GF Drill e 300

$150,000 - $250,000 (new) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

machine type

EDM hole drilling

x axis travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

y axis travel

200 mm (7.87 in)

z axis travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

max workpiece height

250 mm (9.84 in)

hole diameter range

0.3 - 3.0 mm

Overview

The GF Drill e 300 is an EDM hole drilling machine from GF Machining Solutions (formerly AgieCharmilles), designed for fast, precise hole drilling in hardened metals and superalloys. EDM hole drilling uses a rotating tubular electrode and electrical discharge to create holes in any conductive material regardless of hardness -- a capability essential for aerospace turbine components, fuel injector nozzles, and cooling hole applications.

The GF Drill e 300 features X/Y/Z axis travels of approximately 300 x 200 x 300 mm with a maximum workpiece height of 250 mm. The machine uses single-channel or multi-channel electrode guides for drilling hole diameters from approximately 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm. Electrode rotation and high-pressure flushing through the tubular electrode clear debris during drilling.

The machine supports indexing and tilting of the workpiece or electrode axis for drilling angled holes -- critical for turbine blade cooling holes that must be drilled at precise angles to the blade surface. A rotary axis (B or C) is available for angular positioning.

GF Machining Solutions' AC Drill CNC control provides intuitive programming with built-in drilling condition databases for various materials and hole sizes. The control supports hole patterns, automatic electrode change, and cycle optimization.

New GF Drill e 300 machines price $150,000-$250,000 depending on configuration and axis options. Competes with Sodick K4HL, Beaumont FastDrill, and Astratec systems in the EDM hole drilling segment. GF's advantage is their comprehensive EDM expertise and global service network.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Machine Type	EDM hole drilling
X Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Y Axis Travel	200 mm (7.87 in)
Z Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Max Workpiece Height	250 mm (9.84 in)
Hole Diameter Range	0.3 - 3.0 mm
Electrode Type	Rotating tubular (single/multi-channel)
Angular Drilling	Available with rotary axis option
Flushing	High-pressure through-electrode
CNC Control	AC Drill CNC
Electrode Changer	Automatic electrode change available

Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Drills precision holes in any conductive material regardless of hardness -- hardened steel, Inconel, titanium, tungsten
Hole diameters from 0.3-3.0 mm cover the critical range for turbine cooling holes and fuel injectors
High-pressure through-electrode flushing ensures debris clearance in deep holes
Angular drilling capability for angled cooling holes in turbine blades
GF Machining Solutions global service network provides reliable support
Automatic electrode change enables unattended drilling of multiple holes

Limitations

EDM hole drilling is inherently slow compared to conventional drilling -- each hole may take minutes
$150,000-$250,000 is specialized investment for a single-purpose machine
Electrode consumption is an ongoing cost -- tubular electrodes are consumed during the process
Limited to conductive materials only -- ceramics and composites cannot be drilled
Small maximum hole diameter (3.0 mm) limits applications to small precision holes

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers drilling cooling holes in turbine blades and vanes Fuel system manufacturers drilling precision injector nozzle holes Medical device manufacturers creating micro-holes in surgical instruments and implants Mold makers drilling ejector pin holes and vent holes in hardened mold steel Shops needing to drill holes in hardened or exotic materials that conventional drills cannot handle Manufacturers of diesel engine components requiring precision fuel injection holes

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does it cost?

$150,000-$250,000 new depending on axis configuration, rotary options, and automation. Used $70,000-$140,000.

02 What is EDM hole drilling?

Uses a rotating tubular electrode and electrical discharge to erode material, creating holes in any conductive material regardless of hardness. High-pressure fluid flushes through the hollow electrode to clear debris. No cutting force is applied to the workpiece.

03 What hole sizes can it drill?

Approximately 0.3-3.0 mm diameter. Hole depth-to-diameter ratios can exceed 100:1 for deep holes. Accuracy is typically +/- 10-25 microns on hole position and diameter.

04 How fast does it drill?

Drilling speed depends on material, hole diameter, and depth. A typical 1.0 mm hole in Inconel might drill at 5-15 mm/minute. Speed is slower than conventional drilling but EDM handles materials and hole sizes conventional drills cannot.

05 Can it drill angled holes?

Yes, with the rotary axis option. The workpiece or electrode can be tilted to drill holes at precise angles. This is essential for aerospace turbine blade cooling holes that must be angled relative to the blade surface.