Mazak VARIAXIS j-500/5X

$200,000 - $275,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X Travel

530 mm (20.9 in)

Y Travel

530 mm (20.9 in)

Z Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

BIG-PLUS CAT 40

Rapid Traverse

42 m/min (1,654 ipm)

Overview

The Mazak VARIAXIS j-500/5X is the simultaneous 5-axis variant of the entry-level j-500 platform, providing full interpolation across all five axes for shops that need continuous contouring rather than simple 3+2 indexed machining. The "/5X" suffix is the key differentiator from the standard j-500 — it enables the machine to move all five axes simultaneously under contouring control, which is required for impellers, turbine blades, complex medical implants, and aerospace structures with compound curved surfaces.

The machine shares the j-500's physical platform: 530 x 530 x 350 mm (20.9 x 20.9 x 13.8 in) travels, a 500 mm (19.7 in) diameter trunnion table, and the same BIG-PLUS CAT 40 spindle options. Maximum workpiece dimensions are 500 mm (19.7 in) diameter by 350 mm (13.8 in) height at up to 300 kg (661 lb). The rotary/tilt table uses Mazak's roller gear cam drive on the A-axis (+30 to −120 degrees) and continuous C-axis rotation, delivering the backlash-free positioning accuracy required for precision simultaneous 5-axis work.

The standard spindle runs 12,000 RPM at 11 kW (15 hp) on a BIG-PLUS CAT 40 taper, with an 18,000 RPM option for shops doing aluminum and non-ferrous 5-axis work at higher cutting speeds. Rapid traverse is 42 m/min (1,654 ipm). The standard 30-tool ATC is expandable to 48 or 60 tools for programs requiring deep tool libraries. At approximately 8,000 kg (17,637 lb), the machine sits on a compact footprint comparable to a standard 40-taper VMC.

The j-500/5X runs on MAZATROL SmoothG with full 5-axis simultaneous interpolation enabled in the control. Pricing runs from approximately $200,000 to $275,000 depending on spindle and ATC options. Competing machines include the Haas UMC-500SS, DMG Mori CMX 50 U, and Doosan DVF 5000 in the entry-to-mid 5-axis segment. Shops that only need indexed positioning rather than simultaneous contouring should consider the less expensive standard j-500.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	530 mm (20.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	530 mm (20.9 in)
Z-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
A Axis Range	+30° to -120°
C Axis Range	360° continuous
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	BIG-PLUS CAT 40
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (15 hp) at 40% ED
Spindle Torque	48 Nm (35 ft-lb) at 40% ED
Table Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Table Indexing	0.0001-degree increment (simultaneous 5-axis capable)
Max Workpiece Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Height	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Atc Tool Capacity	30 tools standard (48, 60 optional)
Machine Weight	8,000 kg (17,637 lb)
Floor Space	2,340 x 2,840 mm (92.1 x 111.8 in)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC (5-axis simultaneous)
Modelvariaxis J 500 5xbrandmazaktypevertical Machining Centers Control	Contact Sales Rep.
Model	VARIAXIS J-500/5X
Brand	MAZAK
Type	Vertical Machining Centers (5-Axis or More)
X1378y2165z2008 Axis5	Power15 hpRPM12,000 RPM# ATC18ControlCNC
X	13.78"
Y	21.65"
Z	20.08"
Axis	5
Power	15 hp
Rpm	12,000 RPM
Atc	18
Cnc Control	CNC
Looking To Purchase A New Mazak Variaxis J 500 5x	Contact Sales Rep.

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Full simultaneous 5-axis contouring enables impellers, turbine blades, complex medical implants, and compound-curved aerospace parts that 3+2 machines cannot produce
Roller gear cam drive on both rotary axes eliminates backlash and delivers the angular positioning accuracy required for precision simultaneous 5-axis work
Compact 8,000 kg footprint and standard floor-loading install without special foundations, making 5-axis capability accessible in shops without dedicated heavy machine bays
MAZATROL SmoothG conversational programming with 5-axis simultaneous support reduces the programming barrier for shops new to full 5-axis machining
0.0001-degree table indexing resolution maintains part accuracy across both simultaneous contouring and indexed positioning operations
500 mm trunnion table with 300 kg load capacity handles the full range of small-to-medium precision 5-axis work in aerospace, medical, and die/mold

Limitations

11 kW (15 hp) standard spindle is underpowered for aggressive simultaneous 5-axis roughing in titanium or hard steels; shops with demanding material removal needs require the high-speed spindle and accept slower feed rates
350 mm Z-axis travel is the most constraining dimension for tall workpieces; parts exceeding this height require the VARIAXIS i-series or a different machine class
300 kg table load limits fixture mass, restricting use of heavy tombstone-style multi-part fixtures common in production 5-axis cells
CAT 40 taper limits maximum tool diameter and depth-of-cut compared to CAT 50 machines in the same price range from other builders
530 x 530 mm X/Y envelope is tight for larger parts; shops regularly machining components over 400 mm in any dimension should evaluate i-series machines

Best For

Aerospace subcontractors machining small-to-medium structural brackets, fittings, and impeller-type components that require true simultaneous 5-axis contouring Medical device manufacturers producing complex orthopedic implants, surgical cutting instruments, and patient-specific components with compound curved surfaces Die and mold shops performing simultaneous 5-axis finishing on complex cavity and core surfaces to reduce hand-finishing time Job shops stepping up to simultaneous 5-axis from 3+2 work, where MAZATROL conversational programming eases the transition Prototype and R&D environments that need full 5-axis capability for development parts without justifying $400K+ investments in i-series machines

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The j-500 supports 3+2 indexed machining — the machine positions the A and C axes to an angle, locks them, then machines in three linear axes. The j-500/5X adds full simultaneous 5-axis interpolation, where all five axes move at the same time under continuous contouring control. If your parts have compound curves, impeller blades, or features that cannot be produced by sequential 3-axis cuts at indexed positions, you need the /5X. For multi-surface parts that can be broken down into flat or cylindrical features machined at fixed angles, the standard j-500 is sufficient and less expensive.

02 Can I retrofit a j-500 to j-500/5X capability?

No. The simultaneous 5-axis capability is a control and servo configuration specified at order time. It cannot be added after the fact. Determine your part requirements before purchase — if there is any chance you will need simultaneous contouring, buy the /5X at the outset rather than facing the cost of replacing a machine later.

03 What CAM software works with the j-500/5X?

Mastercam, Siemens NX, Hypermill, and Fusion 360 all have verified VARIAXIS j-500/5X post processors. Mazak also provides post processor support through their application engineering team. For MAZATROL conversational programming of 5-axis work, the SmoothG control handles simple simultaneous contouring natively. Most complex aerospace and medical 5-axis work is typically CAM-posted rather than programmed conversationally.

04 How does the j-500/5X compare to the Haas UMC-500SS?

Both are compact simultaneous 5-axis trunnion machines in a similar price range. The j-500/5X offers 0.0001-degree table indexing resolution versus 0.1-degree on Haas, MAZATROL conversational 5-axis programming, and roller gear cam drives that deliver better sustained accuracy. The Haas counters with a larger standard ATC (40 tools), lower cost of ownership, and Fanuc-compatible control familiar to more operators. For production 5-axis work demanding sustained accuracy, the j-500/5X is the stronger platform. For shops prioritizing low operating costs and familiar control, the Haas is competitive.

05 What does a new Mazak VARIAXIS j-500/5X cost?

New pricing typically runs $200,000-$240,000 for a standard configuration with the 12,000 RPM spindle and 30-tool ATC. Adding the 18,000 RPM spindle, expanded 60-tool magazine, through-spindle coolant, and probing package pushes the price to $250,000-$275,000. Used j-500/5X machines from 2018-2022 trade in the $110,000-$160,000 range depending on hours and condition.