Mazak VARIAXIS j

$225,000 - $375,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Y Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Z Travel

460 mm (18.1 in)

Max Spindle

12000 min-1(rpm)

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS No.40

Tool Capacity

30 standard (48 optional)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS j is the entry-level platform in Mazak's simultaneous 5-axis machining center lineup, available as the j-500 for multi-surface 3+2 positioning and the j-500/5X for full simultaneous 5-axis contouring. The j-series targets shops stepping into 5-axis for the first time or running production work where the full feature set of the VARIAXIS i or C is not needed.

Axis travels sit at 510 x 510 x 460 mm (20.1 x 20.1 x 18.1 in). The trunnion table holds a 500 mm (19.7 in) diameter pallet and handles workpieces up to 500 mm diameter and 350 mm (13.8 in) tall with 300 kg (661 lb) table load. The A-axis tilts from -120 to +30 degrees and C rotates 360 degrees continuous, both with 0.0001-degree indexing.

The standard spindle runs 12,000 RPM at 11 kW (15 hp) / 65 Nm (48 ft-lb) through BIG-PLUS No.40. An optional 18,000 RPM high-speed spindle pushes to 15 kW (20 hp) / 60 Nm (44 ft-lb). These are adequate for aluminum, brass, mild steel, and plastics.

The j-500 runs MAZATROL SmoothG CNC (mid-tier). The j-500/5X upgrades to MAZATROL SmoothAi with AI thermal compensation. Tool capacity is 30 standard (48 optional). Rapids hit 42 m/min (1,654 ipm) on X/Y. The compact footprint of roughly 2,600 x 3,100 mm fits space-constrained shops. Automation includes two-pallet changer and robot loading options.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Models Available	j-500, j-500/5X
X-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Y-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	460 mm (18.1 in)
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees continuous
Rotary Indexing	0.0001 degree increments
Spindle Speed Standard	12,000 RPM
Spindle Speed High Speed	18,000 RPM (optional)
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS No.40
Spindle Power Standard	11 kW / 15 hp
Spindle Power High Speed	15 kW / 20 hp
Spindle Torque Standard	65 Nm (48 ft-lb)
Spindle Torque High Speed	60 Nm (44 ft-lb)
Tool Capacity	30 standard (48 optional)
Pallet Size	Φ19.69″ × 15.75″
Max Workpiece Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Height	350 mm (13.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	300 kg (661 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xy	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
Control J500	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
Control J500 5x	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC
Machine Footprint	2,600 x 3,100 mm (102.4 x 122.0 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12000 min-1(rpm)
Output 40 Ed	15 kW (20 HP)
Torque 40 Ed	44 ft・lbs
Max Spindle Speed	12000 min-1(rpm)
Tool Shank	BIG-PLUS No.40
Max Workpiece Size	Φ19.69″ × 13.78″

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Entry-level pricing ($225K-$375K) makes simultaneous 5-axis accessible to shops that cannot justify a VARIAXIS i or C
Compact 2.6 x 3.1 m footprint fits space-limited shops
Two control options: SmoothG for 3+2 or SmoothAi with AI thermal compensation for full 5-axis
Rigid dual-support trunnion handles 300 kg with 0.0001-degree indexing above its price class
BIG-PLUS No.40 taper improves tool rigidity over standard BT40
Automation-ready with two-pallet changer and robot loading for growth

Limitations

11 kW standard spindle light on power for steel or titanium; 18K upgrade only adds 4 kW
510 mm square travel limits part size; larger parts need the i-series
30-tool standard fills quickly; 48-tool max modest vs 120+ on i-series
300 kg table load restricts workpiece weight vs competitors in this size class
42 m/min rapids noticeably slower than 60 m/min on VARIAXIS i and C

Best For

Shops stepping into 5-axis for the first time needing a proven, lower-cost entry point Medical device manufacturers producing implants and surgical instruments on a compact platform Electronics and connector manufacturers machining small aluminum and brass components Job shops adding 5-axis capability for customer overflow work Education and training on production-grade 5-axis equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a VARIAXIS j cost?

j-500 starts around $225,000 with SmoothG. j-500/5X with SmoothAi runs $275,000-$375,000. Used 2015-2020 units appear at $120,000-$180,000. Most affordable Mazak 5-axis entry point.

02 j-500 vs j-500/5X?

j-500 does 3+2 positioning with SmoothG control. j-500/5X upgrades to SmoothAi for full simultaneous 5-axis interpolation with AI thermal compensation.

03 Can it cut steel?

Yes, within limits. 12K/11 kW handles mild and medium-carbon steels at moderate depths. For hardened or stainless steels, the machine is underpowered vs the VARIAXIS C. Best suited for aluminum, brass, and mild steels.

04 VARIAXIS j vs Haas UMC-500?

Similar price points. Haas typically $30K-$50K less but lacks roller guide system and automatic calibration. Mazak has edge on accuracy and long-term capability; Haas wins on pure cost.