Yamazaki Mazak Vertical Machining Centers

Mazak VCN-500

$130,000 - $185,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,050 mm (41.3 in)

Y Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

CAT No. 40

Tool Capacity

30 (arm-type ATC); 48 optional

Overview

The Mazak VCN-500 is a mid-size production vertical machining center in the VCN (Vertical Center Nexus) series, positioned between the compact VCN-430A and the larger VCN-530C. The VCN-500 provides a balanced combination of work envelope, spindle performance, and production speed for shops running moderate-to-large part volumes.

Axis travels measure 1,050 x 500 x 510 mm (41.3 x 19.7 x 20.1 in), giving the machine a generous work envelope for mid-size production parts. The table measures 1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in) with a maximum load of 800 kg (1,764 lb). The 12,000 RPM CAT No. 40 spindle delivers 18.5 kW (25 hp) through a built-in motor design, with a 15,000 RPM option for aluminum-intensive applications.

The 30-tool arm-type ATC achieves 1.3-second tool-to-tool change time. Rapid traverse hits 42 m/min on all axes via linear roller guides with ball screw core cooling. Through-spindle coolant at 20 bar standard (70 bar optional) supports aggressive production drilling. The machine weighs approximately 6,500 kg (14,330 lb), providing a stable platform for consistent production quality.

The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC offers conversational programming, full G-code, 3D simulation, and production management features including tool life monitoring and automatic tool compensation. The control supports 4th-axis integration for indexing and contouring applications.

The VCN-500 targets production shops that need more travel and power than the VCN-430A but do not require the extra Y-travel of the VCN-530C. New machines price between $130,000 and $185,000. Competitors include the Okuma GENOS M560-V, Haas VF-4, and DMG Mori CMX 800 V in the mid-size production VMC segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,050 mm (41.3 in)
Y-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (15,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	CAT No. 40
Spindle Motor Power	18.5 kW (25 hp)
Spindle Type	Built-in motor
Tool Capacity	30 (arm-type ATC); 48 optional
Tool Change Time	1.3 seconds (tool-to-tool)
Table Size	1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in)
Max Table Load	800 kg (1,764 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	42 m/min (1,654 ipm)
Through Spindle Coolant	20 bar standard (70 bar optional)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC
Guide Type	Linear roller guides (all axes)
Ball Screw Cooling	Core cooling
Machine Weight	6,500 kg (14,330 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

41.3-inch X-travel with 47-inch table provides a versatile work envelope for mid-size production parts and fixtures
18.5 kW built-in motor spindle delivers clean, vibration-free cutting for production surface finish quality
1.3-second tool-to-tool change time and 42 m/min rapids minimize non-cutting time for tight production cycles
800 kg table load accommodates heavy production fixtures, multi-part setups, and 4th-axis rotary units
Ball screw core cooling and roller guide construction maintain accuracy through extended production runs
48-tool expansion and 15,000 RPM spindle options configure the machine for diverse production applications

Limitations

500 mm Y-travel is slightly less than the VCN-530C at 530 mm; shops running wider parts should consider the 530C
Starting at $130K, it is a significant investment over entry-level VMCs for shops not running production volumes
CAT 40 taper limits heavy tooling applications; shops needing BT 50 or CAT 50 should look at the VCN-535C or VCE series
Roller guide construction trades some heavy-cut rigidity compared to box-way competitors in interrupted cutting applications
Mazak service and parts costs run higher than Haas, which matters for long-term ownership cost calculations

Best For

Production shops running moderate-to-high volumes of mid-size parts across aluminum, steel, and cast iron Automotive and industrial component manufacturers needing a versatile 40-inch-class production VMC Shops upgrading from entry-level VMCs to production-grade equipment with fast tool changes and thermal stability Contract manufacturers bidding on production work that requires reliable cycle times and consistent quality Mold component shops machining electrode blanks, inserts, and production tooling requiring good surface finish

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak VCN-500 cost?

New VCN-500 machines start around $130,000 and reach $185,000 with options like 15,000 RPM spindle, 48-tool magazine, high-pressure coolant, probing, and chip conveyor. Used units from 2015-2020 trade in the $65,000-$110,000 range depending on hours and condition.

02 VCN-500 vs VCN-530C - what is the difference?

The VCN-530C has slightly more Y-travel (530 mm vs 500 mm), a larger table (1,300 x 550 mm vs 1,200 x 500 mm), and higher table load (1,200 kg vs 800 kg). The VCN-500 is more compact and slightly less expensive. Both share the same X and Z travel, spindle options, and SmoothG control.

03 Can the VCN-500 be automated?

Yes. The VCN-500 supports pallet changers, robotic loading, and 4th-axis integration. The SmoothG CNC includes tool life management and workpiece coordinate management for unattended production. A 2-pallet changer option is available for basic automation.

04 How does the VCN-500 compare to the Okuma GENOS M560-V?

Both are production-grade VMCs with similar travel ranges. The Okuma GENOS M560-V uses box-way construction for better heavy-cut rigidity, while the VCN-500 uses roller guides for faster rapids and positioning. The Mazak offers MAZATROL conversational programming; the Okuma uses OSP control. Pricing is similar in the $130-185K range.