The a500iR accommodates workpieces from Ø700 to Ø900 mm (Ø27.5” to Ø35.4”) x 600mm (23.6”) high, with payload weights up to 400 kg (880 pounds). The X-stroke is 900 mm (35.4”), Y-stroke is 750 mm (29.5”), and Z-stroke is 800 mm (31.5”). Both rotary tables are of the direct drive type, with unlimited 360° movement on the C-axis, and ranging from -110° to +180° (290° total) on the B-axis unit. This allows a full range of workpiece positioning, allowing for ‘undercut machining’ of the fixtured workpiece.

As has long been Makino’s hallmark, all axes on the a500iR have closed loop active temperature control standard, providing not only the superior dimensional control that is inherent to this design, but also extended component life even in the most demanding production environments. With rapid rates for all linear axes of 2,362 inches per minute (60 meters per minute), and high rotary axes rotation rates, this agile platform allows for highly efficient machine movements.

The a500iR’s standard 14,000 RPM high power spindle offers output capabilities of 63 kW (84.5 HP) peak power, and 303 N-m (223 ft-lbs) peak torque, making is ideal for wide ranging material applications. The optional 20,000 RPM high speed spindle is offered for customers utilizing primarily small diameter tools in high-speed machining applications, while the optional 24,000 RPM high speed/high power spindle in made for maximum productivity in structural aluminum machining applications. Tool changer magazine sizes range from the standard 90 tool capacity ring type unit, all the way up to a 313 tool matrix type magazine.

The innovative automatic pallet changer on the a500iR not only greatly increases machine utilization, allowing workholding fixture tending on one pallet while the other pallet’s workpiece is being machined, but presents the fixture that is to be tended by the machine operator in a flat, horizontal orientation. With this system, the operator has gravity working for them on the loading station, making the setting of heavy workpieces a more ergonomic endeavor.

The a500iR comes standard with our Fanuc based Pro-6 CNC control, featuring standard features such as a user-friendly touch screen interface, advanced tool data management, and our patented Makino Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.5) high speed machining control system. Collision Safe Guard (CSG) is also a part of the a500iR’s standard build.