Niigata PN500
Image: n-mtec.com, Niigata
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Spindle Power
x axis travel
y axis travel
How much does the Niigata PN500 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Niigata PN500 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
Niigata's PN500 puts a 37 kW (49.6 hp) BT40 spindle and hand-scraped slideways under a 500 mm × 500 mm pallet. It is the larger of the two PN series horizontal machining centers, with travels of 800 mm (31.5 in), 750 mm (29.5 in) and 800 mm (31.5 in) in X, Y and Z and room for a workpiece of φ800 mm × 1,000 mm.
The pallet load is 500 kg (1,102 lb). That is a modest figure for the envelope, and it tells you what the machine is for: parts that are large in outline but not massive, cut hard with 40-taper tools. Niigata's own summary is a #40 main shaft with power comparable to a #50, and the numbers behind it are 303 N·m (223 lb-ft) of torque at up to 10,000 min-1 as standard. The optional high-speed spindle raises the limit to 15,000 min-1 without giving up torque or output.
Unlike the N500, which uses roller guides, the PN500 keeps an angular slide structure for its damping in difficult-to-machine materials. Rapid traverse is nevertheless 61 m/min, driven through φ50 ball screws with a ball return system.
The ATC completes the picture. Niigata quotes 1.2 seconds tool to tool with a 4 kg tool and 1.7 seconds with a 12 kg tool, and the controller adjusts the changer's timing to each tool's length. Forty tools are standard; magazines of 60, 88 and 126 tools are options. The NC table indexes at 0.001°.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Pallet Size | 500 mm × 500 mm (19.7 in × 19.7 in) |
| Table Indexing Angle | 0.001° (NC table) |
| Max Table Load | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 min-1; option 15,000 min-1 |
| Spindle Torque | 303 N·m (223 lb-ft) |
| Spindle Taper | BT40 |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 61 m/min (2,402 ipm) |
| Tool Capacity | 40; options 60 / 88 / 126 |
| Max Workpiece Size | φ800 mm × 1,000 mm (31.5 in × 39.4 in) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 kW (49.6 hp) |
| Spindle Option High Speed | 15,000 min-1, 303 N·m (223 lb-ft), 37 kW (49.6 hp), BT40 |
Specifications sourced from n-mtec.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- φ800 mm × 1,000 mm workpiece on a 40-taper machine
- 37 kW (49.6 hp) and 303 N·m (223 lb-ft) from a BT40 spindle
- 61 m/min rapids together with an angular slide structure chosen for damping
- 1.2 seconds tool to tool with a 4 kg tool, 1.7 seconds with a 12 kg tool
- Optional 15,000 min-1 spindle keeps the 303 N·m torque figure
Limitations
- 500 kg (1,102 lb) pallet load is low for a φ800 mm × 1,000 mm envelope; the N600 carries 800 kg on the same pallet size
- BT40 only, so tool length and cutter diameter are limited compared with a #50 machine
- Standard magazine is 40 tools; larger magazines are options
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
X (column left/right) is 800 mm, Y (spindle up/down) is 750 mm and Z (table forward/backward) is 800 mm. The pallet is 500 mm × 500 mm with a 500 kg (1,102 lb) limit, and the maximum workpiece is φ800 mm × 1,000 mm.
02
Niigata lists a maximum output of 37 kW and a maximum torque of 303 N·m for the BT40 spindle. Standard speed is 10,000 min-1 and a 15,000 min-1 high-speed spindle is optional. The maker says the spindle uses high-load, large-diameter ball bearings and a direct-lubrication system.
03
The standard magazine holds 40 tools. Niigata lists 60, 88 and 126 tools as options. Tool-to-tool time is given as 1.2 seconds for a 4 kg tool and 1.7 seconds for a 12 kg tool.
04
Both carry 500 kg on a 500 mm × 500 mm pallet and share the 303 N·m torque figure. The PN500 has sliding guides, a BT40 spindle at 10,000 min-1 and longer X and Y travels of 800 mm and 750 mm. The N500 has roller guides, a BBT40 spindle at 15,000 min-1 and 0.001° indexing, with 730 mm and 700 mm in X and Y.
More from Niigata
Other Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC)
Litz LH-1000
JTEKT FH1600SW-i
Kitamura SuperCell 400
DMG Mori NHX 5000
SW BA 312
