Mazak VARIAXIS i-700 NEO
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Mazak VARIAXIS i-700 NEO is the AI-enhanced version of Mazak's most popular mid-size 5-axis platform, combining the i-700T's proven work envelope with the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC. It retains the signature 1,100 mm Y-axis stroke and roller gear cam trunnion table while adding AI-driven spindle vibration detection and thermal compensation for improved unmanned operation.
Axis travels measure 730 x 1,050 x 600 mm (28.7 x 41.3 x 23.6 in) on X, Y, and Z — slightly different from the non-NEO i-700T due to updated gantry geometry. The trunnion table tilts from -120 to +30 degrees on A and rotates 360 degrees continuously on C, with roller gear cam drives providing 0.0001-degree indexing on both axes. Maximum workpiece size is 850 mm (33.46 in) diameter by 500 mm (19.69 in) height, with a pallet measuring 700 x 500 mm (27.56 x 19.69 in).
The standard spindle runs at 18,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) through a BIG-PLUS No.40 taper, confirmed by Mazak's published product specifications. High-speed options push to 20,000 RPM. High-torque 12,000 RPM configurations are available for steel and titanium. The built-in motor with core cooling maintains thermal stability during extended production runs.
The SmoothAi CNC's Smooth Ai Spindle feature monitors vibration in real time and automatically adjusts spindle speed and feed to suppress chatter without operator intervention. Ai Thermal Shield compensates for thermal growth during lights-out shifts. Full gantry construction without overhang distributes cutting loads symmetrically.
A 30-tool ATC is standard with 40, 80, and 120-tool options. Rapid traverse hits 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) on X/Y. Table load capacity is 500 kg (1,102 lb). The machine integrates with two-pallet changers and PALLETECH. Pricing runs $400,000 to $550,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 730 mm (28.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 1,050 mm (41.3 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30 to -120 degrees |
| C Axis Range | 360 degrees (continuous) |
| Rotary Indexing | 0.0001 degree increments |
| Max Spindle Speed | 18,000 RPM (20,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | BIG-PLUS No.40 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22 kW (30 hp) |
| Spindle Drive | Built-in motor with core cooling |
| Tool Capacity | 30 (40, 80, 120 optional) |
| Pallet Size | 700 x 500 mm (27.56 x 19.69 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 850 mm dia x 500 mm H (33.46 x 19.69 in) |
| 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) |
| Construction | Full gantry without overhang |
| CNC Control | MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC |
Specifications sourced from mazakusa.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- SmoothAi with AI spindle vibration detection automatically suppresses chatter during unmanned cycles for consistent surface finish
- 1,050 mm Y-axis travel accommodates elongated aerospace brackets and structural parts that competitors in this class cannot handle
- Roller gear cam drives with 0.0001-degree indexing on both rotary axes ensure backlash-free accuracy during simultaneous 5-axis contouring
- Ai Thermal Shield compensates for thermal growth during lights-out production, reducing scrap and manual intervention
- 18,000 RPM BIG-PLUS No.40 spindle handles high-speed aluminum while optional high-torque covers steel and titanium
- Full gantry construction provides symmetrical rigidity across the entire work envelope
Limitations
- 10-15% price premium over the Matrix 2 i-700T may not be justified for shops that do not run lights-out
- No.40 taper limits heavy roughing compared to the i-800 NEO with No.50 for titanium and steel
- Standard 30-tool magazine is undersized for complex multi-feature parts; the 80-tool upgrade is common but expensive
- Mazak proprietary control limits shops that prefer Siemens or Heidenhain CNC platforms
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New i-700 NEO pricing runs $400,000 to $550,000. A typical configuration with 80-tool magazine and two-pallet changer falls around $450,000-$500,000. The NEO commands a 10-15% premium over the Matrix 2 i-700T. Used NEO machines are limited on the secondary market as the platform is relatively new.
02
Same physical platform with a control upgrade. The NEO replaces Matrix 2 with SmoothAi, adding AI vibration detection, Ai Thermal Shield, modernized touchscreen, and improved rotary axis cooling. Existing part programs transfer directly. The NEO is worth the premium for shops running unmanned shifts.
03
The NEO version uses an updated full gantry design without overhang. X-axis increases to 730 mm (from 630 mm) while Y-axis adjusts to 1,050 mm (from 1,100 mm). Z-axis remains 600 mm. The net work envelope is similar but the gantry geometry change improves rigidity.
04
Yes. SmoothAi maintains backward compatibility with MAZATROL and ISO/G-code programs from Matrix 2. Minor adjustments may be needed for machine-specific parameters, but the programming language and structure are compatible.
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