Machine Comparison
GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 vs Sodick ALC400G Premium
GF Machining Solutions vs Sodick · Wire EDM
Summary
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 from GF Machining Solutions and Sodick ALC400G Premium from Sodick are direct competitors in the wire edm category. The GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 leads in x travel (1,000 mm (39.4 in) vs 400 mm (15.7 in)). On paper, the GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 edges ahead with advantages in 7 of the compared specifications, though real-world performance depends heavily on your specific applications and workholding. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a wire edm.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 | Sodick ALC400G Premium |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) ▲ | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 550 mm (21.7 in) ▲ | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) ▲ | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Accuracy | 3 um | 0.001 mm (0.00004 in) ▲ |
| Control | UNIQUA HMI (touchscreen) | Sodick LN Professional |
| Max Taper Angle | +/-30 deg at 100 mm height | 30° (at 100 mm thickness) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 1,500 x 1,000 x 400 mm (59.1 x 39.4 x 15.7 in) ▲ | 770 x 590 x 250 mm (30.3 x 23.2 x 9.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) ▲ | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.10 um (4 uin Ra) achievable ▲ | Ra 0.08 µm (multi-pass) |
| Machine Weight | 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) without dielectric ▲ | 3,800 kg (8,378 lb) |
| Price Range | $250,000 - $350,000 | $180,000 - $250,000 ▲ |
Advantages
GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000
- Greater x travel of 1,000 mm (39.4 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of 550 mm (21.7 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 400 mm (15.7 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Superior max workpiece size at 1,500 x 1,000 x 400 mm (59.1 x 39.4 x 15.7 in) vs 770 x 590 x 250 mm (30.3 x 23.2 x 9.8 in)
- Superior max workpiece weight at 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) vs 500 kg (1,102 lb)
Sodick ALC400G Premium
- Tighter positioning accuracy at 0.001 mm (0.00004 in) for precision-critical work
- More competitive pricing at $180,000 - $250,000 compared to $250,000 - $350,000
- Backed by Sodick's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Precision mold and die shops cutting tool steel, carbide, and PCD components where sub-micron surface finish eliminates hand polishing and directly impacts mold quality
Verdict
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 holds a spec advantage in this comparison, but the right choice depends on your shop's priorities. If the GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000's strengths in areas like X Travel and Y Travel align with your work, it's the clear pick. The Sodick ALC400G Premium may still win on dealer proximity, existing tooling compatibility, or specific features that matter most to your applications. Request quotes from both dealers and, if possible, run your actual parts on each machine before deciding.