Mazak VCU-400A 5X

$200,000 - $325,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

550 mm (21.7 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM (18,000, 25,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 (BIG-PLUS)

Tool Capacity

30 tools standard (48, 60 optional)

Overview

The Mazak VCU-400A 5X is a compact simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center designed for precision machining of small-to-medium parts in aerospace, medical, and general precision manufacturing. The machine uses a trunnion-style rotary/tilt table that provides full simultaneous 5-axis capability in a compact footprint.

Axis travels measure 550 x 400 x 400 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in) with a 400 mm (15.7 in) diameter rotary table rated for 200 kg (441 lb) workpiece loads. The A-axis tilts from +30 to -120 degrees with the C-axis providing 360-degree continuous rotation. The standard spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 11 kW (15 hp) through a CAT 40 taper, with optional 18,000 RPM and 25,000 RPM high-speed spindles available for aluminum and non-ferrous high-speed machining.

The VCU-400A 5X features roller gear cam drives on both rotary axes, eliminating backlash while maintaining smooth motion during simultaneous contouring. Rapid traverse hits 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) on linear axes. The 30-tool ATC covers most job requirements, with 48 and 60-tool options available.

This is an entry-level to mid-range 5-axis platform positioned below the VARIAXIS series in capability and price. New VCU-400A 5X machines start around $200,000 to $325,000 depending on spindle and options. The machine competes with the DMG Mori CMX 50 U, Haas UMC-500, and Hermle C 250 in the compact 5-axis segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	550 mm (21.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
A Axis Range	+30 to -120 degrees
C Axis Range	360 degrees (continuous)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM (18,000, 25,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 (BIG-PLUS)
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (15 hp); 22 kW (30 hp) on high-speed options
Spindle Torque	48 Nm (35 ft-lb) standard
Table Diameter	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Workpiece Size	400 mm dia x 305 mm H (15.7 x 12.0 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	200 kg (441 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
Tool Capacity	30 tools standard (48, 60 optional)
Rotary Drive	Roller gear cam (both axes)
Machine Weight	7,500 kg (16,535 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint delivers full simultaneous 5-axis capability without consuming the floor space of larger VARIAXIS models
Roller gear cam drives on both rotary axes eliminate backlash and provide smooth motion during simultaneous contouring operations
Entry-level pricing from $200,000 makes genuine 5-axis machining accessible to smaller shops stepping up from 3-axis or 3+2 machining
Multiple spindle options from 12,000 to 25,000 RPM allow shops to configure the machine for their primary material mix
MAZATROL SmoothG control with conversational programming reduces the barrier to entry for operators new to 5-axis work
Lightweight 7,500 kg machine installs on standard shop floors without specialized foundations

Limitations

550 x 400 x 400 mm travel limits this machine to small-to-medium parts; anything beyond 400 mm diameter needs a larger platform
200 kg table load is light compared to the VARIAXIS i-700 at 600 kg, constraining fixture mass and part weight
11 kW standard spindle is underpowered for aggressive roughing in steel and titanium; high-speed options add significant cost
30-tool standard ATC is tight for complex 5-axis parts with many tool changes; expanding to 60 tools adds $15,000-$25,000
CAT 40 only limits heavy-duty cutting capability compared to machines offering CAT 50 or HSK-A63 options

Best For

Medical device manufacturers machining small implant components, surgical instruments, and dental prosthetics requiring precise 5-axis contouring Aerospace shops producing small brackets, fittings, and connector housings that fit within the 400mm work envelope Job shops adding 5-axis capability on a budget, stepping up from 3+2 indexing on vertical mills Watch and jewelry manufacturers requiring simultaneous 5-axis contouring for complex curved surfaces Prototype shops and R&D departments that need 5-axis flexibility without justifying a $400,000+ VARIAXIS investment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Mazak VCU-400A 5X cost?

New VCU-400A 5X machines start around $200,000 for a base configuration with 12,000 RPM spindle and 30-tool magazine. Adding the 25,000 RPM spindle, expanded ATC, probing, and high-pressure coolant pushes pricing to $275,000-$325,000. Used VCU-400A machines from 2018-2022 trade around $120,000-$180,000.

02 How does the VCU-400A 5X compare to the VARIAXIS i-300?

The VARIAXIS i-300 is the next step up with a more rigid platform, longer axis travels, and the full VARIAXIS construction quality. The VCU-400A 5X is the more affordable entry point with similar 5-axis geometry but lighter construction. For production 5-axis work demanding tight tolerances over long runs, the VARIAXIS is worth the premium.

03 Can the VCU-400A 5X do simultaneous 5-axis?

Yes. This is a full simultaneous 5-axis machine, not a 3+2 indexing machine. The roller gear cam drives on both rotary axes provide smooth interpolation during continuous 5-axis contouring. The SmoothG control handles 5-axis tool center point (TCP) control and collision avoidance.

04 Is the VCU-400A 5X suitable for titanium machining?

The standard 11 kW spindle is too light for serious titanium roughing. With the higher-power spindle options, the machine handles titanium finishing and light roughing on small parts. For aggressive titanium work, a VARIAXIS or larger 5-axis with CAT 50 is a better choice.

05 What automation options are available?

The VCU-400A 5X supports robotic part loading through the front door and can be integrated into multi-machine cells. It does not have a built-in pallet changer like the VARIAXIS series. For unattended production, shops typically pair it with a robot arm and expanded tool magazine.