Mazak VARIAXIS i-800 5X

$450,000 – $650,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

10,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 50

Tool Capacity

30 tools standard (40, 80, 120 optional)

Rapid Traverse

42 m/min (1,654 ipm) X/Y/Z

Spindle Power

37 kW (50 hp) at 40% ED; 30 kW (40 hp) continuous

Max Workpiece ⌀

1,000 mm (39.4 in)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS i-800 5X is the current-production designation for the full simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center with an 800 mm rotary trunnion table in the VARIAXIS i-Series. The '5X' suffix in current Mazak nomenclature denotes simultaneous 5-axis contouring capability, distinguishing it from 5-face or 3+2 positioning-only configurations. The i-800 5X targets aerospace, energy, and defense manufacturers that need a large-table, high-torque 5-axis platform capable of machining titanium and steel structural components.

Axis travels are 630 x 1,100 x 600 mm (X, Y, Z). The 1,100 mm Y-axis is one of the longest in the class, accommodating elongated structural parts that other 5-axis machines cannot reach in one setup. The 800 mm diameter trunnion table handles workpieces up to 1,000 mm in diameter, 375 mm in height, and 1,000 kg in weight — enabling heavy aerospace structural work that exceeds the capacity of smaller trunnion machines.

The CAT 50 spindle runs at 10,000 RPM with 37 kW (50 hp) and 350 Nm of torque. The roller gear cam drive on both the A-axis (-130 to +30 degrees) and C-axis (360-degree continuous) provides backlash-free positioning during simultaneous 5-axis contouring — an important attribute for the tight geometric tolerances of aerospace components. The machine weight of 20,000 kg ensures vibration stability during heavy titanium roughing.

MAZATROL SmoothAi runs the control with AI-based spindle vibration detection. The i-800 5X integrates with PALLETECH for automated production, and a two-pallet changer is available as an option. The machine competes with the Okuma MU-6300V, DMG Mori DMU 80 P duoBLOCK, and Makino D500.

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	-130 to +30 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees (continuous)
Max Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 50
Spindle Motor Power	37 kW (50 hp) at 40% ED; 30 kW (40 hp) continuous
Spindle Torque	350 Nm (258 ft-lb) at 40% ED; 212 Nm continuous
Table Diameter	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Workpiece Diameter	1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Max Workpiece Height	375 mm (14.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	42 m/min (1,654 ipm) X/Y/Z
Tool Capacity	30 tools standard (40, 80, 120 optional)
Max Tool Diameter	130 mm (5.1 in)
Max Tool Length	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Tool Weight	20 kg (44 lb)
Machine Weight	20,000 kg (44,092 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

CAT 50 taper with 350 Nm torque enables aggressive roughing in titanium, Inconel, and steel that CAT 40 5-axis machines struggle to match
1,100 mm Y-axis stroke is longer than virtually any competing 5-axis VMC in the 800 mm table class, accommodating elongated aerospace parts in a single setup
1,000 kg table load capacity handles heavy titanium and steel fixtures without deflection during simultaneous 5-axis contouring
Roller gear cam drives on A and C axes eliminate backlash and require minimal maintenance compared to worm gear designs
SmoothAi AI-based vibration detection automatically adjusts cutting conditions to protect tools and maintain surface finish during unattended operation
PALLETECH integration and optional two-pallet changer enable true automated production on the 5-axis platform

Limitations

10,000 RPM maximum spindle speed limits high-speed aluminum machining; shops running primarily aluminum should consider the i-700 with 18,000 RPM spindle
42 m/min rapid traverse is slower than the 60 m/min achievable on the i-700, adding positioning time on programs with many tool changes
375 mm maximum workpiece height limits tall-part applications; the VORTEX 630-4XS handles taller parts in the Mazak lineup
Standard 30-tool ATC is tight for complex parts requiring many tools; upgrading to 80 or 120 tools adds significant cost
CAT 50 tooling investment is higher per tool than CAT 40, and the selection of available CAT 50 tool assemblies is somewhat narrower

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers machining titanium structural parts, frames, and brackets requiring CAT 50 torque for efficient roughing Landing gear component manufacturers needing 5-axis access to complex titanium forgings in a single setup Mold and die shops producing large steel mold cavities with 5-axis contouring requiring high spindle torque Energy sector manufacturers machining impellers, diffusers, and turbine components in superalloys requiring simultaneous 5-axis paths Defense manufacturers producing structural components requiring tight geometric tolerances in difficult materials

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the VARIAXIS i-800 and the i-800 5X?

The '5X' suffix in current Mazak nomenclature confirms simultaneous 5-axis interpolation capability. Earlier VARIAXIS i-800 models were also simultaneous 5-axis machines — the naming update in more recent production made this explicit. Functionally, the machines are very similar; the 5X designation primarily reflects updated MAZATROL SmoothAi control software and minor construction refinements.

02 What does the VARIAXIS i-800 5X cost new?

New pricing typically ranges from $450,000 to $650,000 depending on ATC size, automation options, and regional market conditions. Adding a two-pallet changer or PALLETECH system increases the total investment. Used i-800 machines from 2015–2022 appear on the secondary market at $200,000–$350,000.

03 Why choose the i-800 over the i-700 for aerospace work?

The i-800 5X uses a CAT 50 taper with 350 Nm of torque versus the i-700's CAT 40 taper. For titanium and steel structural components where roughing drives cycle time, the extra torque pays back in material removal rate. The i-800 also carries a higher table load (1,000 kg vs 600 kg) and has a larger 800 mm table diameter. The i-700 is the better choice for shops running mostly aluminum at high RPM.

04 Can the i-800 5X machine Inconel and superalloys?

Yes. The CAT 50 spindle with 350 Nm torque and the rigid 20,000 kg machine structure make the i-800 5X well-suited for Inconel 718, Hastelloy, and other superalloys. Feed rates need to be managed carefully with appropriate tooling, but the machine handles superalloy cutting effectively for aerospace hot-section components.

05 What automation options are available for the i-800 5X?

Mazak offers an optional two-pallet changer that allows one pallet to be loaded while the other is machining. The machine also integrates with PALLETECH, Mazak's modular flexible manufacturing system that can manage multiple pallets across multiple machines. Upgrading to the 80 or 120-tool ATC further extends unattended operation time.