg load capacity handle a wider range of mid-size parts than the smaller i-500 without jumping to the larger i-700T frame
Roller gear cam drive on both rotary axes eliminates backlash and reduces maintenance compared to worm gear designs on competing machines
BIG-PLUS No.40 dual-contact taper improves tool rigidity and repeatability over standard CAT 40 interfaces
60 m/min rapid traverse via MX Hybrid Roller Guide System keeps non-cutting time low during complex multi-surface machining
MAZATROL control supports both conversational and ISO programming, making it accessible to operators from different backgrounds
Two-pallet changer and PALLETECH integration available for production automation without major machine modifications

Limitations

460 mm Y-axis travel is adequate but falls well short of the i-700T's 1,100 mm, limiting elongated part capability
No.40 taper limits heavy roughing capacity compared to No.50 machines for aggressive steel and titanium removal
Standard 30-tool magazine fills quickly on complex multi-feature parts; upgrading to 80+ tools adds significant cost
Mazak proprietary control means no Siemens or Heidenhain option for shops standardized on those platforms

Best For

Aerospace shops machining mid-size brackets, fittings, and structural components requiring full 5-axis contouring Medical device manufacturers producing implants and surgical instruments larger than i-500 capacity Job shops needing a versatile 5-axis platform for mixed-material work across aluminum, steel, and titanium Mold and die shops machining mid-size cores and cavities with complex 3D contoured surfaces Production cells pairing the i-600 with PALLETECH automation for unattended multi-part 5-axis manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak VARIAXIS i-600 cost?

New VARIAXIS i-600 pricing typically runs $300,000 to $450,000 depending on spindle configuration, ATC size, and automation. Base machines with 12K spindle and 30-tool ATC start around $300,000. Adding the 18K spindle, 80-tool magazine, and two-pallet changer approaches $450,000. Used machines appear on the secondary market around $130,000-$220,000.

02 What is the difference between the i-500, i-600, and i-700T?

The three machines share the same architecture but scale up in work envelope. The i-500 has a 500 mm table for small parts. The i-600 steps up to 600 mm with higher load capacity. The i-700T jumps to a 700 mm pallet with 1,100 mm Y-axis travel for long aerospace brackets. Choose based on your largest common workpiece size.

03 Is the i-600 available as a NEO version?

Yes. The VARIAXIS i-600 NEO upgrades to the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC with AI-based spindle vibration detection and thermal compensation. The physical platform and work envelope remain the same. The NEO commands a 10-15% premium over the Matrix 2 version.

04 Can the i-600 be automated?

Yes. An optional two-pallet changer provides basic unattended operation. Full PALLETECH integration enables multi-pallet, multi-machine flexible manufacturing. Upgrading to the 80 or 120-tool magazine extends the range of parts you can run without operator intervention.