Mazak VC-500A/5X AM HWD

$350,000 - $450,000 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 AM HWD is a hybrid additive-subtractive 5-axis machining center that combines Mazak's Hot Wire Deposition (HWD) additive manufacturing technology with conventional 5-axis milling in a single platform. The AM HWD designation indicates the machine can both build material through wire-based directed energy deposition and machine it to final dimensions without removing the workpiece from the table.

The Hot Wire Deposition system uses a wire feedstock (typically steel, stainless steel, or nickel alloys) heated by a resistance heating element and deposited layer by layer onto a substrate. Unlike laser-based DED systems, the HWD process is safer, more energy-efficient, and does not require the laser safety enclosures that add cost and complexity. The deposited material is then finish-machined using the machine's conventional 5-axis milling capability.

The base machine shares the VC-500A/5X platform with axis travels of 560 x 410 x 460 mm (22.0 x 16.1 x 18.1 in). The trunnion table provides A-axis tilt from -120 to +30 degrees and 360-degree continuous C-axis rotation. The 12,000 RPM CAT No. 40 spindle with 18.5 kW (25 hp) handles the subtractive machining operations. The 30-tool arm-type ATC stores both cutting tools and the HWD deposition head.

The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC integrates both additive and subtractive toolpaths into a single program, allowing seamless transitions between material deposition and machining within the same cycle. This enables near-net-shape building followed by precision finishing without part re-fixturing.

The VC-500A/5X AM HWD targets repair and overhaul operations, custom tooling production, and prototype manufacturing where building features onto existing components or creating near-net-shape blanks saves material and lead time. New machines price between $350,000 and $450,000.

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)
Rapid Traverse Xy	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
Additive Process	Hot Wire Deposition (HWD)
Additive Materials	Steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys (wire feedstock)
Guide Type	Linear roller guides (all axes)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Combines additive manufacturing and 5-axis machining in a single platform, eliminating part transfers between machines
Hot Wire Deposition is safer and more energy-efficient than laser-based DED, with no laser safety enclosure required
Full 5-axis subtractive capability means deposited material can be finish-machined to tight tolerances in the same setup
Wire feedstock is more affordable and easier to handle than metal powder used in laser DED and powder bed fusion
SmoothG CNC integrates additive and subtractive toolpaths in a single program for seamless hybrid manufacturing
Ideal for repair and overhaul operations where material is added to worn components and machined to spec

Limitations

Significantly higher price than a standard VC-500A/5X due to the HWD additive system integration
Hot Wire Deposition is limited to weldable metals; no capability for aluminum, titanium, or refractory alloys typical of some additive applications
Deposition rates and resolution are lower than laser-based DED systems for large-volume additive builds
22-inch X-travel limits the size of hybrid parts; larger hybrid builds require Mazak's INTEGREX AM or other platforms
Specialized technology requires operator training in both additive deposition parameters and 5-axis machining

Best For

MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) facilities adding material to worn turbine components, dies, and tooling for restoration Tooling manufacturers building custom features onto standard blanks to reduce machining time and material waste Prototype shops exploring hybrid manufacturing for complex geometries that benefit from near-net-shape building Aerospace and energy industry shops that need to repair high-value components in-house rather than replacing them Research institutions and manufacturing labs evaluating wire-based additive manufacturing in a production-capable platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does the Mazak VC-500A/5X AM HWD cost?

New machines price between $350,000 and $450,000 depending on configuration. The premium over a standard VC-500A/5X is roughly $150,000-$200,000 for the Hot Wire Deposition system, wire feed hardware, and control software integration.

02 What materials can the HWD system deposit?

The Hot Wire Deposition system works with weldable wire feedstock including carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel-based alloys. It is not suitable for aluminum, titanium, or other materials that require inert atmosphere or laser energy for deposition.

03 How does Hot Wire Deposition differ from laser DED?

HWD uses resistance heating to melt wire feedstock, while laser DED uses a high-power laser to melt powder or wire. HWD is safer (no laser hazard), more energy-efficient, and does not require expensive laser safety enclosures. However, laser DED typically offers finer deposition resolution and works with a wider range of materials including titanium.

04 Can the AM HWD machine be used for conventional 5-axis milling only?

Yes. The machine retains full VC-500A/5X 5-axis milling capability. The HWD system stores in the ATC when not in use. Shops can use it as a standard 5-axis machining center and deploy the additive capability as needed for hybrid jobs.