Machine Comparison
GF AgieCharmilles CUT F vs GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · Wire EDM
Summary
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT F and GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 are both from GF Machining Solutions's wire edm lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the GF Machining Solutions ecosystem. The GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 leads in x travel (550 mm (21.7 in) vs 350 mm (13.8 in)). The GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 shows specification advantages in 9 categories, though the GF AgieCharmilles CUT F may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. 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 F | GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) | 550 mm (21.7 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 350 mm (13.8 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) ▲ |
| Accuracy | 2 um | 1 um ▲ |
| Control | UNIQUA HMI (touchscreen) | UNIQUA HMI (touchscreen) |
| U Axis | +/-60 mm (+/-2.36 in) | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) ▲ |
| V Axis | +/-60 mm (+/-2.36 in) | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) ▲ |
| Max Taper Angle | +/-30 deg at 50 mm height | +/-30 deg at 100 mm height |
| Max Workpiece Size | 780 x 550 x 256 mm (30.7 x 21.7 x 10.1 in) | 1,050 x 750 x 400 mm (41.3 x 29.5 x 15.7 in) ▲ |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) ▲ |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.05 - 0.30 mm (0.002 - 0.012 in) | 0.05 - 0.33 mm (0.002 - 0.013 in) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin Ra) achievable ▲ | Ra 0.05 um (2 uin Ra) achievable |
| Max Cutting Speed | 240 mm2/min (37 in2/hr) | 300 mm2/min (47 in2/hr) ▲ |
| Generator | IPG Flex (Intelligent Power Generator) | IPG Advanced (Intelligent Power Generator) |
| Price Range | $150,000 - $210,000 ▲ | $200,000 - $300,000 |
Advantages
GF AgieCharmilles CUT F
- Superior surface finish at Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin Ra) achievable vs Ra 0.05 um (2 uin Ra) achievable
- More competitive pricing at $150,000 - $210,000 compared to $200,000 - $300,000
- Backed by GF Machining Solutions's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Job shops handling diverse wire EDM work that ranges from production cutting to precision finishing
GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550
- Greater x travel of 550 mm (21.7 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of 350 mm (13.8 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 400 mm (15.7 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Tighter positioning accuracy at 1 um for precision-critical work
- Superior u axis at +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) vs +/-60 mm (+/-2.36 in)
Verdict
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT P 550 edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in X Travel and Y Travel. However, the GF AgieCharmilles CUT F remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.