GF AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Accuracy
uv taper range
work table size
Overview
The GF AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500 is a specialized wire EDM designed to post-process metal additive manufacturing (AM) parts — specifically to cut support structures, separate parts from build plates, and perform precision finishing on additively manufactured components in a single machine platform. The 'AM' designation marks the CUT AM 500 as a purpose-built solution at the intersection of wire EDM and additive manufacturing workflows, reflecting GF Machining Solutions' strategic position across both technologies through its ownership of EOS relationship and 3D-printing integration programs.
The CUT AM 500 is built on a 500 x 350 mm X/Y travel platform with full submersion and standard wire EDM capability for precision cutting of build plates and support removal. Its distinctive feature is the integration of sensors, software, and fixturing systems specifically designed for the dimensional challenges of AM parts — which often have residual stress-induced distortion, surface porosity, and variable geometry compared to machined workpieces. The machine's GF AM software module, running on the AC CUT Pro HMI, provides guided workflows for AM post-processing including support map analysis, cutting strategy selection, and integration with common AM build preparation software.
Beyond AM post-processing, the CUT AM 500 functions as a full-capability precision wire EDM. The IPG generator provides Ra 0.20 um surface finish on standard toolmaking materials, ±0.002 mm positioning accuracy, and taper cutting capability. This dual-use nature — AM post-processor plus production wire EDM — makes the CUT AM 500 commercially justified in facilities that run both metal printing and wire EDM, where the machine earns utilization from both technology streams. It is particularly well suited to aerospace, medical device, and tooling facilities investing in AM as a production process alongside conventional precision machining.
The CUT AM 500 is a relatively recent addition to GF's product line, reflecting the emergence of AM post-processing as a recognized machining requirement. It competes primarily against conventional wire EDMs deployed for AM support cutting rather than purpose-built alternatives, as the dedicated AM post-processing EDM class is nascent. Pricing reflects the premium for AM software integration and specialized fixturing systems.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Uv Taper Range | ±15° / 100 mm height |
| Work Table Size | 740 x 580 mm (29.1 x 22.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 700 kg (1,543 lb) |
| Max Build Plate Size | 500 x 350 mm (matching X/Y travel) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.15 - 0.30 mm |
| Drive System | Ball screw with thermal compensation (X, Y, U, V axes) |
| Generator | Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) — AM-optimized configuration |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.20 um achievable |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.002 mm |
| CNC Control | AC CUT Pro HMI with GF AM software module |
| Awt | Automatic wire threading with in-cut re-threading |
| Machine Weight | approx. 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) |
| Am Build Plate Integration | DMSLS, SLM, EBM build plate fixturing compatible |
| Dimensions Of Complete Equipment | 1700x2953x2224 mm |
| Dimensions Of Complete Equipment With Lamp | 1700x2953x2608 mm |
| Dimensions Of Complete Equipment With Extraction System | 1700x2953x2708 mm |
| Total Weight Of Equipment Without Dielectric | 3220 |
| Total Weight Of Equipment With Dielectric | 4120 |
| Tank Volume | 900L |
| Max Part Dimensions | 510x510x490 |
| Max Part Weight | 500 kg |
| Y Z Travel | 650x200 mm |
| Y Z Measurement Resolution | 0.1 μm |
| Speed Of Axis Movement | 0-2000 mm/min |
| Wire Type | Molybdenum 0.2 mm |
| Maxmachining Speed | 240 mm2/min |
| Min Roughness | 6 μm (Ra) (according to geometries and technologies) |
| Accuracy | ±0.1 mm |
Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Purpose-built for metal AM post-processing with integrated AM software module, guided workflows, and build plate fixturing systems — eliminates ad-hoc fixturing and trial-and-error approach to AM support cutting
- 500 x 350 mm travel accommodates the largest commercially available SLM/DMLSS build plates from EOS, Trumpf, SLM Solutions, and Renishaw in their standard configurations
- Dual-use capability as a full production wire EDM means the machine earns utilization from both AM post-processing and conventional toolmaking — avoids a single-purpose machine cost structure
- GF AM software module integrates with standard AM build preparation data to automate cutting strategy planning for support removal, reducing skilled programming time per build plate
Limitations
- ±0.002 mm positioning accuracy and Ra 0.20 um surface finish are lower than the CUT C 350 — the AM configuration prioritizes robustness and AM workflow integration over maximum precision
- Premium pricing over a standard 500 mm wire EDM — the AM software and integration systems add cost that is only recovered if AM post-processing represents a meaningful portion of workload
- As a relatively new machine class, third-party training resources, application notes, and peer experience shared in industry forums are less developed than for conventional wire EDMs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
AM parts frequently exhibit geometric distortion from residual stress built up during the printing process. The CUT AM 500's AM software module includes a measurement and compensation workflow where the operator probes the actual part geometry before cutting, and the machine automatically adjusts the cutting path to match the as-built part rather than the nominal CAD geometry. This prevents collisions, ensures support structures are fully severed, and improves part separation quality on distorted builds.
02
Yes. Titanium is one of the most common AM materials for aerospace and medical applications, and the CUT AM 500's IPG generator includes technology tables for titanium workpieces. Cutting AM titanium requires attention to wire selection (coated wire is preferred to reduce breakage risk on porous surfaces) and careful flushing setup to address the irregular surface texture of as-printed AM parts compared to machined workpieces.
03
The CUT AM 500 is designed with broad compatibility in mind. GF Machining Solutions offers fixturing adapters for common build plate formats from EOS, Trumpf, SLM Solutions, Renishaw, and GE Additive (Arcam/Concept Laser). The machine's 500 x 350 mm table accommodates the majority of commercial build plate sizes. Custom fixturing can be developed for non-standard build plate geometries. Contact your GF representative for a compatibility assessment for specific AM platforms.
04
After wire EDM separation, parts typically require finishing operations including support stub removal, surface finish improvement, and dimensional inspection. The CUT AM 500 post-processing step addresses the bulk material separation; heat treatment (stress relief, HIP) and final machining or finishing are typically performed before or after EDM depending on the application. GF Machining Solutions offers integrated workflow consulting covering the full AM-to-finished-part process chain.
05
Yes. When not processing AM build plates, the CUT AM 500 operates as a standard 500 mm class wire EDM for conventional toolmaking work including punch and die cutting, mold insert profiling, and general precision cutting. The standard IPG generator and AC CUT Pro HMI provide full conventional wire EDM programming capability. Many facilities use the machine on a shared-use basis between AM post-processing jobs and conventional EDM work to maximize utilization.
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