Yamazaki Mazak Vertical Machining Centers

Mazak VC-500C/2PC

$165,000 - $225,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

762 mm (30.0 in)

Y Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT No. 40

Tool Capacity

30 (arm-type ATC)

Overview

The Mazak VC-500C/2PC is a production vertical machining center with an integrated 2-pallet changer, offering a larger work envelope than the VC-500A/2PC. The C designation indicates the extended-travel variant with more Y-axis capacity, making it better suited for wider parts, larger fixtures, and more versatile production setups.

Axis travels measure 762 x 510 x 510 mm (30.0 x 20.1 x 20.1 in), providing substantially more room than the VC-500A/2PC at 560 x 410 x 460 mm. Each pallet measures 630 x 500 mm (24.8 x 19.7 in) with a load capacity of 400 kg (882 lb) per pallet. The increased pallet size accommodates larger fixtures and multi-part setups for higher production output per pallet load.

The 12,000 RPM CAT No. 40 spindle produces 18.5 kW (25 hp) with through-spindle coolant at 20 bar standard. The 30-tool arm-type ATC delivers 1.6-second chip-to-chip tool changes. Rapid traverse of 42 m/min on X/Y and 36 m/min on Z via linear roller guides ensures fast axis positioning between cutting moves.

The 2-pallet changer system allows one pallet to be loaded/unloaded while the other is in the machining position. Pallet change time is approximately 10 seconds. The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC manages pallet scheduling, tool life monitoring, and workpiece coordinate offsets for each pallet independently.

The VC-500C/2PC targets production environments running moderate-to-high volumes of mid-size parts. The pallet changer pushes spindle utilization above 85% in typical production scenarios. New machines price between $165,000 and $225,000. Competitors include the Haas VF-3 with pallet system, Okuma GENOS M560-VE, and DN Solutions DNM 5700 with automation.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	762 mm (30.0 in)
Y-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 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	630 x 500 mm (24.8 x 19.7 in)
Pallet Count	2
Pallet Load Capacity	400 kg (882 lb) per pallet
Pallet Change Time	10 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	7,000 kg (15,432 lb) approx.

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Larger work envelope and pallet size than the VC-500A/2PC, handling wider parts and bigger production fixtures
2-pallet changer pushes spindle utilization above 85% by eliminating setup time from the production cycle
18.5 kW spindle with through-spindle coolant handles production cutting in steel, cast iron, and aluminum effectively
630 x 500 mm pallets accommodate multi-part fixtures that increase the number of parts per pallet load
SmoothG CNC with tool life management and independent pallet coordinates supports extended unattended runs
30-inch X-travel covers a versatile range of mid-size production parts

Limitations

Higher price than standalone VMCs of similar envelope due to the integrated pallet changer system
30-inch X-travel is adequate but not generous; shops running larger parts should consider VCN series with pallets
CAT 40 taper limits heavy tooling for aggressive face milling and large boring operations in production
2-pallet system provides basic automation; shops needing 4+ pallets should consider horizontal machining centers

Best For

Production shops running repetitive mid-size parts that need automated pallet switching to maximize spindle time Automotive component manufacturers producing housings, brackets, and covers in medium-to-high volumes Contract manufacturers running multiple part numbers on alternating pallets for flexible production scheduling Shops stepping up from standalone VMCs to pallet-based production without the full cost of a horizontal machining center Facilities running lightly attended or second-shift production where pallet automation extends unattended machining time

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak VC-500C/2PC cost?

New VC-500C/2PC machines start around $165,000 and reach $225,000 with options like high-pressure coolant upgrade, expanded tool magazine, probing, and chip management systems. The pallet changer adds roughly $45,000-$55,000 over a standalone VMC of similar envelope.

02 VC-500C/2PC vs VC-500A/2PC - what is the difference?

The VC-500C/2PC has more travel (30x20x20 in vs 22x16x18 in), larger pallets (630x500 mm vs 500x400 mm), higher pallet load (400 kg vs 300 kg), and more Y-axis capacity. Choose the C model for larger parts and more versatile fixturing; the A model for smaller parts at lower cost.

03 How does the 2-pallet system improve production?

By allowing part loading on one pallet while the machine cuts on the other, setup time is virtually eliminated from the production cycle. In typical scenarios, this increases spindle utilization from 60-70% to 85-90%, effectively adding 25-40% more productive cutting hours per shift.

04 Can I run the VC-500C/2PC as a single-pallet VMC?

Yes. The pallet changer can be parked with a single pallet in the machining position, and the machine operates like a standard VMC. This provides flexibility during setup work or when running single large parts that use the full table.