GF AgieCharmilles FORM P

$180,000 - $260,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Y Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Z Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Table Size

600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)

Accuracy

1 um

max workpiece dimensions

900 x 600 x 350 mm (35.4 x 23.6 x 13.8 in)

Overview

The GF AgieCharmilles FORM P is the flagship sinker EDM from GF Machining Solutions, delivering the highest accuracy, best surface finish, and most advanced generator technology in the AgieCharmilles die-sinking range. Fully manufactured in Switzerland, the FORM P is built for shops where precision is not negotiable.

Travel is 350 x 250 x 350 mm (13.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in) on X/Y/Z, matching the FORM S envelope. But the FORM P IPG generator pushes capability further with 120A peak current plus advanced finishing strategies that achieve Ra 0.05 um (2 uin) surface finish. That is mirror-quality territory on hardened tool steel, and it eliminates the need for extensive hand polishing on optical and high-gloss mold cavities.

Positioning accuracy tightens to 1 um on the FORM P, maintained by the highest-grade linear encoders, active thermal compensation, and a thermally stable machine structure. The combination of sub-micron accuracy and ultra-fine surface finish makes the FORM P the machine of choice for the most demanding injection mold applications: optical lenses, medical device housings, automotive lighting reflectors, and consumer electronics enclosures.

The IPG generator includes iGAP adaptive gap control with enhanced algorithms that maintain optimal spark conditions even on challenging geometries like deep slots and thin walls. Electrode wear is minimized through real-time monitoring and parameter adaptation, extending electrode life and reducing per-part costs.

A 16-position ATC handles complex multi-electrode sequences, and full System 3R robot integration enables lights-out pallet-changing production. The AC FORM HMI includes process analytics and trending data for continuous improvement.

The table handles workpieces up to 900 x 600 x 350 mm (35.4 x 23.6 x 13.8 in) and 800 kg (1,764 lb). Machine weight is approximately 5,000 kg (11,023 lb) without dielectric.

New FORM P machines price between $180,000 and $260,000. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade in the $90,000-$160,000 range.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Table Size	600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)
Max Workpiece Dimensions	900 x 600 x 350 mm (35.4 x 23.6 x 13.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	800 kg (1,764 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	100 kg (220 lb)
Dielectric Fluid Volume	400 liters (106 gal)
Generator	IPG Advanced (120A peak)
Best Surface Finish	Ra 0.05 um (2 uin)
Positioning Accuracy	1 um
Positioning Resolution	50 nm
Rapid Traverse Xy	5,000 mm/min (197 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	8,000 mm/min (315 ipm)
Tool Changer	16-position ATC
C Axis	Standard (full 360-degree rotation)
Igap Technology	Advanced adaptive gap control
Machine Weight	5,000 kg (11,023 lb) without dielectric
CNC Control	AC FORM HMI with process analytics

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Ra 0.05 um surface finish is mirror-quality on hardened steel, eliminating extensive hand polishing on optical mold cavities
1 um positioning accuracy is the tightest in the AgieCharmilles sinker EDM range for the most demanding mold work
16-position ATC handles the most complex multi-electrode sequences without operator intervention
Fully Swiss-made construction provides the build quality, accuracy, and reliability expected at this level
Advanced iGAP gap control minimizes electrode wear on challenging geometries like deep slots and thin walls
Full System 3R robot integration enables true lights-out pallet-changing production

Limitations

$180,000-$260,000 price is the highest in the AgieCharmilles sinker EDM compact range
350 mm X-travel is the same as the FORM S and FORM E; shops needing more X-travel should consider the FORM X 600 or larger FORM P variants
Sub-micron accuracy and Ra 0.05 um finish are overkill for general tool-and-die work, making this machine hard to justify for less demanding applications
Swiss manufacturing means longer delivery lead times than the China-made FORM E and FORM X
16-position ATC adds mechanical complexity that requires trained service technicians to maintain

Best For

Optical and high-gloss injection mold shops where mirror-finish cavities must come off the EDM without hand polishing Medical device mold makers producing implant and device housing tooling to the tightest tolerances Automotive lighting reflector mold manufacturers where surface finish directly impacts part quality Consumer electronics mold shops making enclosures, buttons, and display bezels requiring premium textures The most demanding precision mold work where 1 um accuracy and Ra 0.05 um finish are required specifications Shops investing in the absolute best sinker EDM technology for competitive advantage in high-end mold making

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a GF AgieCharmilles FORM P cost?

New FORM P machines price between $180,000 and $260,000. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade in the $90,000-$160,000 range.

02 What is the difference between the FORM P and FORM S?

The FORM P adds 1 um accuracy (vs 2 um), Ra 0.05 um finish (vs 0.08 um), 16-position ATC (vs 12-position), advanced iGAP algorithms, and process analytics. The FORM S prioritizes speed while the FORM P prioritizes precision.

03 Can the FORM P achieve mirror finish without oil dielectric?

Yes. The FORM P achieves Ra 0.05 um in standard hydrocarbon dielectric. Advanced IPG finishing strategies minimize the recast layer for near-mirror quality without the complications of specialized dielectric fluids.

04 How does the FORM P compare to the Makino EDAF3?

Both are top-tier sinker EDMs. The Makino EDAF3 offers a 16-tool magazine and SFF (Super Fine Finish) technology. The FORM P counters with sub-micron accuracy, advanced iGAP gap control, and the UNIQUA/AC FORM HMI ecosystem. Both deliver excellent results; preference often comes down to existing brand loyalty and service availability.

05 Is the 16-position ATC really necessary?

For complex molds requiring many electrode stages (roughing, semi-finishing, finishing across multiple features), 16 positions is a major advantage. It enables complete mold cavities to be burned without operator intervention. For simpler work, the 12-position FORM S or even 4-position FORM E may be sufficient.