Thread: Mazak Vari-axis, Anyone own one

Considering a new Variaxis over another used DMU-70. Application would be mainly drilling a myraid of holes/deep water lines in aluminum as well as maybe mold impressions.

I came from a mazak shop and had nothing but a terrific experience with them although everyone claims DMG to be a far superior machine.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I've got one, and met a few other people who have them while I was shopping. It's a wonderful machine. Deadly accurate, and built like a tank. Which particular model are you talking about?

Originally Posted by Joe788

Deadly accurate, and built like a tank.

That's what I think of when I see the name Mazak. 630 5XII, although our parts may be too big (or long as is Z axis travel) for this machine at times, have not done the math yet.

If you have had good luck with Mazaks and the machine will do the job you want, why consider another brand?

I came from a mazak shop and had nothing but a terrific experience with them although everyone claims DMG to be a far superior machine.

Whoever is telling you DMG is a "far superior machine" than a Mazak is smoking crack!

Don't get me wrong, DMG builds good equipment, but to say it is far superior to any other top shelf machine tool is foolish. Actually, I am of the opinion that a lot of the European designed and built DMG's can be fickle machines, and do not age nearly as well as a top Japanese brand like Mori, Mazak, or Okuma.

I've got a lot of experience with both Variaxis 500 and 630. They are both excellent. I have a good friend who has a DMU-70. The DMU-70 is not in the same class as the Variaxis, period.

Now, I think some of the higher end DMG 5ax VMCs might be a more fair comparison against the Variaxis.


...just to elaborate a little, the DMU-70 and the Variaxis 630 have similar work envelope, but the DMU-70 weighs about half of the Variaxis 630. Pictures I've seen of the DMU-70 sans sheetmetal made me laugh out loud. My friend has to really take it easy with the DMU.

Pay careful attention to the relationship of the z axis travel limits and the center of rotations on the Variaxis 630 and 730. It is great for large parts (or tomstones) but can be a long reach if you ever plan on any small parts. (would be great if they shifted the z axis down by about two inches) I think they have made some changes to this in the MkIII/i/j series.

My friend who has the DMU-70 has a programmer/operator on the shop floor, and the control seems to work out quite well for his case. Perhaps the same can be done with Mazatrol, but I've never tried.

Originally Posted by fpworks

I've got a lot of experience with both Variaxis 500 and 630. They are both excellent. I have a good friend who has a DMU-70. The DMU-70 is not in the same class as the Variaxis, period.

Now, I think some of the higher end DMG 5ax VMCs might be a more fair comparison against the Variaxis.


...just to elaborate a little, the DMU-70 and the Variaxis 630 have similar work envelope, but the DMU-70 weighs about half of the Variaxis 630. Pictures I've seen of the DMU-70 sans sheetmetal made me laugh out loud. My friend has to really take it easy with the DMU.

Pay careful attention to the relationship of the z axis travel limits and the center of rotations on the Variaxis 630 and 730. It is great for large parts (or tomstones) but can be a long reach if you ever plan on any small parts. (would be great if they shifted the z axis down by about two inches) I think they have made some changes to this in the MkIII/i/j series.

My friend who has the DMU-70 has a programmer/operator on the shop floor, and the control seems to work out quite well for his case. Perhaps the same can be done with Mazatrol, but I've never tried.

My DMU-70 weighs aprox 22,000 pounds... Couldnt find the weight of a mazak 630 but a mazak variaxis 600i weighs 28,600.

A machine tool dealer who is selling a used DMU-70 told my boss that the DMU is much better built than the mazak. The dealer is also a mazak distributer and said we could get a new mazak 630for the price of a few year old DMG-70... I think that may have crushed my hopes of convincing them to get a mazak.

My friend's DMU-70 is apparently 17k (16 tools)...my Variaxis 630 mk2 was 34k (single pallet, 40 tool mag) Our Variaxis 500 says 24k on the plate, but the BOL was 29k when it rolled in.

The dealer will tell your boss whatever makes him more commission...lol

just look at construction of DMU 50/70 C frame casting base and compare VRX630.

There is no competition

DMU Series Spec.
Ball screws coupling to servo motor by belt and pulley.
No ball screw core cooling
C frame construction
Y axis overhang possibility because of construction
tilt table support by one side

Variaxis 630 spec
Double Colubmn Construction - No Overhang
Direct coupling ball screw to servo motor
XYZ Ball Screw core cooling
Tilt table support by 2 side
More powerfull spindle Torque


To get more cleareance between table center and spindle end

choose option 18000 rpm Spindle to get compact spindle nose and very powerfull spindle and more Z axis movement

If you can get Mazak to replace Mazatrol with Heidenhain or Siemens, you better!!!.... Mazatrol is a useless toy-control suitable for apprentice-jobs only

Originally Posted by copenhagencamguy

If you can get Mazak to replace Mazatrol with Heidenhain or Siemens, you better!!!.... Mazatrol is a useless toy-control suitable for apprentice-jobs only

Sounds to me like you have never worked on a Mazak. They just can't be beat for ease of programming once you learn. Most jobs can be programmed,set-up,proven and making chips before the DMU has even been programmed with Cam.
I worked in an aerospace shop with MAZAKS and DMU's and the MAZAKS were real workhorses while the DMU's had to be babied and broke down all the time.

I', also interested in a Variaxis. i600 or i700. The machine will be used with Mastercam. Trying to hear from current users.

Originally Posted by copenhagencamguy

If you can get Mazak to replace Mazatrol with Heidenhain or Siemens, you better!!!....

Speaking of that...check this out...Mazak Variaxis with Siemens control:

Mazak Variaxis i600 Machine Tool Demo - YouTube

^ what is with that holder in the first video? Almost looks like a sidelok holding a er32 collet... I assume it is a one piece holder and the larger OD is for dampening?

Originally Posted by Dave Cross

^ what is with that holder in the first video? Almost looks like a sidelok holding a er32 collet... I assume it is a one piece holder and the larger OD is for dampening?

LOL. I think what you see there can be explained by the same reason somebody filmed a demo video with the machine on 10% rapids - somebody was clueless.

Originally Posted by Joe788

LOL. I think what you see there can be explained by the same reason somebody filmed a demo video with the machine on 10% rapids - somebody was clueless.

I just wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Looks like we are getting a 2002 vari-axis with pallet changer and 80 tools. Any input on this year machine?