Mazak VARIAXIS i-700
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Mazak VARIAXIS i-700 is a full simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center built for multi-surface work on mid-to-large parts. It sits in the middle of Mazak's VARIAXIS i-Series lineup, between the smaller i-500 and the larger i-800T, and has been a go-to platform in aerospace, automotive, and medical shops since its introduction around 2012.
The standout number on this machine is the 1,100 mm (43.3 in) Y-axis stroke. Combined with 630 mm (24.8 in) on X and 600 mm (23.6 in) on Z, you get a work envelope that handles parts up to 850 mm (33.5 in) diameter and 500 mm (19.7 in) tall. That Y-axis reach is genuinely unusual for a trunnion-style 5-axis in this class. Most competitors top out around 500-600 mm. The extra stroke lets you run long aerospace brackets, manifolds, and structural parts that would otherwise require a larger-frame machine.
The rotary/tilt table uses Mazak's roller gear cam drive on both the A-axis (+30 to -120 degrees) and C-axis (360-degree continuous). Roller gear cam eliminates backlash without the maintenance headaches of worm gear designs, and dual-supported construction keeps the table rigid under heavy loads. Table load capacity is 600 kg (1,323 lb), which covers the vast majority of 5-axis work.
The standard spindle runs at 18,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) through a #40 taper. That's a solid all-around configuration for mixed material work. The compact spindle nose design maximizes Z-axis stroke and lets you run shorter tools for better rigidity. For heavier cutting, Mazak offers 12,000 RPM high-torque options. On the NEO version, high-speed options go up to 20,000 RPM.
Mazak's MX Hybrid Roller Guide System on all three linear axes provides a good balance of rigidity and speed. Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X/Y and 56 m/min (2,205 ipm) on Z. The standard 30-tool ATC keeps things simple, with optional 40, 80, and 120-tool magazines for longer unattended runs.
The original i-700 ships with the MAZATROL Matrix 2 control, which handles both Mazatrol conversational programming and full ISO/G-code. The updated NEO version gets the SmoothAi control with AI-based spindle vibration detection. At roughly 15,000 kg (33,000 lb), the machine is heavy enough to absorb chatter during aggressive cuts without needing an oversized foundation. Automation options include a two-pallet changer and integration with Mazak's PALLETECH flexible manufacturing system for lights-out production.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 630 mm (24.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30° to -120° |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 18,000 RPM (optional 12,000 RPM high-torque) |
| Spindle Taper | #40 (BT40 / CAT40) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22 kW (30 hp) |
| Tool Capacity | 30 (40, 80, 120 optional) |
| Max Tool Diameter | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Max Tool Length | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 8 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Table Size | 700 x 500 mm (27.6 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 850 mm dia x 500 mm H (33.5 x 19.7 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 600 kg (1,323 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Xy | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 56 m/min (2,205 ipm) |
| Machine Weight | 15,000 kg (33,069 lb) |
| Floor Space | 4,455 x 2,400 mm (175.4 x 94.5 in) |
| CNC Control | MAZATROL Matrix 2 (SmoothAi on NEO version) |
Specifications sourced from mazakusa.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,100 mm Y-axis travel is significantly longer than most competing 5-axis trunnion machines in this table-size class, opening up work on longer aerospace and structural parts
- Roller gear cam drive on both rotary axes eliminates backlash and reduces maintenance compared to worm gear designs while maintaining positioning accuracy
- Dual-supported trunnion table handles 600 kg loads without deflection, keeping accuracy consistent during heavy roughing passes
- MX Hybrid Roller Guide System on all linear axes balances vibration damping with high rapid traverse rates of 60 m/min
- MAZATROL control supports both conversational and full ISO/G-code programming, reducing the learning curve for operators coming from either background
- Automation-ready design integrates with two-pallet changer or PALLETECH system for lights-out production without major retrofitting
- 18,000 RPM standard spindle with compact nose design handles aluminum high-speed work while the optional 12K high-torque spindle covers steel and titanium roughing
Limitations
- #40 taper limits heavy-duty roughing capacity compared to #50 taper machines like the Okuma MU-5000V or larger Makino horizontals
- Standard 30-tool magazine is tight for complex multi-feature parts; upgrading to 80 or 120 tools adds significant cost
- 15,000 kg machine weight requires solid floor preparation and makes shop floor rearrangement expensive
- Mazak proprietary control means no Siemens or Heidenhain option for shops standardized on those platforms
- Two-pallet changer reduces max workpiece diameter from 850 mm to 730 mm (28.7 in), which may constrain some larger parts
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New VARIAXIS i-700 pricing typically runs between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on spindle configuration, tool magazine size, and automation options. Adding a two-pallet changer or PALLETECH integration pushes the price higher. The updated NEO version with SmoothAi control commands a premium over the original Matrix 2 models. Used i-700 machines from the 2013-2018 era appear on the secondary market in the $150,000-$250,000 range depending on hours, condition, and options.
02
The i-700 is a substantially larger machine. Its 1,100 mm Y-axis travel dwarfs the DMU 50's 520 mm, and it handles workpieces up to 850 mm diameter versus roughly 630 mm on the DMU 50. The i-700 also has a higher table load capacity at 600 kg. The DMU 50 offers Siemens and Heidenhain control options and comes in at a lower price point around $250,000. For smaller parts and general-purpose 5-axis, the DMU 50 makes sense. For larger aerospace and structural work, the i-700 has the reach.
03
The NEO version is the updated model with Mazak's SmoothAi control replacing the older Matrix 2. SmoothAi adds AI-based spindle vibration detection that automatically adjusts machining conditions for better surface finish. The physical platform, axis travels, and work envelope are essentially the same. The NEO also gets enhanced cooling on the rotary axes for better sustained accuracy during long cycles.
04
Yes. Pair it with the optional two-pallet changer for basic unattended operation with off-cycle part loading. For full lights-out production, integrate with Mazak's PALLETECH flexible manufacturing system, which can feed the machine continuously across shifts. Upgrading to the 80 or 120-tool magazine extends the range of parts you can run without operator intervention.
05
The standard 18K RPM spindle handles titanium finishing well, but for heavy roughing in titanium you want the 12,000 RPM high-torque spindle option. The #40 taper is the limiting factor here. You won't match the material removal rates of a #50 taper machine or a dedicated horizontal, but for complex 5-axis titanium parts within the work envelope, the i-700's rigid trunnion and 600 kg table load make it a capable platform.
Videos
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Community Discussions
Community discussion — Our new Mazak Variaxis i-700t. Dummying a turning ... - Reddit
Owner experience and review — Stepping up to a Mazak Variaxis... how do I Mazak ... - Reddit
Community discussion — Got a job where they have a mazak machine… they don’t know ...
Owner experience and review — Experience with Mazak? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
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