Okuma MA-500HII

$350,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

min⁻¹ (rpm)

Spindle Taper

No. 50

Tool Capacity

40 tools

Rapid Traverse

Spindle Power

30/22

pallet size

500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in)

Overview

The Okuma MA-500HII is a heavy-duty 500mm horizontal machining center designed for shops that need the rigidity and torque of a No. 50 taper spindle in a 500mm pallet platform. Unlike many 500mm HMCs that default to No. 40 tapers for speed, the MA-500HII starts with a 6,000 RPM No. 50 spindle producing 30 kW (40 hp) at 10-minute rating and 22 kW (30 hp) continuous, prioritizing cutting force over surface speed.

The 500 x 500 mm pallets support workpieces up to 800 mm diameter by 1,000 mm height. Tool storage holds 40 tools standard. Machine dimensions are 3,110 x 5,971 x 3,174 mm, placing the MA-500HII in the mid-size range where it competes with both 500mm and some smaller 630mm-class machines on work envelope.

The MA-500HII runs on Okuma's OSP control with Thermo-Friendly Concept, Anti-Crash System, and the full suite of intelligent machining technologies. The No. 50 taper spindle with its larger bearing set provides a more rigid cutting platform than No. 40 alternatives, making the MA-500HII particularly effective for heavy roughing in steel, cast iron, and alloy materials where spindle deflection under load directly impacts surface finish and tool life.

The MA-500HII competes with the Mazak HCN-5000/50, DMG Mori NHX 5500, and Makino A61nx in the heavy-duty 500mm HMC segment. Okuma differentiates on the Thermo-Friendly Concept and the integrated single-source control platform. New MA-500HII machines price in the $350,000 to $500,000 range. The machine is best suited for shops primarily machining steel and cast iron where the No. 50 taper's rigidity advantage outweighs the speed advantage of No. 40 alternatives. Specs sourced from Okuma Corporation published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Pallet Size	500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Size	ø800 x 1,000 mm (ø31.5 x 39.4 in)
Max Spindle Speed	min⁻¹ (rpm)
Spindle Taper	No. 50
Spindle Motor Power	30/22
Tool Capacity	40 tools
CNC Control	Okuma OSP-P500M
Machine Dimensions	3,110 x 5,971 x 3,174 mm (122.4 x 235.1 x 125.0 in) (W x D x H)
Thermo Friendly Concept	Standard
Anti Crash System	Standard
Process Navi	Standard
Servo Navi	Standard
Spindle Bearing Type	No. 50 large-diameter bearings for rigidity
Max Machining Volume	700 x 900 x 780
Rotary Pallet Size	500 x 500
Rapid Traverse Rate	60
Okuma Global Repair Center	Charlotte, North Carolina
Inches	Metric
Spindle Speed	50~6,000, [50~12,000; 50~20,000]
Magazine Capacity	40 [60, 81, 111, 141, 171, 195, 225, 255, 285, 320, 400]

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

No. 50 taper spindle provides superior rigidity under heavy cutting loads compared to No. 40 alternatives in the 500mm HMC class
30 kW spindle power at 6,000 RPM delivers the torque needed for aggressive roughing in steel, cast iron, and alloy materials
500 x 500 mm pallets with ø800 x 1,000 mm workpiece capacity covers a wide range of medium-to-large part applications
Thermo-Friendly Concept maintains dimensional accuracy across production shifts without requiring climate-controlled shop environments
Okuma's single-source control integration provides tight coupling between CNC and machine mechanics for optimized performance
Anti-Crash System protects the valuable No. 50 spindle from costly collision damage during complex multi-face machining operations

Limitations

6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is too slow for productive aluminum machining — shops with significant aluminum work should consider the MA-4000H with higher-speed spindle options
40-tool magazine is moderate — shops running high-mix production may need to plan tool changes between part programs
No. 50 taper tooling is heavier and more expensive than No. 40, increasing tooling investment and ATC cycle times
Machine weight and rigidity-focused design means slower acceleration compared to speed-optimized competitors like the Makino a51nx

Best For

Steel and cast iron production shops where No. 50 taper rigidity directly improves surface finish and tool life under heavy cutting loads Aerospace manufacturers machining steel and titanium structural components requiring the rigidity of a No. 50 spindle platform Automotive manufacturers machining engine blocks, transmission housings, and brake components in cast iron and aluminum-silicon alloys Energy sector shops producing valve bodies, pump housings, and compressor components in alloy steels Job shops upgrading from vertical machining centers to horizontal production where heavy cutting capability is the priority

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Okuma MA-500HII cost?

New MA-500HII machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on options and automation configuration. Multi-pallet systems, expanded tool magazines, high-pressure coolant, and probing add to the base price. Used MA-500H series machines from 2010-2020 trade between $120,000 and $280,000 depending on hours and condition.

02 Why choose the MA-500HII over the MB-5000HII?

The MA-500HII uses a No. 50 taper at 6,000 RPM for maximum rigidity and cutting force. The MB-5000HII uses a No. 40 taper at 15,000 RPM for speed and fast cycle times. Choose the MA-500HII for heavy steel and cast iron work where spindle rigidity matters. Choose the MB-5000HII for aluminum production and high-speed work where RPM drives productivity.

03 Can the MA-500HII machine aluminum effectively?

The MA-500HII can machine aluminum, but at 6,000 RPM it cannot achieve the surface speeds needed for high-speed aluminum machining. For shops with significant aluminum volume, the MB-5000HII at 15,000 RPM is the better choice. The MA-500HII is optimized for ferrous materials where torque and rigidity deliver better results than speed.

04 What automation options are available?

The MA-500HII ships with a dual-pallet changer for basic unattended operation. Multi-pallet systems with linear pallet pools are available for extended lights-out production. Okuma partners with automation providers for custom cell configurations. The 500mm pallet standard allows integration with various third-party automation systems.