MORI SEIKI SH-500 – 1999
USED MORI SEIKI SH-500 – 1999
The MORI SEIKI SH-500 is a highly capable horizontal machining center built for manufacturers requiring exceptional reliability, precision, and productivity in demanding production environments. Manufactured in Japan by Mori Seiki, the SH-500 became one of the company’s most successful horizontal machining platforms, offering a combination of robust construction, pallet automation, high-speed machining capability, and long-term durability. Even decades after its introduction, the SH-500 remains a respected machine in the used CNC marketplace because of its proven performance and dependable design.
The machine utilizes a horizontal spindle configuration that provides superior chip evacuation compared to traditional vertical machining centers. Chips naturally fall away from the cutting area during machining, reducing heat generation, minimizing tool wear, and improving surface finishes. This design makes the SH-500 particularly effective for production machining, multi-sided parts, and applications requiring long unattended machining cycles.
Built on a heavy-duty cast iron structure, the SH-500 delivers excellent rigidity and vibration resistance during aggressive cutting operations. The machine is capable of machining steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and a variety of engineering materials with outstanding accuracy and repeatability. Its dual-pallet changer system allows operators to load and unload workpieces while machining continues on the active pallet, significantly increasing spindle utilization and reducing downtime.
Most 1999 MORI SEIKI SH-500 machines are equipped with Mori Seiki MSC-502 or MSC-516 controls based on FANUC architecture, providing reliable programming, proven performance, and widespread service support. Many machines were also supplied with through-spindle coolant, probing systems, chip conveyors, and expanded tool magazines, making them highly productive solutions for both job shops and production facilities.
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – AXIS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Axes | 4 Axis |
| X-Axis Travel | 630 mm |
| Y-Axis Travel | 600 mm |
| Z-Axis Travel | 650 mm |
| B-Axis Table Rotation | 1° Indexing |
| Simultaneous Machining | 4-Axis Capability |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – AXIS TRAVELS / WORK ENVELOPE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 630 mm |
| Y-Axis Travel | 600 mm |
| Z-Axis Travel | 650 mm |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min |
| Positioning Accuracy | High Precision Ball Screw System |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – CAPACITY / TABLE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Pallet Size | 500 x 500 mm |
| Number of Pallets | 2 |
| Maximum Workpiece Diameter | 730 mm |
| Maximum Workpiece Height | 700 mm |
| Maximum Table Load | 500 kg |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – SPINDLE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | BT40 / CAT40 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 30 HP |
| Spindle Type | Gear Driven |
| Through-Spindle Coolant | Available up to 1000 PSI |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – TOOL CHANGER
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tool Capacity | 60–120 Tools |
| Tool Change Type | Automatic |
| Maximum Tool Length | 360 mm |
| Maximum Tool Weight | 12 kg |
| Tool-to-Tool Time | Approx. 1.3 Seconds |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – CONTROL SYSTEM
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| CNC Control | Mori Seiki MSC-502 / MSC-516 |
| Control Platform | FANUC Based |
| Programming | G-Code |
| Ethernet Connectivity | Optional |
| DNC Capability | Supported |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – COOLANT / DUST / WATER MANAGEMENT
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Coolant System | Flood Coolant |
| Through-Spindle Coolant | High Pressure Available |
| Chip Conveyor | Standard on Many Machines |
| Coolant Filtration | Integrated |
| Coolant Washdown | Available |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – POWER REQUIREMENTS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 220V / 380V / 415V |
| Phase | 3 Phase |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Connected Load | Approx. 50 kVA |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – DIMENSIONS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approx. 4,500 mm |
| Width | Approx. 3,000 mm |
| Height | Approx. 3,400 mm |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 14,000–16,000 kg |
MORI SEIKI SH-500 – GENERAL INFORMATION
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mori Seiki |
| Model | SH-500 |
| Year | 1999 |
| Machine Type | Horizontal Machining Center |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
| Primary Function | Multi-Sided CNC Milling |
INDUSTRIES THAT USE MORI SEIKI SH-500
The MORI SEIKI SH-500 is widely used throughout automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, oil and gas, agricultural machinery, power generation, and general precision machining industries. Automotive manufacturers use the machine for transmission housings, engine components, steering assemblies, and drivetrain parts. Aerospace suppliers utilize the SH-500 for structural brackets, support components, and precision-machined aluminum assemblies.
The machine is also commonly found in contract machining facilities, heavy equipment manufacturing, hydraulic component production, machine tool manufacturing, and automation equipment production where high productivity and reliable machining performance are critical requirements.
TYPICAL PARTS MORI SEIKI SH-500 CAN PRODUCE
The MORI SEIKI SH-500 is capable of producing a wide variety of precision-machined components including hydraulic manifolds, gearbox housings, valve bodies, pump housings, machine castings, tooling fixtures, and structural assemblies.
Automotive manufacturers frequently machine transmission cases, engine components, steering knuckles, and drivetrain housings. Industrial equipment manufacturers utilize the machine for compressor housings, automation equipment components, pump bodies, and precision mechanical assemblies. The horizontal architecture allows multiple sides of a component to be machined in a single setup, reducing cycle times and improving part accuracy.
WHY CHOOSE MORI SEIKI SH-500
The MORI SEIKI SH-500 offers manufacturers an exceptional combination of reliability, productivity, and value. Its rigid construction allows aggressive material removal while maintaining excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality.
The dual-pallet changer significantly improves spindle utilization by minimizing loading and unloading downtime. Fast tool changes, high-speed spindle capability, and available through-spindle coolant systems contribute to improved production efficiency and shorter cycle times.
The machine’s proven design, FANUC-based control system, and widespread parts availability continue to make it an attractive solution for manufacturers seeking dependable horizontal machining capabilities.
WHY BUY USED MORI SEIKI SH-500
Purchasing a used MORI SEIKI SH-500 allows manufacturers to acquire premium Japanese horizontal machining technology at a fraction of the cost of a comparable new machine. Despite being an older platform, the SH-500 remains highly productive and capable of meeting modern manufacturing requirements.
Many used machines include valuable options such as through-spindle coolant, probing systems, expanded tool magazines, tombstones, chip conveyors, and tooling packages. These additions can significantly increase machine value while reducing implementation costs.
Mori Seiki machines have earned a reputation for exceptional durability and long service life. Properly maintained SH-500 machines frequently continue producing high-quality parts decades after installation while maintaining strong resale value.
HOW MUCH DOES A USED MORI SEIKI SH-500 COST?
The value of a used MORI SEIKI SH-500 depends on machine condition, spindle hours, maintenance records, tooling inventory, control configuration, and installed options. Machines equipped with high-pressure through-spindle coolant, probing systems, expanded tool magazines, tombstones, and low operating hours generally command stronger market values.
Buyers typically evaluate spindle condition, pallet changer functionality, axis accuracy, maintenance history, tooling packages, and overall machine condition when determining value. Machines with documented service records and extensive tooling packages generally attract greater buyer interest.
As a general guideline, a used 1999 MORI SEIKI SH-500 typically sells within a range of approximately $25,000 to $90,000, depending on machine condition, spindle hours, tooling inventory, installed options, and overall configuration.
Even after transportation, installation, and tooling expenses are considered, a used MORI SEIKI SH-500 often provides exceptional value by delivering proven Japanese horizontal machining center performance at a substantial savings compared to purchasing a newer machine.
