Mazak VC-500A/5X

$195,000 - $265,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

560 mm (22.0 in)

Y Travel

410 mm (16.1 in)

Z Travel

460 mm (18.1 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT No. 40

Tool Capacity

30 (arm-type ATC)

Overview

The Mazak VC-500A/5X is a compact production 5-axis vertical machining center built on the proven VC-500A platform with a fully integrated trunnion-style rotary/tilt table. The machine provides simultaneous 5-axis machining capability in a compact footprint, targeting shops that need multi-surface access for complex parts without the size and cost of a VARIAXIS machine.

The trunnion table provides A-axis tilt from -120 to +30 degrees and 360-degree continuous C-axis rotation. The 500 mm (19.7 in) diameter table supports workpieces up to 300 kg (661 lb). Axis travels measure 560 x 410 x 460 mm (22.0 x 16.1 x 18.1 in) on the linear axes, providing a focused but capable work envelope for compact 5-axis parts.

The 12,000 RPM CAT No. 40 spindle delivers 18.5 kW (25 hp), providing more cutting power than the VC-Ez X series. The 30-tool arm-type ATC with 1.6-second chip-to-chip tool change keeps production cycles efficient. Rapid traverse of 42 m/min on X/Y and 36 m/min on Z via linear roller guides ensures fast positioning.

The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC provides full 5-axis simultaneous interpolation with collision avoidance and 3D simulation. Unlike the SmoothEz5 on the VC-Ez X series, the SmoothG offers more advanced programming capabilities including tool center point control and workpiece coordinate rotation, making it better suited for complex simultaneous 5-axis contouring work.

New VC-500A/5X machines price between $195,000 and $265,000. The machine bridges the gap between the entry-level VC-Ez X series and the premium VARIAXIS line, offering production-grade 5-axis capability with SmoothG control at a mid-tier price point.

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)
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees continuous
Table Diameter	500 mm (19.7 in)
Table Load Capacity	300 kg (661 lb)
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)
Rapid Traverse Xy	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
Guide Type	Linear roller guides (all axes)
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

Production-grade 5-axis capability with 18.5 kW spindle and fast tool changes in a compact footprint
SmoothG CNC with tool center point control and collision avoidance provides more advanced 5-axis programming than SmoothEz5
42 m/min rapid traverse and 1.6-second tool changes deliver production-level cycle times on 5-axis parts
500 mm table diameter and 300 kg load capacity accommodate a practical range of 5-axis workpieces
Bridges the price gap between entry-level VC-Ez X and premium VARIAXIS for shops that need more than basic 5-axis
Linear roller guides provide fast, accurate motion for both positioning and simultaneous contouring work

Limitations

22-inch X-travel limits part size; shops running larger 5-axis parts need the VARIAXIS i-500 or similar
12,000 RPM max without high-speed spindle option limits high-speed aluminum finishing applications
CAT No. 40 taper provides less tool rigidity than the HSK-A63 interface on some competing 5-axis machines
Pricing approaches VARIAXIS j territory where shops gain roller gear cam drives and higher-tier construction
30-tool magazine may limit complex 5-axis parts with many tools; no larger magazine option reported

Best For

Production shops running repetitive 5-axis parts in moderate-to-high volumes where cycle time matters Aerospace subcontractors machining compact aluminum and steel brackets, fittings, and complex-geometry parts Medical device manufacturers producing implants and instruments requiring multi-surface 5-axis access Shops that outgrew the VC-Ez X entry-level 5-axis platform and need SmoothG control capability Contract manufacturers bidding on 5-axis work who need production-level performance without VARIAXIS cost

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak VC-500A/5X cost?

New VC-500A/5X machines start around $195,000 and reach $265,000 with options like through-spindle coolant, probing, automation interfaces, and chip management. This positions it between the VC-Ez 20X ($200-275K) in capability level and the VARIAXIS j ($225K+) in control sophistication.

02 VC-500A/5X vs VC-Ez 20X - what is the difference?

The VC-500A/5X features SmoothG control (vs SmoothEz5), more spindle power (18.5 kW vs ~11 kW), faster rapids (42 vs 36 m/min), and faster tool changes (1.6 vs ~2.5 seconds). The VC-Ez 20X is more affordable and simpler to operate. Choose the VC-500A/5X for production 5-axis; the VC-Ez 20X for entry-level and learning.

03 Can the VC-500A/5X do full simultaneous 5-axis?

Yes. The SmoothG CNC supports full simultaneous 5-axis interpolation with tool center point control, collision avoidance, and 3D simulation. It handles both 3+2 positioning and complex simultaneous contouring programs from CAM systems.

04 How does the VC-500A/5X compare to the VARIAXIS j?

The VARIAXIS j features roller gear cam rotary drives for superior positioning accuracy and stiffness, SmoothAi control option, and higher spindle speed options. The VC-500A/5X costs less and offers production-capable 5-axis at a mid-tier price. Choose the VARIAXIS j for demanding accuracy and complex contouring; the VC-500A/5X for production 5-axis at lower cost.