GF Machining Solutions AgieCharmilles FORM E 600

$130,000 - $200,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

travel c

±180° (optional)

max workpiece size

1,000 x 700 x 500 mm (39.4 x 27.6 x 19.7 in)

max workpiece weight

2,000 kg (4,409 lb)

Overview

The GF Machining Solutions AgieCharmilles FORM E 600 is the mid-size model in GF's FORM E Essential series, offering a 600 x 400 x 400 mm work envelope in the more economical FORM E configuration. Where the FORM P 600 targets the highest precision and most demanding applications with its Intelligent Thermal Management and IPG power supply, the FORM E 600 serves the broader mold and die market with capable EDM performance at a lower price point — making it one of the most commonly quoted sinker EDMs for general mold shop acquisition.

With a workpiece capacity of 1,000 x 700 x 500 mm and a 2,000 kg weight rating, the FORM E 600 handles the same physical workpieces as the FORM P 600. The difference lies in the technology tier: the FORM E 600 uses the iQ GENERATOR power supply rather than the IPG, and lacks the active thermal compensation of ITM. For the majority of sinker EDM applications — injection mold inserts in P20 and H13 steel, die casting mold cavities, die and punch tooling — these differences have minimal impact on daily production results. The FORM E 600 delivers consistent AgieCharmilles surface quality and reliable discharge control at a price that makes it accessible to a wider range of shops.

The AC FORM control is the same across the FORM series, meaning FORM E 600 operators benefit from GF's complete technology database of electrode and workpiece material combinations. Setup is database-driven: select materials and target finish, and the AC FORM configures the power supply parameters. This approach dramatically reduces the EDM expertise barrier and makes the FORM E 600 manageable for shops where EDM is a secondary process rather than a core specialty.

The FORM E 600 is frequently quoted against the Makino EDAC3, Mitsubishi EA12S, and Sodick AG60L. In this competitive set, GF's technology database depth and the established AgieCharmilles brand reputation for EDM quality often tip the decision toward the FORM E 600 for shops where vendor confidence and training support matter. New machines are typically priced between $130,000 and $200,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Travel C	±180° (optional)
Max Workpiece Size	1,000 x 700 x 500 mm (39.4 x 27.6 x 19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	100 kg (220 lb)
Surface Finish	Ra 0.4 µm (VDI 18, production mold finish)
Dielectric	Dielectric oil
CNC Control	AC FORM (GF Machining Solutions proprietary sinker EDM control)
Power Supply	iQ GENERATOR
Auto Electrode Changer	Compatible (AEC option)
Machine Weight	5,200 kg (11,464 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

600 x 400 mm X/Y travel at a lower price than the FORM P 600 — shops needing mid-size sinker EDM capability without the highest-end thermal management get maximum value in the FORM E 600
Same AC FORM control and technology database as the FORM P series means identical ease of use, operator familiarity across the fleet, and consistent parameter-driven setup workflow
2,000 kg workpiece capacity handles medium-to-large mold inserts, automotive die components, and die casting mold sections without requiring a larger or more expensive machine
AEC compatibility enables multi-electrode automation for unattended sinker EDM operation — roughing and finishing electrode sequences run overnight without operator intervention
Well-established machine in the global moldmaking market with strong dealer support, operator training programs, and an active used machine market providing clear resale benchmarks
iQ GENERATOR power supply delivers reliable performance for the VDI 12-30 surface finishes that represent the bulk of real-world production mold sinker EDM work

Limitations

Lacks the Intelligent Thermal Management (ITM) of the FORM P 600 — shops running precision deep-cavity work over multiple days where thermal drift affects cavity depth accuracy should evaluate the FORM P tier
iQ GENERATOR does not match the IPG's finest surface finish capability — Ra 0.1 µm mirror-quality finishes are more consistently achieved on the FORM P or FORM X
At 5,200 kg, requires careful floor planning, though this is comparable to other mid-size sinker EDMs and generally does not require special foundations in standard industrial buildings
Oil dielectric system demands fire suppression planning, containment, and oil filtration maintenance — a recurring operational cost not required in wire EDM with deionized water

Best For

General injection mold shops producing medium-sized cavity inserts, cores, and slides in P20 and H13 steel where consistent VDI finishes and reliable throughput are the priority Automotive Tier-1 and Tier-2 toolrooms sinker EDMing trim die inserts, forming die pockets, and progressive die components that fall within the 600 x 400 mm work envelope Die casting mold builders producing mid-size die cavities and cores in H13 tool steel where the machine's 400 mm Z-travel accommodates the cavity depth of most die casting tooling Job shops diversifying into sinker EDM as a complement to wire EDM, CNC milling, and grinding — the FORM E 600's database-driven setup reduces the learning curve for non-specialist operators Shops looking for a reliable, well-supported sinker EDM from a globally established brand where long-term parts availability and service infrastructure are important procurement considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the practical difference between the FORM E 600 and FORM P 600?

Both machines share the same work envelope (600 x 400 x 400 mm) and the same AC FORM control. The FORM P 600 adds Intelligent Thermal Management (ITM) for active temperature compensation during long-cycle operations, and uses the more capable IPG power supply which achieves finer surface finishes (Ra 0.1 µm vs approximately Ra 0.4 µm in production). For most mold shops producing standard cavity work with planned hand polishing, the FORM E 600 is entirely adequate and costs 20-30% less. The FORM P 600 is worth the premium for high-precision long-cycle operations and when mirror finishes are required directly off the machine.

02 Can the FORM E 600 be automated?

Yes. The FORM E 600 supports the AEC (Automatic Electrode Changer) option, which enables multi-electrode unattended operation. The AC FORM control sequences through electrode changes automatically, running roughing and finishing electrodes in succession without operator intervention. For 24-hour lights-out operation, fire suppression is mandatory (oil dielectric is flammable). Many shops combine AEC with pre-programmed electrode sequences and pallet workholding systems for high-productivity unattended production.

03 How does the FORM E 600 compare to the Sodick AG60L?

Both are well-regarded mid-size sinker EDMs. The Sodick AG60L uses Sodick's linear motor Z-axis for fast electrode approach and retract cycles, which can reduce cycle time on multi-electrode jobs. The GF FORM E 600 counters with the AC FORM technology database's depth and GF's broader global service network. Surface finish and cutting performance are comparable in production conditions. Price points are similar. The decision often comes down to dealer proximity, control preference, and whether Sodick's linear Z or GF's technology database depth is more relevant to your specific workflow.

04 What dielectric system does the FORM E 600 use?

The FORM E 600 uses a dielectric oil system — petroleum-based dielectric fluid — rather than deionized water. Oil provides superior surface integrity for mold steel and carbide electrodes: less hydrogen uptake, lower risk of micro-cracking in the recast layer, and better surface quality for polishing. Oil systems require careful fire suppression planning (mandatory for unattended operation), containment for spills, and periodic oil filtration maintenance including filter element replacement and sludge removal. Oil EDMs are the standard for precision mold and die sinker EDM globally.

05 What surface finishes can the FORM E 600 achieve?

The FORM E 600 with iQ GENERATOR achieves surface finishes across the full VDI range used in production mold work — VDI 30 (Ra 1.6 µm) for roughing passes, VDI 24-18 (Ra 0.8-0.4 µm) for semi-finishing, and approaching VDI 12 (Ra 0.2 µm) for fine finishing. The iQ GENERATOR is optimized for production efficiency across this range. For mirror finishes (VDI 3, Ra 0.1 µm), GF recommends the FORM P or FORM X series with the IPG power supply, though careful FORM E operation can approach these levels under ideal conditions.