Mazak VARIAXIS j-500/5X
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
How much does the Mazak VARIAXIS j-500/5X cost?
Estimated price range
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-500/5X is the simultaneous 5-axis version of the j-500: all five axes can move together during a cut, which is what three-dimensional curved surfaces demand. It keeps the same frame, with a Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm) trunnion table, a 12,000 rpm CAT No.40 spindle and an 18-tool magazine.
In contouring work the tool is often inclined far from vertical, so the envelope deserves a close look. The largest workpiece is Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm) at up to 441 lb (200 kg). X travel is 14 in (356 mm), Y is 22 in (559 mm) and Z is 20 in (508 mm), and the table tilts on the A axis from -120° to +30°. The distance from spindle nose to table, 2 in (51 mm) to 22 in (559 mm), and the 12 in (305 mm) tool length limit are the figures to hold against a tall part.
Simultaneous motion asks more of the rotary axes than indexing does, because they carry cutting load while they turn. In the VARIAXIS j series both the tilt and the rotary table are driven by roller gear cams, which Mazak describes as free of backlash, and the trunnion holds the table at both ends. MAZA-CHECK, the series calibration function, measures position misalignment and incline of the rotary axis and compensates for them; the RMP600 wireless touch probe is optional equipment. Ai Thermal Shield, also described for the series, suppresses changes in the cutting edge position based on spindle speed and machine temperature.
Spindle output is 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous and 11 kW (15 HP) at 40% ED, with torque of 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous and 48 ft-lb (65 Nm) at 40% ED. That is enough for surfacing with ball end mills. For heavier roughing or less time between cuts, the VARIAXIS i-500 has 15 kW (20 HP) continuous and 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) rapids in X and Y, where this machine moves at 1,181 ipm (30 m/min).
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 SmoothX) |
| 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
- Simultaneous 5-axis control for three-dimensional curved surfaces, on the frame of the j-500
- Roller gear cam drive on the tilt and rotary tables of the VARIAXIS j series, described by Mazak as eliminating backlash
- MAZA-CHECK calibration and Ai Thermal Shield are described for the series
- A-axis range of -120° to +30° over a Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 15.75 in (400 mm) table
- Footprint of 101 in (2,565 mm) × 127 in (3,226 mm) at 15,432 lb (7,000 kg)
Limitations
- Spindle torque of 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous and 48 ft-lb (65 Nm) at 40% ED restricts roughing before the surfacing passes
- An 18-tool magazine is small for 5-axis parts that need roughing, semi-finishing and finishing cutters
- Linear rapids are 1,181 ipm (30 m/min), half the 2,362 ipm (60 m/min) the VARIAXIS i-500 reaches in X and Y
- The RMP600 wireless touch probe is optional equipment
- Workpiece and fixture together may not exceed 441 lb (200 kg)
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Simultaneous 5-axis control. Mazak lists the VARIAXIS j-500/5X for three-dimensional curved surface machining, while the VARIAXIS j-500 is described as simultaneous 4-axis plus A-axis indexing for multiple-surface machining. The headline figures of the two are the same: 12,000 rpm, 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous, 18 tools and a 441 lb (200 kg) table load.
02
The CAT No.40 spindle reaches 12,000 rpm and is rated 7.5 kW (10 HP) continuous and 11 kW (15 HP) at 40% ED. Torque is 35 ft-lb (47 Nm) continuous and 48 ft-lb (65 Nm) at 40% ED. Mazak lists a high speed spindle as an option for the VARIAXIS j series.
03
Mazak describes MAZA-CHECK for the VARIAXIS j series: position misalignment and incline of the rotary axis are measured and compensated automatically, including angular deviation in the tilt direction. The RMP600 wireless touch probe is optional equipment. Ai Thermal Shield suppresses changes in the cutting edge position, and the X, Y and Z axes run on linear roller guides.
04
Up to Ø19.69 in (500 mm) × 13.78 in (350 mm) and 441 lb (200 kg). The table tilts from -120° to +30° and the travels are 14 in (356 mm), 22 in (559 mm) and 20 in (508 mm) in X, Y and Z. Tools may be up to Ø4 in (102 mm), or Ø5 in (127 mm) with adjacent pockets empty, and 18 lb (8 kg).
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