GF AgieCharmilles FORM S

$140,000 - $200,000 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

2 um

max workpiece dimensions

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

Overview

The GF AgieCharmilles FORM S is the speed-optimized Swiss-made sinker EDM in the AgieCharmilles lineup. Fully manufactured in Switzerland, the FORM S delivers significantly faster metal removal rates than the economy FORM E and FORM X series while maintaining the surface finish quality and accuracy that GF is known for.

Travel is 350 x 250 x 350 mm (13.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in) on X/Y/Z. The extra 100 mm of Z-travel compared to the FORM E (250 mm Z) is a major advantage for deep-cavity mold work, including deep ribs, connector housings, and multi-level cavity geometries that demand the additional reach.

The IPG generator delivers 120A peak current, a 50 percent increase over the FORM E/FORM X 80A rating. That extra power translates to dramatically faster roughing with large-area graphite electrodes. On typical graphite-to-steel cavity work, the FORM S removes metal 25-35 percent faster than the FORM E. Surface finish reaches Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin) with standard finishing strategies.

The machine features a 12-position ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), triple the capacity of the FORM E 4-position LTC. This is a meaningful upgrade for complex molds requiring many electrode changes. System 3R robot integration enables full pallet-changing automation for lights-out production.

The FORM S uses a robust cast iron frame with active thermal management for sustained accuracy over long burn cycles. Positioning accuracy is 2 um, maintained by linear glass scales with 50 nm resolution. The AC FORM HMI includes advanced electrode wear compensation and iGAP technology for adaptive gap control.

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 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) without dielectric.

New FORM S machines price between $140,000 and $200,000. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade in the $70,000-$120,000 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 (120A peak)
Best Surface Finish	Ra 0.08 um (3.2 uin)
Positioning Accuracy	2 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	12-position ATC
C Axis	Standard (full 360-degree rotation)
Igap Technology	Adaptive gap control
Machine Weight	4,500 kg (9,921 lb) without dielectric
CNC Control	AC FORM HMI

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Fully Swiss-made construction delivers the build quality, accuracy, and reliability associated with Swiss precision manufacturing
120A IPG generator removes metal 25-35 percent faster than the 80A FORM E/FORM X on typical cavity work
350 mm Z-travel handles deep-cavity mold work that the 250 mm Z on the FORM E cannot reach
12-position ATC triples the electrode capacity of the FORM E, enabling complex multi-electrode jobs unattended
iGAP adaptive gap control optimizes the spark gap in real time for better finish consistency and reduced electrode wear
2 um positioning accuracy with active thermal management maintains precision over long burn cycles

Limitations

$140,000-$200,000 price is roughly double the FORM E, which is hard to justify for basic sinker EDM work
350 mm X-travel is the same as the FORM E; shops needing more X should consider larger FORM S variants or the FORM P
Swiss manufacturing means longer lead times for delivery compared to the China-made FORM E and FORM X
12-position ATC adds mechanical complexity and potential maintenance compared to the simpler LTC
800 kg workpiece capacity may be limiting for shops working with the heaviest die blocks

Best For

Precision mold shops where metal removal speed directly impacts delivery schedules and profitability Shops doing deep-cavity injection mold work where 350 mm Z-travel is essential for ribs and deep pockets Production environments running complex 12+ electrode sequences unattended overnight and over weekends Facilities that require Swiss-made equipment for quality system or customer requirements Mold makers working with both graphite and copper electrodes who benefit from iGAP adaptive gap control Shops upgrading from the FORM E that need more power, deeper Z-travel, and more ATC capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a GF AgieCharmilles FORM S cost?

New FORM S machines price between $140,000 and $200,000. Used machines from 2016-2021 trade in the $70,000-$120,000 range.

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

The FORM S is fully Swiss-made with 120A generator (vs 80A), 350 mm Z-travel (vs 250 mm), 12-position ATC (vs 4-position LTC), 2 um accuracy, and iGAP gap control. It costs roughly double the FORM E.

03 What is iGAP technology?

iGAP is adaptive gap control that monitors the spark gap in real time and adjusts parameters to maintain optimal conditions. This reduces electrode wear, improves surface finish consistency, and prevents short circuits.

04 How does the FORM S compare to the FORM P?

The FORM P is the precision-focused model with sub-micron accuracy and the most advanced generator. The FORM S prioritizes speed with 120A power. Choose FORM S for production throughput, FORM P for ultimate accuracy.

05 Is the FORM S suitable for graphite and copper electrodes?

Yes. The IPG generator with iGAP optimizes for both materials. Mix-material technology automates graphite roughing to copper finishing sequences.