Quaser MF400U
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Rapid Traverse
Overview
The Quaser MF400U is a universal vertical machining center that extends the compact MF400 platform with a full 5-axis simultaneous machining capability, incorporating a trunnion-style tilting rotary table to provide A and C axis motion alongside the standard X, Y, and Z linear travels. Designed for complex aerospace, medical, and precision engineering components that require multi-face and contoured surface machining in a single setup, the MF400U targets shops that need 5-axis capability without the footprint or cost penalty of a large 5-axis platform.
Quaser's approach to the MF400U centers on maintaining the precision foundation of the MF400 series while integrating the rotary axes in a mechanically coherent way. The trunnion table — typically a 300 mm diameter unit — provides A axis tilt of +30/-110 degrees and full 360-degree C axis rotation, enabling the machine to approach all five sides of a workpiece in a single clamping. The combination with Quaser's linear roller guideway construction and high-speed spindle options makes the MF400U effective for both complex 5-axis simultaneous contouring and efficient 3+2 positional machining of prismatic parts requiring access to multiple faces.
The spindle runs standard at 12,000 RPM on a BT 40 taper with a 15 kW motor; 15,000 and 18,000 RPM options are available for aluminum and non-ferrous high-speed applications. Quaser fits the MF400U with the Fanuc 30i-B or 31i-B5 control as standard — both support full simultaneous 5-axis interpolation with RTCP (Rotary Tool Center Point) function, which simplifies programming and allows CAM output to run without manual post-processor compensation for the rotary center offsets. Heidenhain TNC 640 is available as an option for shops whose CAM systems or programming environments are built around Heidenhain.
Factory calibration standards on the MF400U follow the same Renishaw ballbar and laser interferometer protocols that characterize the broader MF series, with additional rotary axis calibration using a reference sphere and 3D touch probe. Positioning accuracy of ±0.003 mm and repeatability of ±0.002 mm on the linear axes are complemented by A and C axis angular accuracy specifications appropriate for precision aerospace and medical component work. The MF400U occupies a well-defined price band above 3-axis VMCs but substantially below Swiss-built or German-built 5-axis platforms, making it accessible to mid-tier precision shops building 5-axis capability for the first time.
Pricing for the MF400U typically ranges from $150,000 to $220,000 depending on spindle specification, control choice, through-spindle coolant pressure, and automation options. At this price point the machine competes with the DMG Mori CMX 50 U, Matsuura MX-330, and Fanuc Robodrill D21LiB5 for shops seeking a compact, high-accuracy 5-axis VMC with a proven Taiwanese quality pedigree.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 360 mm (14.2 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| A Axis Range | +30° / -110° |
| C Axis Range | 360° (continuous) |
| Table Diameter | 300 mm (11.8 in) trunnion rotary table |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 150 kg (331 lb) on rotary table |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (15,000 / 18,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | BT 40 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 hp) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 36 m/min (X/Y); 30 m/min (Z) |
| Feed Rate Max | 15,000 mm/min |
| Tool Changer Capacity | 30 tools (arm-type ATC) |
| Tool Change Time | 1.8 sec (tool-to-tool) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm (linear axes) |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm (linear axes) |
| Guideway Type | Linear roller guideways |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 30i-B / 31i-B5 (Heidenhain TNC 640 optional) |
| Machine Weight | 7,500 kg (16,535 lb) approx. |
Specifications sourced from quaser.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Full simultaneous 5-axis capability with RTCP on a compact footprint allows complex aerospace and medical parts to be completed in a single setup, eliminating repositioning errors that accumulate across multiple 3-axis setups
- Quaser's standard factory calibration including rotary axis verification ensures that angular accuracy specifications are actually delivered at installation, critical for 5-axis contouring where rotary positioning errors directly affect surface finish and profile accuracy
- Fanuc 30i-B / 31i-B5 standard control provides mature, widely-supported 5-axis interpolation with RTCP, making CAM integration straightforward and reducing post-processor development costs for shops already using Fanuc on other machines
- Pricing of $150K–$220K is substantially below comparable European 5-axis platforms while delivering competitive geometric accuracy, making 5-axis accessible to mid-tier shops that cannot justify a $350K+ Swiss or German 5-axis purchase
- BT 40 spindle with optional 18,000 RPM enables high-speed aluminum finishing and small-tool die/mold work alongside the multi-axis positioning capability, broadening the machine's applicability across part families
Limitations
- 150 kg rotary table payload limits workpiece size for 5-axis operation — shops regularly machining large aluminum structures or heavy steel fixtures will need a larger 5-axis platform
- Quaser's dealer and service network is thinner than DMG Mori, Mazak, or Matsuura, potentially extending service response times in regions without a dedicated distributor
- The BT 40 spindle taper, while appropriate for the machine's size class, is a limiting factor for heavy roughing cuts compared to HSK-A63 or BT 50 — shops combining aggressive roughing with precision 5-axis finishing may prefer a larger platform
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The MF400 is a 3-axis vertical machining center with X/Y/Z travels only. The MF400U adds a trunnion-style tilting rotary table providing A and C rotary axes, enabling full 5-axis simultaneous machining or 3+2 positional work. The MF400U uses the Fanuc 30i-B or 31i-B5 control instead of the 0i-MF Plus to support simultaneous 5-axis interpolation with RTCP. The MF400U's footprint is similar to the MF400 but machine weight is significantly higher due to the rotary table mechanism and reinforced base structure.
02
The MF400U supports full simultaneous 5-axis contouring with RTCP (Rotary Tool Center Point) compensation. The Fanuc 30i-B and 31i-B5 controls are both fully capable of simultaneous 5-axis interpolation. RTCP allows the control to maintain the tool tip at the programmed point while the rotary axes move, which simplifies CAM programming and eliminates manual corrections for rotary center offsets. 3+2 positional machining is also fully supported and is often the more efficient strategy for prismatic parts requiring access to multiple faces.
03
The MF400U is compatible with all major 5-axis CAM systems including Mastercam, Hypermill, PowerMill, NX CAM, Catia V5, and Fusion 360. Post-processors for Fanuc 30i-B are widely available from CAM vendors and post-processor libraries. Shops using Heidenhain TNC 640 (available as an option) have equally broad CAM support with TCPM-enabled posts. Quaser's Taiwanese distributors and some North American dealers provide post-processor support for the machine's specific kinematics.
04
Both machines occupy the compact 5-axis trunnion VMC category. The DMG Mori CMX 50 U has a larger table (500 mm diameter) and somewhat higher payload. The MF400U is typically priced 20–35% below the CMX 50 U for equivalent configurations. DMG Mori offers broader global service coverage, which is a significant advantage in some markets. Quaser offers tighter factory calibration tolerances as standard and a Heidenhain option. For shops primarily focused on purchase price and geometric accuracy, the MF400U is competitive; for shops prioritizing global service network, the CMX 50 U has the advantage.
05
Yes. Through-spindle coolant (TSC) is available at 20 bar, 40 bar, and 70 bar pressure levels as factory options. 70 bar is recommended for titanium and steel machining where chip evacuation from the cutting zone is critical, and for deep-hole drilling where flood coolant cannot reach the cutting tip. In 5-axis machining, TSC is particularly valuable because coolant delivery direction cannot always be optimized with external nozzles as the workpiece orientation changes. Quaser fits a high-pressure coolant unit in the machine base with automatic tool-length-compensated flow control.
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