Okuma MA-550V
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Okuma MA-550V is a production-oriented vertical machining center built for high-duty-cycle manufacturing environments. With 1,300 x 560 x 560 mm (51.2 x 22.0 x 22.0 in) of travel, it delivers a large work envelope with the rigidity needed for continuous production cutting in steel, cast iron, and aluminum.
The standard spindle turns 6,000 RPM with 15/11 kW (20/15 hp) through a No. 50 (BT 50) taper, providing the clamping force and rigidity that production environments demand. Optional configurations reach 12,000 and 25,000 RPM with a 22/15 kW (30/20 hp) motor for shops that need higher spindle speeds for aluminum or finishing operations. The BT 50 taper is a differentiator in this size class, where many competitors use BT 40.
The MA-550V uses roller guides for fast axis movement, complemented by pre-tensioned ball screws with core cooling. This construction prioritizes production speed over the heavy-cut damping of box-way machines: faster rapids, faster acceleration, and shorter cycle times on parts that involve significant non-cutting movement.
The 1,300 x 560 mm (51.2 x 22.0 in) table with 32-tool ATC (expandable to 48 or 60 tools) handles production volumes. The 800 kg (1,764 lb) table load accommodates fixtures and multi-part setups common in automotive and general manufacturing.
Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept is standard, and the ball screw core cooling helps maintain thermal stability during continuous high-speed cutting. The OSP-P300A control provides production-friendly features including bar code reader integration and tool life management.
New MA-550V machines run $140,000-$185,000. The MA-V series targets production shops that need BT 50 rigidity with roller-guide speed. Direct competitors include the Mazak VTC-530C, Doosan DNM 650 II, and Hyundai Wia KF5600.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | min⁻¹ |
| Spindle Taper | No. 50 (BT 50) |
| Spindle Motor Power | kW |
| Tool Capacity | 32 (standard); 48 or 60 optional |
| Table Size | 1,300 x 560 |
| Max Table Load | 800 kg (1,764 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 40 m/min (X/Y); 32 m/min (Z) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.005 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.003 mm |
| Machine Weight | 9,200 kg (20,282 lb) |
| CNC Control | OSP-P300A |
| Guide Type | Linear roller guides (all axes) |
| Max Machining Volume | 1,300 x 560 x 560 |
| Rapid Traverse X Y Z | 40 /40 / 30 |
| Okuma Global Repair Center | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Inches | Metric |
| Spindle Speed | 50-6,000 [50-12,000, 50-25,000] |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22/15/11 |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 [48] |
Specifications sourced from okuma.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- BT 50 spindle taper provides superior clamping force for large-diameter tools and heavy roughing operations
- 1,300 mm X-travel with roller guides delivers both work envelope size and fast axis speed
- 560 mm Z-travel provides meaningful depth for tall parts and deep cavity work
- Ball screw core cooling maintains thermal stability during continuous high-speed production
- 32-tool standard magazine is production-ready out of the box, expandable to 60 tools
- 9,200 kg machine weight provides mass-based vibration isolation during heavy cuts
- Roller guides with pre-tensioned ball screws deliver fast rapids for short cycle times
Limitations
- Standard 6,000 RPM spindle is slow for aluminum-heavy shops; high-speed options add cost
- Roller guides trade some heavy-cut vibration damping compared to box-way MB series machines
- Starting at $140K, it's a significant investment compared to BT 40 alternatives with similar travel
- BT 50 tooling costs more than BT 40, increasing tooling investment across the shop
- 9,200 kg weight and large footprint require serious foundation and floor space planning
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New MA-550V machines run $140,000-$185,000 depending on spindle configuration and options. High-speed spindle options, 60-tool magazines, and automation packages push toward the upper range. Used MA-550V machines from 2013-2018 sell for $75,000-$110,000.
02
BT 50 provides roughly 2.5x the clamping force of BT 40, which matters for large face mills (80+ mm diameter), heavy roughing operations, and long boring bars. If your work involves aggressive metal removal in steel and cast iron, BT 50 reduces chatter and extends tool life. For lighter work in aluminum, BT 40 is sufficient and the tooling costs less.
03
Same X and Y travel (1,300 x 560 mm on the MA vs 1,050 x 560 mm on the MB-56V), but different philosophies. The MA-550V uses BT 50 with roller guides for production speed and heavy tool clamping. The MB-56V uses BT 40 with box ways for surface finish quality. Choose the MA for production, the MB for precision finishing.
04
The MA-550V is a 3-axis machine, but it supports 4th-axis rotary table integration with BT 50 hydraulic connections. For true 5-axis work, Okuma offers the MU series. The MA-550V is best suited for 3-axis production work or 3+1 with a rotary table.
05
Standard maintenance includes way lube system checks, ball screw lubrication, coolant system maintenance, and spindle bearing monitoring. The roller guides require periodic pre-load verification. Okuma recommends annual precision checks. The Thermo-Friendly system is maintenance-free and self-calibrating.
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