Machine Comparison
GF AgieCharmilles FORM S vs GF AgieCharmilles FORM X
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · Sinker EDM
Summary
The GF AgieCharmilles FORM S and GF AgieCharmilles FORM X are sinker EDMs with the same 350 x 250 mm of X/Y travel and the AC FORM HMI. The FORM X is the step up from the FORM E; the FORM S is the Swiss-made machine for deeper, heavier mold work.
The FORM S leads on every capacity row: 350 mm (13.8 in) of Z against 250 mm (9.8 in), a 600 x 400 mm table against 500 x 350 mm, 800 kg (1,764 lb) of workpiece against 400 kg (882 lb), 100 kg (220 lb) electrodes against 50 kg (110 lb), and 5,000 mm/min (197 ipm) rapids against 4,000 mm/min (157 ipm). It finishes to Ra 0.08 um against Ra 0.10 um. The FORM X weighs 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) against 4,500 kg (9,921 lb).
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF AgieCharmilles FORM S | GF AgieCharmilles FORM X |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) ▲ | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Table Size | 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in) | 500 x 350 mm (19.7 x 13.8 in) |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 800 kg (1,764 lb) ▲ | 400 kg (882 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse | 5,000 mm/min (197 ipm) ▲ | 4,000 mm/min (157 ipm) |
| Max Electrode Weight | 100 kg (220 lb) ▲ | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Best Surface Finish | Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin) ▲ | Ra 0.10 um (4 uin) |
| Generator | IPG (120A peak) | ISPG (80A peak) |
| Control | AC FORM HMI | AC FORM HMI |
| Machine Weight | 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) without dielectric | 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) without dielectric |
Advantages
GF AgieCharmilles FORM S
- Twice the workpiece load: 800 kg (1,764 lb) against 400 kg (882 lb)
- 350 mm (13.8 in) Z travel against 250 mm (9.8 in) for deep cavities
- 100 kg (220 lb) electrodes and an IPG generator at 120A peak, against 50 kg (110 lb) and 80A
- Best finish of Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin) against Ra 0.10 um (4 uin)
GF AgieCharmilles FORM X
- Lighter machine: 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) against 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) without dielectric
- Suited to standard mold cavities and stamping die inserts within a 350 x 250 mm envelope
Verdict
Choose the GF AgieCharmilles FORM S for deep-cavity injection molds with ribs and pockets that need 350 mm of Z, heavier work up to 800 kg, and long electrode sequences run unattended. Choose the GF AgieCharmilles FORM X for standard mold cavities and stamping die inserts within 400 kg and 250 mm of Z, where a lighter 2,500 kg machine covers the work.