Mazak VORTEX II

$600,000 - $1,200,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

Z Travel

610 mm (24.0 in)

Table Size

157.48″ × 49.21″

models available

VORTEX 815/120-II, VORTEX 1400/160-II

travel x 815

3,048 mm (120 in)

travel x 1400

4,200 mm (165.4 in)

travel y 815

810 mm (31.9 in)

Overview

The Mazak VORTEX II is a large-format horizontal 5-axis profiling machine designed for aerospace structural parts, wing skins, and long workpieces requiring simultaneous 5-axis machining with extended X-axis travel. Available as the VORTEX 815/120-II and VORTEX 1400/160-II, these machines use A-axis and B-axis spindle heads with roller gear cam drives for precise angular positioning on oversized workpieces.

The 815/120-II provides 3,048 mm (120 in) X-travel, 810 mm (31.9 in) Y-travel, and 610 mm (24.0 in) Z-travel with a table of 3,240 x 810 mm (127.6 x 31.9 in). The 1400/160-II scales up to 4,200 mm (165.4 in) X-travel and 1,400 mm (55.1 in) Y-travel with a 4,000 x 1,250 mm (157.5 x 49.2 in) table.

Spindle options include a standard 10,000 RPM CAT No.50 configuration, an 18,000 RPM option at 75 kW (100 hp), and a 13,000 RPM high-torque variant producing 286 Nm (211 ft-lb). The rotary axes employ backlash-free roller gear cam mechanisms positioning in 0.0001-degree increments with a rotary range of +/-40 degrees.

The VORTEX II is purpose-built for aerospace profiling work where long aluminum and titanium structural parts need simultaneous 5-axis contouring with high material removal rates. The horizontal spindle orientation provides natural chip evacuation and coolant drainage. The MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC manages all axis coordination.

Competitors in this class include purpose-built profilers from Dufieux, Forest-Line, and MTorres. The Mazak competes on control intelligence, service network, and machine availability vs European profiler specialists.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Models Available	VORTEX 815/120-II, VORTEX 1400/160-II
Travel X 815	3,048 mm (120 in)
Travel X 1400	4,200 mm (165.4 in)
Travel Y 815	810 mm (31.9 in)
Travel Y 1400	1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	610 mm (24.0 in)
Rotary Range	+/-40 degrees
Rotary Indexing	0.0001 degree increments
Table Size 815	3,240 x 810 mm (127.6 x 31.9 in)
Table Size 1400	4,000 x 1,250 mm (157.5 x 49.2 in)
Spindle Speed Standard	10,000 RPM (CAT No.50)
Spindle Speed High Speed	18,000 RPM / 75 kW (100 hp)
Spindle Torque High Torque	286 Nm (211 ft-lb) at 13,000 RPM
Max Workpiece 815	3,240 x 810 x 725 mm (127.6 x 31.9 x 28.5 in)
Max Workpiece 1400	4,000 x 1,480 x 735 mm (157.5 x 58.3 x 28.9 in)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC
Construction	Horizontal spindle profiler
Rotary Drive	Roller gear cam (backlash-free)
Table Size	157.48″ × 49.21″
X Y Z Axis	120″ / 31.89″ / 24.02″
Tool Shank	CAT No.50
Max Spindle Speed	10000 min-1(rpm)
Max Workpiece Size	157.48″ × 58.27″ × 28.94″

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Extended X-axis travel (up to 4,200 mm) handles the longest aerospace structural parts and wing skins
18,000 RPM / 75 kW spindle option provides high material removal rates in aluminum aerospace alloys
Horizontal spindle orientation provides natural chip evacuation and coolant drainage for extended unmanned runs
Roller gear cam rotary axes with 0.0001-degree indexing ensure precise angular positioning on profiled surfaces
High-torque 13K RPM option at 286 Nm handles titanium structural parts with aggressive depths of cut
SmoothAi CNC with AI chatter suppression optimizes cutting conditions automatically on long profiling passes
Two frame sizes cover the range from medium to very large structural components

Limitations

Starting price above $600,000 with fully optioned 1400/160-II exceeding $1.2M
+/-40 degree rotary range limits angular access compared to full-travel 5-axis machines
Purpose-built for profiling work; not versatile for general 5-axis machining applications
Large footprint requires dedicated floor space and substantial foundation work
Limited Y-axis travel on 815 model constrains part width to about 810 mm

Best For

Aerospace tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers machining long aluminum and titanium structural parts Wing skin and fuselage panel manufacturers requiring simultaneous 5-axis profiling on extended workpieces Defense contractors machining long structural and armor components Aerospace MRO facilities machining replacement structural parts and panels Large structural component manufacturers in transportation and energy sectors

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a VORTEX II cost?

New pricing ranges from about $600,000 for a base 815/120-II to over $1,200,000 for a fully optioned 1400/160-II. Most configurations for aerospace work fall in the $700,000-$900,000 range.

02 VORTEX II vs VTC-5?

VORTEX II is a horizontal profiler optimized for aerospace skin/structural work with more X-travel and higher spindle power. VTC-5 is a vertical traveling column more suited for general long-part machining. Choose VORTEX II for dedicated aerospace profiling; VTC-5 for versatile long-part work.

03 What spindle for aluminum aerospace?

The 18,000 RPM / 75 kW option is the clear choice for aluminum aerospace profiling. It provides the surface speed and power for productive high-speed machining of 2024 and 7075 alloys at aggressive feeds.

04 Can it machine titanium?

Yes. The 13,000 RPM high-torque option at 286 Nm with CAT No.50 handles titanium structural parts. The horizontal orientation aids chip evacuation during heavy Ti roughing.