Mazak VARIAXIS j-500

Est. $175,000 - $275,000 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-500 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$175,000 - $275,000

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-500 is a trunnion-table machining center for multiple-surface work: four axes move simultaneously while the A axis indexes, in 0.0001° increments, to present each face of the part. Its table is Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm) with a 441 lb (200 kg) load limit, and the CAT No.40 spindle runs to 12,000 rpm.

That way of using the tilt axis is the whole difference from the VARIAXIS j-500/5X, which Mazak lists for simultaneous 5-axis machining of three-dimensional curved surfaces. Both machines show identical travels, table, spindle ratings, magazine and weight. Pick the j-500 for prismatic parts machined on several faces, where the tilt only has to position the part. Mazak pairs it with the MAZATROL SmoothG control.

Power is modest. The spindle is rated 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous and 11 kW (15 HP) at 40% ED, with 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous and 48 ft-lb (65 Nm) at 40% ED. The VARIAXIS i-500, on the same 14 in (356 mm), 22 in (559 mm) and 20 in (508 mm) travels, has 15 kW (20 HP) continuous. Rapids here are 1,181 ipm (30 m/min) on all three linear axes and the magazine holds 18 tools, so the j-500 fits short tool lists and moderate removal rates.

The trunnion supports the table on both sides, and the tilt and rotary tables of the VARIAXIS j series are driven by roller gear cams, which Mazak credits with eliminating backlash. X, Y and Z run on linear roller guides. A 2-pallet changer is offered as an option in the series. The machine stands on 101 in (2,565 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm), is 112 in (2,845 mm) high and weighs 15,432 lb (7,000 kg).

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm)
Max Workpiece Size	Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm)
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°
Spindle Nose to Table	2 in (51 mm) to 22 in (559 mm)
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)
Floor Space Required	101 in (2,565 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm) (W × L, MAZATROL SmoothG)
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

A-axis indexing in 0.0001° increments combined with simultaneous 4-axis control for multiple-surface machining
Trunnion table supported on both sides, with roller gear cams on the tilt and rotary axes of the series
Workpieces up to Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm) on travels of 14 in (356 mm), 22 in (559 mm) and 20 in (508 mm)
Light installation at 15,432 lb (7,000 kg), against 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) for the VARIAXIS i-500
A 2-pallet changer is available as an option in the VARIAXIS j series

Limitations

The A axis indexes; simultaneous 5-axis control is the VARIAXIS j-500/5X
7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous, half the 15 kW (20 HP) continuous of the VARIAXIS i-500
The magazine holds 18 tools, which is tight for parts machined on many faces
Rapids of 1,181 ipm (30 m/min), against 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) in X and Y on the VARIAXIS i-500
Table load is 441 lb (200 kg), fixture included

Best For

Prismatic parts machined on several faces in one setup Jobs with short tool lists that fit an 18-tool magazine Light to moderate cuts within 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous Parts and fixtures under 441 lb (200 kg)

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the VARIAXIS j-500 a full 5-axis machine?

It positions on five axes but does not contour on all five at once. Mazak describes the j-500 as simultaneous 4-axis plus A-axis indexing, with a 0.0001° indexing increment, for multiple-surface machining. The VARIAXIS j-500/5X is the version Mazak lists for simultaneous 5-axis control of three-dimensional curved surfaces.

02 Which control does the VARIAXIS j-500 use?

Mazak's series page pairs the VARIAXIS j-500 with the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC for multi-surface machining, and the footprint of 101 in (2,565 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm) in the table is given for the MAZATROL SmoothG version.

03 How does the VARIAXIS j-500 compare with the VARIAXIS i-500?

Table size, travels and the 12,000 rpm speed are the same. The VARIAXIS i-500 has 15 kW (20 HP) continuous, rapids of 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) in X and Y, a 661 lb (300 kg) table load and 30 tools. The j-500 has 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous, 1,181 ipm (30 m/min) rapids, a 441 lb (200 kg) table load and 18 tools.

04 What are the tool limits on the VARIAXIS j-500?

The magazine holds 18 tools. Maximum tool diameter is Ø4 in (102 mm), or Ø5 in (127 mm) with the adjacent pockets empty. Maximum length is 12 in (305 mm) and maximum weight is 18 lb (8 kg). The spindle nose sits 2 in (51 mm) to 22 in (559 mm) from the table.

05 Can a pallet changer be added to the VARIAXIS j-500?

Mazak offers a 2-pallet changer as an option in the VARIAXIS j series. With it, the next workpiece is set up while the current one is being machined. The table on this page describes the machine without it, so ask how the option changes the footprint and the table load.