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5-Axis Vertical Machining Center Deep Dive

Finding the right vertical machining center can greatly increase your shop’s productivity. 

Take a deep dive into the high performance DA500 5-axis machine design, operational features, and intelligent Pro 6 control functions. Moving to 5-axis machining permits using shorter tooling, optimizes contact between the tool and part providing ideal cutting conditions, improves stiffness and rigidity, provides less run-out, and improves surface finishes. The transition to a Makino 5-axis vertical machine center can increase productivity, reduce cycle times, decrease costs and even eliminate the need for hand-finishing. Simplify your setup and enhance your reliability. 

DA500

5-Axis Vertical Machining Center

Precision and Flexibility for Complex Production Machining

Cutting Machining Time for Complex Parts
The Makino DA500 is the latest evolution in 5-axis vertical machining—offering a powerful blend of speed, rigidity, and versatility. Inspired by the proven design elements of both vertical and horizontal platforms—and building on the success of the smaller DA300—the DA500 is one of the first general-purpose production machines capable of both milling and turning with exceptional reliability and agility.

It’s a productivity-focused solution designed to reduce cycle times, minimize setups, and meet the high-precision demands of industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, and production manufacturing.

Engineered for Performance and Efficiency
The DA500 combines multiple operations into a single platform to streamline workflows and reduce cost-per-part. Its compact footprint hides a powerhouse of capability:

  • 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle with 50% more torque and 2x the power of conventional designs
  • Fast acceleration and high chip-removal rates, ideal for modern high-speed milling strategies
  • Axis feedrates up to 60,000 mm/min, minimizing non-cut time
  • Single-setup machining with full 5-axis contouring and multi-side accessibility

Built for Automation & Scalability
The DA500 is automation-ready, featuring two pallet configuration options—400 mm square and 500 mm diameter—to support both standalone and multi-pallet magazine setups. Its tool magazine starts with a 60-tool capacity can be expanded up to 311 tools, making it easy to scale up for higher-volume production.

The machine’s rigid slant-column construction ensures stability under high-speed operation, while its integral rotary table enables simultaneous 5-axis motion with high accuracy.

Milling and Turning—No Compromises
Unlike hybrid machines that sacrifice one function for another, the DA500 delivers true dual capability:

  • Turning-ready spindle configuration without sacrificing milling rigidity
  • Up to 800 RPM table rotation for effective turning of challenging materials
  • Optimized spindle support placement to protect the front bearing during turning
  • Ideal for nickel alloys in aerospace and stainless steels used in semiconductor applications
Technical Specifications
Specification Value
Pallet Size 400 x 400 mm
Table Diameter 500 mm Ø
Travel (X/Y/Z) 800 / 900 / 550 mm
A-Axis Tilt +30° to -120° (150° total)
C-Axis Rotation 360°
Spindle Speed 50 – 20,000 RPM
Max Workpiece Size 800 mm Ø x 500 mm (conditional)
Max Payload 350 kg
ATC Capacity 60 tools (expandable to 118)
Max Tool Length (HSK) 300 mm
Max Tool Diameter 70 mm (140 mm without adjacent tools)
Max Tool Weight 8 kg


Conclusion
The Makino DA500 sets a new benchmark for flexible 5-axis production machining. With industry-leading speed, powerful spindle performance, and automation-ready architecture, it delivers measurable gains in efficiency, versatility, and part quality—exactly what modern manufacturers demand.

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