Mazak VARIAXIS C-700 5-Axis Machine Took Center Stage at IMTS 2026

FLORENCE, Ky., September 14, 2026 – Mazak demonstrated the VARIAXIS C-700 Vertical Machining Center at IMTS 2026, showing attendees how the machine makes full simultaneous 5-axis machining and automation integration easily accessible for any shop. The user-friendly, compact machine delivers speed, stability and power while offering a range of tool storage capacities.

As a solid “first step” into 5-axis machining for some shops, this highly capable machine features a versatile sheet-metal enclosure ready for a comprehensive range of automation solutions. The innovative design ensures easy, seamless automation integration for facilities of any size from job shops to large manufacturing plants. As an initial automation option, shops can install a MULTI PALLET POOL (MPP) with 2-, 4-, 6- or 12-pallets on the VARIAXIS C-700, a simple solution that virtually eliminates the non-cut time associated with part loading and unloading.

To further enhance automation integration, the VARIAXIS C-700 provides both front and side automatic door operation. The machine’s full front door spans from the top to the bottom of the machine to provide exceptional user access and superior ergonomics. An optional automatic side door enables shops to load and unload parts at the side of the machine with a robot, which frees up the machine’s front work area and eliminates any interference between automation and operators at the front door.

Side loading also makes it easy to add standard, pre-engineered robotic part-loading systems to single-pallet/table machine configurations. In those instances, the VARIAXIS C-700 can be equipped with through-pallet hydraulics or pneumatics. With these ports, shops can mount fixtures to the machine’s table so workholding can trigger automatic part clamping when parts load.

For tool-changing efficiency and unattended production, the VARIAXIS C-700 offers 30, 60, 90 and 120-tool magazines as well as “random access” magazines that eliminate the typical wait time with other types of fixed-address tool systems. This option is ideal for shops with workpieces that have short machining cycle times.

Mazak offers four spindle options for the VARIAXIS C-700 to help shops find the ideal balance of speed and power. The machine’s standard 12,000 rpm spindle is available in CAT40 or HSK-A63 types, and optional 15,000 rpm, 18,000 rpm and 20,000 rpm spindles offer either CAT40, HSK-A63 or Big Plus types. The standard 12,000 rpm spindle with a motor output of 11/11 kW (40% ED/cont.) and torque of 70/57.3 Nm (40% ED/cont.) delivers a high cost-to-performance ratio and is well-suited for machining steel, cast iron and aluminum.

The high-power/high-torque 15,000 rpm spindle option with a motor output of 62 hp (46 kW) and maximum torque of 147.5 ft-lb (200 N•m) further boosts productivity to cut parts from stainless steel, titanium, Inconel and other high-temperature alloys. It also provides the torque to run large-diameter tooling effectively.

High-speed spindle choices include an 18,000 rpm, 40 hp (30 kW) option and a 20,000 rpm, 56 hp (42 kW) option. Both high-speed spindles achieve aggressive material removal rates, especially in machining aluminum, and excel with small-diameter tools for light, fast cuts in finishing operations.

On the control side, the VARIAXIS C-700 includes the highly capable Mazak MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC, made specifically to maximize full 5-axis machining performance while running peripheral functions. The MAZATROL SmoothAi control and associated software packages deliver powerful digital enhancements that add efficiency and value throughout the machining process with the power of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and advanced data management technology.

The control incorporates a wide variety of advanced programming functions that allow it to offer complete ease of use and ensure high-speed, high-accuracy machining performance.

Other MAZATROL SmoothAi functions include SMOOTH Ai Spindle, which leverages AI technology to optimize cutting conditions and surface finishes through automatic spindle vibration detection. The Ai Thermal Shield function ensures stable machining accuracy through machine-learning-enhanced heat displacement compensation.

Every Mazak machine, including those shown at IMTS 2026, is backed by Mazak MPower Complete Customer Care, the industry’s most comprehensive machine support program that now offers an easy-to-use portal. Plus, Mazak Capital Equipment Financing (MCEF) allows shops to easily move their manufacturing forward with one-stop, factory-direct financing on Mazak equipment.