USED MAZAK VC-500C – 2018

The 2018 MAZAK VC-500C is a production-oriented CNC vertical machining center designed for manufacturers that need a combination of long X-axis travel, a large working table, high-speed spindle capability, automatic tool changing, and reliable three-axis machining. Manufactured by Yamazaki Mazak, the VC-500C is part of the VC Series and is designed to provide a substantial machining envelope while maintaining a practical vertical machining center configuration.

One of the defining features of the MAZAK VC-500C is its approximately 39.37-inch X-axis travel. The machine also provides approximately 19.88 inches of Y-axis travel and 20.07 inches of Z-axis travel, giving manufacturers a useful work envelope for machining medium and moderately large components.

The VC-500C uses a large rectangular table measuring approximately 41.33 inches by 19.69 inches. This provides considerable fixture space and allows manufacturers to mount larger workpieces, multiple smaller components, or dedicated production fixtures. The machine can accommodate workpieces up to approximately 500 × 1,000 × 510 mm, with a maximum workpiece weight of approximately 1,300 pounds in the documented VC-500C configuration.

The vertical spindle is designed around a CAT 40 tooling interface. A standard spindle configuration provides approximately 12,000 RPM and a 25 HP rating, while the VC Series was also offered with higher-speed spindle options. This combination allows the VC-500C to support a broad range of milling operations, from drilling and tapping to rough milling and higher-speed finishing.

Automatic tool changing further improves production efficiency. The VC-500C can be equipped with a 30-tool automatic tool changer, with larger magazine configurations available depending on machine specification. The automatic tool changer allows multiple operations to be performed in sequence without requiring manual tool changes between cycles.

The machine’s approximately 1,000 mm X-axis travel is particularly useful for shops that need more capacity than a compact VMC but do not require a large-format machining center. The long table can accommodate large fixtures, multiple vises, production tombstones in suitable configurations, and workpieces requiring extended machining coverage.

The MAZAK VC-500C can be used for machining aluminum, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and other common industrial materials. The exact cutting capability depends on tooling, spindle configuration, workholding, material, feeds and speeds, and machine condition.

A 2018 VC-500C may also be equipped with production accessories such as a chip conveyor, coolant system, through-spindle coolant, probing, tool presetting, rigid tapping, and other options. These features vary between individual used machines and should be verified before purchase.

The VC-500C is suitable for automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, medical, energy, electronics, job-shop, and general precision manufacturing applications. Its combination of a large table, approximately 39-inch X travel, 12,000-RPM spindle, CAT 40 tooling, and automatic tool changing makes it a flexible production machine for a wide variety of components.

For manufacturers looking for a relatively modern used CNC vertical machining center with a large working area and production-oriented features, the 2018 MAZAK VC-500C provides a useful combination of machining capacity, spindle performance, automation, and Mazak CNC technology.

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MAZAK VC-500C – AXIS

Specification	Details
Machine Type	CNC Vertical Machining Center
Axis Configuration	3-Axis
X-Axis Travel	Approx. 39.37 in / 1,000 mm
Y-Axis Travel	Approx. 19.88 in / 505 mm
Z-Axis Travel	Approx. 20.07 in / 510 mm
Spindle Orientation	Vertical
Rotary / 4th Axis	Configuration Dependent
Machine Structure	Vertical Machining Center
Rapid Traverse	Approx. 1,181 IPM / 30 m/min

The VC-500C is fundamentally a three-axis vertical machining center. A rotary table or fourth-axis unit can be added depending on the individual machine and production requirements.

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MAZAK VC-500C – AXIS TRAVELS / WORK ENVELOPE

Specification	Details
X-Axis Travel	Approx. 39.37 in / 1,000 mm
Y-Axis Travel	Approx. 19.88 in / 505 mm
Z-Axis Travel	Approx. 20.07 in / 510 mm
Spindle Nose to Table	Approx. 1.57–21.65 in
Table Length	Approx. 41.33 in / 1,050 mm
Table Width	Approx. 19.69 in / 500 mm
Maximum Workpiece Size	Approx. 19.69 × 39.37 × 20.07 in
Maximum Workpiece Weight	Approx. 1,300 lbs / 600 kg

The long X-axis travel is one of the principal advantages of the VC-500C. With approximately 39.37 inches of travel, the machine provides a substantial machining area while retaining the familiar operating format of a vertical machining center.

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MAZAK VC-500C – CAPACITY / TABLE

Specification	Details
Table Type	Fixed Rectangular Table
Table Length	Approx. 41.33 in
Table Width	Approx. 19.69 in
Table Size	Approx. 1,050 × 500 mm
Maximum Table Load	Approx. 1,300 lbs
T-Slots	Configuration Dependent
Workholding	Vises, Fixtures, Clamps
Multiple Workpieces	Yes, Application Dependent
4th-Axis Workholding	Configuration Dependent

The large table provides flexibility for both single large components and multiple smaller workpieces. The approximately 1,300-pound workpiece capacity allows the machine to handle substantially heavier components than many compact vertical machining centers.

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MAZAK VC-500C – SPINDLE

Specification	Details
Spindle Configuration	Vertical
Spindle Taper	CAT 40
Standard Maximum Speed	Approx. 12,000 RPM
Spindle Motor	Approx. 25 HP
Standard Tool Interface	CAT 40
High-Speed Options	Configuration Dependent
Spindle Cooling	Configuration Dependent
Rigid Tapping	Configuration Dependent

The 12,000-RPM, 25-HP spindle configuration provides a balance between material-removal capability and high-speed machining. Higher-speed spindle options were also available within the VC Series, so the exact spindle installed on an individual 2018 machine should be confirmed.

The CAT 40 taper is widely used for general-purpose production machining and supports a broad range of milling cutters, drills, taps, reamers, and other tooling.

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MAZAK VC-500C – TOOL CHANGER

Specification	Details
Tool Changer Type	Automatic Tool Changer
Standard Capacity	Approx. 30 Tools
Optional Capacity	Up to 40 / 60 Tools, Configuration Dependent
Tooling	CAT 40
Tool Change	Automatic
Maximum Tool Diameter	Approx. 3.15 in with Adjacent Tools
Maximum Tool Diameter	Approx. 4.92 in with Adjacent Pockets Empty
Maximum Tool Length	Approx. 10.23 in
Magazine Type	Automatic Tool Magazine

The VC-500C is available with a 30-tool automatic tool changer, while VC Series documentation identifies larger magazine options. This allows the machine to support production jobs requiring numerous cutting tools.

A larger tool magazine is particularly useful for complex components requiring multiple drilling diameters, roughing cutters, finishing tools, taps, boring tools, chamfering tools, and specialty cutters.

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MAZAK VC-500C – CONTROL SYSTEM

Specification	Details
CNC Control	MAZATROL
Control Generation	Configuration / Year Dependent
Programming	Conversational
EIA/ISO Programming	Yes
Tool Offset Management	CNC Controlled
Tool-Life Management	Configuration Dependent
Rigid Tapping	Configuration Dependent
Probing	Configuration Dependent
Data Communication	Configuration Dependent

Mazak’s MAZATROL CNC platform supports conversational programming as well as EIA/ISO programming, providing flexibility for both shop-floor programming and conventional G-code programming.

The exact control installed on a 2018 VC-500C should be confirmed from the machine being offered, as equipment may have different control packages or options.

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MAZAK VC-500C – COOLANT / CHIP MANAGEMENT

Specification	Details
Coolant System	Flood Coolant
Chip Conveyor	Configuration Dependent
Through-Spindle Coolant	Configuration Dependent
High-Pressure Coolant	Configuration Dependent
Coolant Filtration	Configuration Dependent
Chip Removal	Manual / Conveyor Configuration Dependent
Machine Enclosure	Configuration Dependent

Coolant and chip-management equipment can vary significantly between individual used machines. A documented used VC-500C may include a chip conveyor, coolant system, through-spindle coolant, or other production options.

For production machining, a chip conveyor can reduce operator intervention by continuously removing chips from the machining enclosure.

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MAZAK VC-500C – RAPID TRAVERSE / PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE

Specification	Details
X/Y/Z Rapid Traverse	Approx. 1,181 IPM
Metric Rapid Traverse	Approx. 30 m/min
X-Axis	Approx. 30 m/min
Y-Axis	Approx. 30 m/min
Z-Axis	Approx. 30 m/min
Application	Production & General Machining

The VC Series specifications identify approximately 30 m/min rapid traverse for the VC-500C’s linear axes. This supports reduced non-cutting time when moving between machining positions.

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MAZAK VC-500C – POWER REQUIREMENTS

Specification	Details
Main Spindle Motor	Approx. 25 HP
Electrical System	Industrial CNC
Typical Voltage	Configuration Dependent
Phase	3-Phase
Power Requirement	Configuration Dependent
Transformer	Configuration Dependent
Shop Air	Required

One documented VC-500C lists 208 V, 30 kVA, three-phase electrical service and approximately 80 PSI compressed air at 4 SCFM, but actual requirements should be confirmed from the specific machine’s electrical and pneumatic documentation.

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MAZAK VC-500C – DIMENSIONS

Specification	Details
Approx. Width	108.27 in
Approx. Length	125 in
Approx. Height	131.81 in
Approx. Weight	14,000 lbs
Installation Footprint	Large VMC
Shipping Requirements	Heavy Equipment Rigging

Published VC-500C specifications identify approximately 108.27 × 125 × 131.81 inches for machine dimensions, while a documented used machine is listed at approximately 14,000 pounds. Actual dimensions and weight can vary with chip conveyors, coolant equipment, tooling, probing, and other installed accessories.

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MAZAK VC-500C – GENERAL INFORMATION

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Mazak
Model	VC-500C
Year	2018
Machine Category	Vertical Machining Center
Axis Configuration	3-Axis
X-Axis Travel	Approx. 39.37 in
Y-Axis Travel	Approx. 19.88 in
Z-Axis Travel	Approx. 20.07 in
Table Size	Approx. 41.33 × 19.69 in
Maximum Table Load	Approx. 1,300 lbs
Spindle Taper	CAT 40
Spindle Speed	Approx. 12,000 RPM
Spindle Power	Approx. 25 HP
Tool Changer	Approx. 30 Tools
CNC Control	MAZATROL
Rapid Traverse	Approx. 1,181 IPM
Machine Weight	Approx. 14,000 lbs

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INDUSTRIES THAT USE MAZAK VC-500C

The MAZAK VC-500C is suitable for a wide range of manufacturing environments where three-axis CNC milling, substantial table capacity, and extended X-axis travel are required.

Automotive manufacturing can use the VC-500C for brackets, housings, fixtures, mounting components, engine-related parts, transmission components, and other precision-machined parts.

Aerospace manufacturing can use the machine for structural components, brackets, housings, support components, fixtures, and other aluminum and steel parts requiring accurate multi-operation machining.

Industrial machinery manufacturing is another important application. Machine builders can use the VC-500C for machine components, bearing housings, mounting plates, brackets, fixtures, and structural parts.

Medical manufacturing can utilize the machine for precision components, equipment housings, fixtures, and other components requiring repeatable CNC machining.

Energy and power-generation manufacturers can use the machine for pump components, brackets, housings, support structures, and other industrial components.

Job shops can benefit from the machine’s flexibility. The approximately 39-inch X-axis travel allows a job shop to accept larger components than would fit on many compact VMCs.

Tool and die manufacturers can use the VC-500C for molds, fixtures, dies, inserts, plates, and production tooling.

General precision manufacturing can use the machine for drilling, milling, tapping, boring, pocketing, contouring, facing, and finishing operations.

The large table also allows manufacturers to fixture multiple smaller components simultaneously when production requirements and workholding permit. This can reduce setup time and increase the number of parts produced per machining cycle.

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TYPICAL PARTS MAZAK VC-500C CAN PRODUCE

Part Type	Typical Examples
Automotive Components	Brackets, Housings, Mounts
Aerospace Components	Structural Parts, Supports, Fixtures
Industrial Components	Bearing Housings, Plates, Brackets
Medical Components	Equipment Parts, Fixtures, Housings
Energy Components	Pump Parts, Supports, Mounts
Tooling	Dies, Fixtures, Mold Components
General Machining	Plates, Pockets, Mounts, Adapters
Production Parts	Drilled, Tapped & Milled Components

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WHY CHOOSE MAZAK VC-500C

The MAZAK VC-500C provides a useful balance between machining capacity and production flexibility. Its approximately 39.37-inch X-axis travel gives the machine substantially more horizontal machining space than many compact VMCs, while its approximately 19.88-inch Y and 20.07-inch Z travels provide a useful working envelope for a wide variety of industrial components.

The approximately 41.33 × 19.69-inch table is another major advantage. Manufacturers can use the table for large workpieces, multiple fixtures, or production vises depending on the application.

The CAT 40 spindle is a practical tooling standard for general CNC milling. The approximately 12,000-RPM spindle and 25-HP rating provide the machine with enough speed for higher-speed cutting while retaining useful power for conventional milling operations.

Automatic tool changing further improves production efficiency. A 30-tool magazine can accommodate a broad collection of cutters and allows multiple machining operations to be performed automatically.

The VC-500C is also useful for shops that need a machine capable of handling relatively heavy workpieces. The documented maximum workpiece weight is approximately 1,300 pounds, providing considerably more capacity than smaller production VMCs.

Another advantage is the range of available options. Used machines can be equipped with probing, tool presetters, through-spindle coolant, chip conveyors, rigid tapping, and other production equipment. A properly equipped machine can therefore be ready for demanding production work with limited additional investment.

The MAZATROL control platform is another important benefit for manufacturers already operating Mazak equipment. Conversational programming can simplify setup for certain jobs, while EIA/ISO programming provides compatibility with conventional CNC programming workflows.

The machine’s relatively compact design compared with much larger heavy-duty VMCs also makes it practical for manufacturers that need extended X-axis travel without moving into an extremely large machine footprint.

For shops producing medium-sized components, fixtures, brackets, housings, plates, tooling, and other precision parts, the VC-500C provides a combination of travel, spindle capability, workholding capacity, automatic tool changing, and CNC flexibility.

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WHY BUY USED MAZAK VC-500C

Buying a used 2018 MAZAK VC-500C can provide manufacturers with access to a relatively modern production vertical machining center while avoiding the acquisition cost associated with purchasing a new CNC machine.

The machine’s long X-axis travel is one of its most useful characteristics. With approximately 39.37 inches of X-axis movement, the VC-500C can handle components and fixtures that may be too large for smaller VMCs.

The large table provides additional flexibility. Manufacturers can fixture a large component or use multiple workholding devices for smaller components, depending on the machining application.

The CAT 40 spindle and 12,000-RPM capability provide a practical combination for general-purpose machining. The machine can support drilling, tapping, pocketing, contouring, facing, boring, rough milling, and finishing operations.

A used VC-500C may also come with production accessories that can significantly increase its value. These can include a chip conveyor, through-spindle coolant, Renishaw probing, tool presetting, rigid tapping, additional tooling, and coolant equipment.

The 2018 model year is also important because the machine is considerably newer than many older used VMCs. However, age alone does not determine the condition of a CNC machine. Actual spindle hours, cutting hours, maintenance history, previous applications, and operator practices should be reviewed.

Before purchasing a used VC-500C, buyers should inspect the spindle for runout, vibration, noise, bearing condition, temperature, and taper wear. The drawbar and tool-clamping system should also be tested.

The X, Y, and Z axes should be checked for backlash, positioning accuracy, repeatability, ballscrew condition, guideway condition, and servo performance. Because the machine has substantial X-axis travel, testing positioning accuracy across the complete travel is particularly important.

The automatic tool changer should be cycled repeatedly to verify reliable tool pickup, tool release, magazine movement, and tool-change operation.

The CNC control should be checked for alarms, screen condition, memory, programming functionality, communication, parameter backups, and general operation.

Coolant equipment and chip conveyors should also be inspected. If the machine has through-spindle coolant, the pump, filtration, pressure, seals, and coolant delivery system should be tested.

For buyers looking for a used vertical machining center with long X-axis travel, a large table, CAT 40 tooling, 12,000-RPM spindle capability, and automatic tool changing, the 2018 MAZAK VC-500C can provide a broad production platform.

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HOW MUCH DOES A USED MAZAK VC-500C COST?

The price of a used MAZAK VC-500C depends on the machine’s condition, spindle hours, control configuration, installed options, tool changer capacity, coolant system, chip conveyor, probing equipment, tooling, location, and maintenance history.

A specific used VC-500C listing can be priced differently depending on whether the machine is equipped with production accessories such as through-spindle coolant, probing, tool presetting, chip conveyor, additional tooling, and other options. For this reason, there is no single used-market price that applies to every 2018 VC-500C.

As a general used-equipment purchasing guideline, buyers should expect a 2018 MAZAK VC-500C to generally fall in the approximately $60,000–$100,000 range, depending heavily on condition, configuration, hours, and included accessories. Individual machines can sell outside this range depending on their condition and seller.

A machine with low spindle hours, strong axis accuracy, good spindle condition, a functioning Mazatrol control, chip conveyor, probing, through-spindle coolant, tool presetting, and a complete tooling package may command a higher price than a machine with high hours or significant mechanical wear.

The spindle is one of the most important components to inspect when determining the value of a used VC-500C. Buyers should review spindle hours and check runout, bearing noise, vibration, temperature, taper condition, drawbar force, and cutting performance.

Axis condition should also be carefully evaluated. Buyers should test the machine throughout the X, Y, and Z travels and check for backlash, positioning errors, repeatability problems, ballscrew wear, and guideway condition.

The tool changer should be tested through repeated automatic tool changes. A machine with a reliable ATC can be immediately useful for production, while a machine requiring tool-changer repairs may require additional investment before entering service.

The CNC control should also be evaluated. Buyers should verify that the control operates correctly, retains parameters, communicates with external devices when required, and has no unresolved alarms.

Transportation and installation costs should be included in the total purchase budget. A VC-500C can weigh approximately 14,000 pounds, and professional rigging, transportation, unloading, electrical installation, leveling, and commissioning may be required.

For manufacturers seeking a relatively modern used CNC vertical machining center with approximately 39 inches of X-axis travel, a large 41-inch-class table, CAT 40 tooling, 12,000-RPM spindle capability, and automatic tool changing, the MAZAK VC-500C offers a practical production platform for a wide variety of machining applications.