Mazak VARIAXIS j

Est. $225,000 - $375,000 Specs verified 2026-10-02 · mazak.com Updated 2026-10-02

Key Specifications

X Travel

14 in (356 mm)

Y Travel

22 in (559 mm)

Z Travel

20 in (508 mm)

Max Spindle

12,000 rpm

Spindle Taper

CAT No.40

Tool Capacity

18 tools

How much does the Mazak VARIAXIS j cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$225,000 - $375,000

Our best estimate for a 5-axis machining center in this class — not a quote from Yamazaki Mazak. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS j series has two models, the VARIAXIS j-500 and the VARIAXIS j-500/5X, and one set of figures between them. Travel is 14 in (356 mm) in X, 22 in (559 mm) in Y and 20 in (508 mm) in Z, the trunnion table carries 441 lb (200 kg), and the CAT No.40 spindle runs to 12,000 rpm with an 18-tool magazine.

What separates the two is how many axes move at once, and the control that goes with it. The j-500 offers simultaneous 4-axis control with A-axis indexing in 0.0001° increments; Mazak calls this multi-surface machining and pairs it with MAZATROL SmoothG. The j-500/5X has simultaneous 5-axis control for three-dimensional curved surfaces and runs MAZATROL SmoothAi. The decision therefore starts with the parts. Prismatic work reached from several sides is covered by the j-500. Blades, impellers and sculpted forms need the 5X.

Mechanically the series is built for rigidity at a small size. The trunnion supports the table on both sides, the tilt and rotary axes use roller gear cams that Mazak says eliminate backlash, and X, Y and Z ride on linear roller guides. The A-axis swings from -120° to +30°. Rapid traverse is 1,181 ipm (30 m/min) on all three linear axes.

The spindle is modest: 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous and 11 kW (15 HP) (40% ED), with 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous torque and 48 ft-lb (65 Nm) (40% ED). Mazak lists a high-speed spindle as an option. Tools can be Ø4 in (102 mm), or Ø5 in (127 mm) with adjacent pockets empty, 12 in (305 mm) long and 18 lb (8 kg).

A 2-pallet changer is optional, as is the RMP600 wireless touch probe used with the MAZA-CHECK calibration routine. The machine weighs 15,432 lb (7,000 kg) and is 112 in (2,845 mm) high.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Models in Series	2 models: VARIAXIS j-500, VARIAXIS j-500/5X
Max Table Load	441 lb (200 kg)
Spindle Taper	CAT No.40
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 rpm
Spindle Torque Intermittent	48 ft-lb (65 Nm) (40% ED)
Spindle Torque	35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous
Spindle Power Intermittent	11 kW (15 HP) (40% ED)
Spindle Motor Power	7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous
Tool Capacity	18 tools
Max Tool Diameter (full magazine)	Ø4 in (102 mm)
Max Tool Diameter (adjacent pockets empty)	Ø5 in (127 mm)
Max Tool Length	12 in (305 mm)
Max Tool Weight	18 lb (8 kg)
X-Axis Travel	14 in (356 mm)
Y-Axis Travel	22 in (559 mm)
Z-Axis Travel	20 in (508 mm)
A Axis Range	-120° - +30°
Rapid Traverse X	1,181 ipm (30 m/min)
Rapid Traverse Y	1,181 ipm (30 m/min)
Rapid Traverse Z	1,181 ipm (30 m/min)
Machine Height	112 in (2,845 mm)
Machine Weight	15,432 lb (7,000 kg)

Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-10-02

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Trunnion table supported on both sides, with roller gear cams on the tilt and rotary axes
Choice of simultaneous 4-axis plus A-axis indexing on the j-500 or simultaneous 5-axis on the j-500/5X
A-axis indexing increment of 0.0001° on the j-500
Linear roller guides on the X-, Y- and Z-axis
A 2-pallet changer is offered as an option for setting up the next part during machining
Ai Thermal Shield suppresses changes in the cutting edge position as spindle speed and machine temperature vary

Limitations

Table load is 441 lb (200 kg), fixture included
18 tools in the magazine, which is few for multi-face work on mixed parts
7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous and 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous torque limit roughing in steel
Rapid traverse of 1,181 ipm (30 m/min) is slow beside the 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) X and Y rapids of the VARIAXIS i-500
The high-speed spindle, the 2-pallet changer and the RMP600 wireless touch probe are options

Best For

Multi-surface machining of small prismatic parts on the j-500 Simultaneous 5-axis contouring of small curved parts on the j-500/5X Workpieces and fixtures within 441 lb (200 kg) Shops moving from 3-axis work into 5-sided machining Brackets, blowers and control arms of the kind Mazak shows as example parts

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the VARIAXIS j-500 and the VARIAXIS j-500/5X?

Axis control and CNC. Mazak describes the j-500 as simultaneous 4-axis with A-axis indexing in 0.0001° increments, for multi-surface machining, with the MAZATROL SmoothG control. The j-500/5X is simultaneous 5-axis, for three-dimensional curved surfaces, with MAZATROL SmoothAi. The series table gives both the same travel, table load, spindle and 18 tools.

02 How big a part fits the VARIAXIS j series?

Travel is 14 in (356 mm) in X, 22 in (559 mm) in Y and 20 in (508 mm) in Z, and table load is 441 lb (200 kg). The VARIAXIS j-500 table is listed at Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm). The A-axis tilts from -120° to +30°.

03 What spindle does the VARIAXIS j series have?

A CAT No.40 spindle at 12,000 rpm. It is rated 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous and 11 kW (15 HP) (40% ED), with 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous torque and 48 ft-lb (65 Nm) (40% ED). Mazak also lists a high-speed spindle as optional; its figures are not in the series table.

04 How does the VARIAXIS j series compare with the VARIAXIS i-500?

The VARIAXIS i-500 has the same 14 in (356 mm), 22 in (559 mm) and 20 in (508 mm) of travel but carries 661 lb (300 kg), holds 30 tools, is rated 15 kW (20 HP) continuous and weighs 17,637 lb (8,000 kg). The j series carries 441 lb (200 kg), holds 18 tools and is rated 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous. It is the lighter-duty machine on the same working envelope.

05 Which options does Mazak list for the VARIAXIS j series?

A high-speed spindle, a 2-pallet changer and the RMP600 wireless touch probe are all described as optional. Mazak also describes MAZA-CHECK, which measures and compensates misalignment and inclination of the rotary axis, and Ai Thermal Shield, which suppresses changes in the cutting edge position from spindle speed and machine temperature.

06 How rigid is the rotary table on the VARIAXIS j?

Mazak describes a trunnion design that supports the table on both sides for heavy-duty machining. The tilt and rotary tables are driven through roller gear cams, which it says remove backlash, and the X-, Y- and Z-axis use linear roller guides. The load limit in the table remains 441 lb (200 kg).