Mazak VC-500A/2PC
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Mazak VC-500A/2PC is a production-oriented vertical machining center equipped with an integrated 2-pallet changer (2PC) for automated part loading. The 2PC configuration virtually eliminates setup time from the production cycle by allowing the operator to load the next workpiece on one pallet while the machine cuts the current part on the other, making it a strong choice for medium-to-high volume production environments.
The machine delivers axis travels of 560 x 410 x 460 mm (22.0 x 16.1 x 18.1 in) with a 12,000 RPM CAT No. 40 spindle producing 18.5 kW (25 hp). Each pallet measures 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in) with a load capacity of 300 kg (661 lb) per pallet. The arm-type ATC holds 30 tools with 1.6-second chip-to-chip tool change time, keeping production cycles tight.
Rapid traverse hits 42 m/min on X and Y axes and 36 m/min on Z, driven by linear roller guides on all axes. Through-spindle coolant at 20 bar standard supports deep-hole drilling and aggressive chip evacuation. The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC provides both conversational programming and full G-code support with tool life management for unattended production runs.
The pallet changer system includes automatic workpiece coordinate management, allowing the operator to set up different parts on each pallet. Pallet change time is approximately 8 seconds. The machine weighs roughly 6,200 kg (13,669 lb), providing a stable platform for consistent production.
New VC-500A/2PC machines price between $145,000 and $195,000 depending on options. Competitors include the Haas VF-2 with Super Speed pallet option, Okuma GENOS M460-VE, and DMG Mori CMX 600 V with automation.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 410 mm (16.1 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 460 mm (18.1 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | CAT No. 40 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 18.5 kW (25 hp) |
| Tool Capacity | 30 (arm-type ATC) |
| Tool Change Time | 1.6 seconds (chip-to-chip) |
| Pallet Size | 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in) |
| Pallet Count | 2 |
| Pallet Load Capacity | 300 kg (661 lb) per pallet |
| Pallet Change Time | 8 seconds approx. |
| Rapid Traverse Xy | 42 m/min (1,654 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) |
| Through Spindle Coolant | 20 bar standard |
| CNC Control | MAZATROL SmoothG CNC |
| Guide Type | Linear roller guides (all axes) |
| Machine Weight | 6,200 kg (13,669 lb) approx. |
| Series Name | Pallet size |
| Simultaneous 5 Axis Controlintegrex I Neo | 6" / 8" |
| 8 To 12 | Φ26.38" |
| Simultaneous 5 Axis Controlintegrex I H | 6" / 8" |
| Simultaneous 5 Axis Controlintegrex I 150 | 6″ |
| Simultaneous 4 Axis Controlentry Modelintegrex J | 8" to 12" |
| Simultaneous 4 Axis Controlentry Modelenvironmentally Friendlyintegrex J 200 Neo | 8" |
| Simultaneous 5 Axis Controlintegrex I 500 | 10″ |
| Simultaneous 5 Axis Controlfor Long And Large Diameter Workpiecesintegrex E H | 15" to 32" |
| Verticalsimultaneous 5 Axis Controlfor Large Workpiecesintegrex I V | CAT No.40 / CAT No.50 |
| Double Columnsimultaneous 5 Axis Controlfor Large Workpieceintegrex E V | CAT No.50 |
| Integration Of Gear Machining And Measurementintegrex Ag | 8" to 12" |
| 315 To 5512 | Φ41.34" to Φ90.55" |
| Environmentally Friendlyvariaxis I Neo | Φ27.56" × width 19.69" |
| 315 Width 248 | BIG-PLUS No.50 |
| Best Selling Machinesvariaxis I | Φ19.69" × width 15.75" to Φ23.62" × width 19.69" |
| 4134 Width 315 | BIG-PLUS No.50 / CAT No.50 |
| Compact Entry Modelautomation Availablevariaxis C | Φ23.62" × width 19.69" |
| Compact Entry Modelvariaxis J | Φ19.69" × width 15.75" |
| Simultaneous 5 Axis Controlvc Ez X | 37.4" × 14.17" to 49.21" × 19.37" |
| High Mix Low Volume Productionautomation Availablevariaxis I 300 Awc | Clamp interfaceHSK-A100 holder |
| Tilt Spindle Verticalfor Large Workpiecesvortex I V | 24.8" × 24.8" |
| Tilt Spindle Double Columnfor Large Workpiecesvortex E V | 31.5" × 31.5" |
| From 3937 3927 | CAT No.50 |
| Tilt Spindle Fixed Tablefor Long Workpiecesvtc | 137.8" × 32.28" |
| Aerospace Industrytilt Spindle Vortex Ii | 127.56" × 31.89" / 157.48" ×49.21" |
| High Speed 5 Axis Machiningtilt Spindle Vortex Horizontal Profiler | 157.48" × 49.21" / 157.48" ×62.99" |
| Horizontalhigh Speed 5 Axis Machininghcr | 19.69" × 19.69" |
| Die And Moldhigh Accuracy And Ultra Precision Machiningud | 12.6" × 12.6" |
| 5 Axis Double Column Machining Centeruniversal Headversatech | 118.11" × 82.68" to393.7" × 122.05" |
| Best Selling Machinesquick Turn | 6" to 21" |
| Cost Performance Modelqt Ez | 8" to 12" |
| Cost Performance Modelqte | 6" to 10" |
| Compact 2 Axis Turning Centersqt Primos | 5" to 8" |
| Turret Lathe For Heavy Duty Machiningslant Turn | 18" to 24" |
| Flat Turning Centers For Heavy Duty Cutting Turning Center | 12" |
| Flat Turning Centers For Heavy Duty Cutting Power Master | 15" |
| Milling2 Spindles And 2 Turretsmultiplex W | 8″ |
| 2 Spindles And 2 Turretsdual Turn 200 | 8″ |
| Milling2 Spindles And 3 Turretshqr Neo | 8" / 10" |
| Milling2 Spindle And Upper And Lower Turrethqr | 6″ |
| 8 To 10 | Φ13.54" |
| Milling Upper And Lower Turretsqrx 50 | 6" |
| Vertical Turning Centersmirror Modelmega Turn | 12" to Φ59.06" |
| Unique Turn Face Headstockorbitec 20 | 24.8" |
| High Speed Small Precise Parts Productionsyncrex | Φ0.375" to Φ1.5" |
| Cost Performance Modelvc Ez | CAT No.40 |
| Fixed Tablelong Workpiecesvtc Ez | CAT No.40 |
| Cat No50 | 6000 min-1 (rpm) |
| High Rigidity And High Torqueheavy Duty Cuttingmtv | CAT No.50 |
| Fixed Tablespace Savingvtc | CAT No.40 |
| Fixed Tablelong Workpiecesultra High Speedsvc | CAT No.40 |
| Mass Production Linepallet Size 400 Mm 400 Mmun | CAT No.30 |
| Double Columnhigh Accuracy And High Productivitybt40fjv | CAT No.40 |
| Double Columnhigh Accuracy And High Productivitybt50fjv | CAT No.50 |
| Double Columnhigh Accuracy And High Productivity5 Face Machiningfjv 5 Face | CAT No.50 |
| 5 Face Double Column Machining Centershigh Torque Spindleangle Headfjw | CAT No.50 |
| 5 Face Double Column Machining Centersuniversal Headsimultaneous 5 Axis Controlversatech | CAT No.50 |
| Environmentally Friendlyhcn Neo | 15.75" × 15.75" / 19.69" × 19.69" |
| Best Selling Machineshcn | up to 19.69" × 19.69" |
| From 315 315 | CAT No.50 |
| Difficult Machining Materialhigh Efficiency Machiningmega | 31.5" × 31.5" |
| Quill Axislarge Workpieceshcn Q | 49.21" × 39.37" to 62.99" × 49.21" |
| Ultra High Accuracy | 31.5" × 31.5" |
| Mass Productionspace Savingff | 19.69" × 19.69" |
| Mass Production Line Constructionpallet Size 400 Mm 400 Mmun | 15.75" × 15.75" |
Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Integrated 2-pallet changer virtually eliminates setup time from the production cycle, maximizing spindle utilization
- 18.5 kW (25 hp) spindle provides more cutting power than entry-level VC-Ez models for steel and cast iron production work
- 1.6-second chip-to-chip tool change and 42 m/min rapids minimize non-cutting time in production cycles
- MAZATROL SmoothG CNC with tool life management supports extended unattended production runs
- Automatic workpiece coordinate management on each pallet simplifies multi-part production scheduling
- Through-spindle coolant at 20 bar standard improves chip evacuation and tool life on production drilling
Limitations
- 22-inch X-travel limits part size compared to larger Mazak VMCs; larger parts need the VC-500C/2PC or VCN series
- 300 kg per pallet load limits fixture weight, especially with heavy-duty production fixtures and tombstones
- Higher price than standalone VMCs of similar envelope due to the integrated pallet changer system
- 2-pallet configuration provides basic automation; shops needing more pallets should consider HMC platforms
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New VC-500A/2PC machines start around $145,000 and reach $195,000 with options like high-pressure coolant, expanded tool magazine, probing, and chip conveyor. The premium over a standalone VMC of similar size is roughly $40,000-$50,000 for the pallet changer system.
02
In typical production scenarios, the 2-pallet changer increases spindle utilization from 60-70% to 85-90% by eliminating setup time from the production cycle. The operator loads parts on the idle pallet while the machine cuts, and 8-second pallet changes minimize the transition gap.
03
Yes. The SmoothG CNC supports independent workpiece coordinates for each pallet. You can run completely different part programs on pallet 1 and pallet 2, making it effective for small-batch production of multiple part numbers.
04
HMCs offer more pallets (4-6+), better chip evacuation, and tombstone fixturing for higher-volume production. The VC-500A/2PC is more affordable and simpler, better suited for shops that need basic pallet automation without the full HMC investment. Consider an HMC if you need more than 2 pallets or are running very high volumes.
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