Makino BX3
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Table Size
Weight
Rapid Traverse
Overview
The Makino BX3 is a compact sinker EDM designed for precision micro-feature burning in connector molds, semiconductor packaging tools, and miniature medical device tooling. It sits in a specialized niche within Makino's EDM lineup, targeting applications where electrode size and cavity features are measured in fractions of a millimeter and positional accuracy must be exceptional.
Axis travel measures 200 x 150 x 150 mm (7.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 in) on X/Y/Z — deliberately compact for micro-scale work. The 300 x 250 mm (11.8 x 9.8 in) worktable handles workpieces up to 150 kg (331 lb), sufficient for the small mold inserts and die components this machine is designed to process. Glass scale feedback on all axes ensures positioning accuracy in the sub-micron range, which is essential when burning micro-features with tolerances below 0.005 mm.
The BX3 uses Makino's fine-finish power supply technology optimized for micro-burning with very small electrodes. The NC power supply delivers controlled energy pulses that minimize electrode wear while achieving excellent surface finish in small cavities. ArcFree technology protects against spark damage that could ruin micro-features in seconds. The standard 16-position ATC handles multiple micro-electrodes for sequential burning of complex micro-cavity features.
The three-sided programmable drop tank provides access for precise workpiece positioning and electrode alignment — critical operations when features are measured in hundredths of a millimeter. The optional C-axis supports orbital burning with micro-electrodes for improved flushing in very small, deep cavities where dielectric access is challenging.
The Hyper-i touchscreen control includes dedicated micro-burn technology settings that optimize spark parameters for very small electrode-to-workpiece gaps. Rapid traverse runs at 5,000 mm/min (197 ipm). Machine weight is approximately 2,800 kg (6,173 lb), making it one of the most compact machines in Makino's sinker EDM range. New pricing typically ranges from $90,000 to $140,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Table Size | 300 x 250 mm (11.8 x 9.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 150 kg (331 lb) |
| Max Electrode Weight | 15 kg (33 lb) |
| Tank Internal Dimensions | 450 x 350 x 200 mm (17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in) |
| Dielectric Fluid Volume | 180 liters (48 gal) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 394”/min |
| Atc Capacity | 16 positions |
| Positioning Accuracy | Sub-micron (glass scale feedback) |
| Machine Weight | ~2,800 kg (6,173 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen) |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,100 x 1,900 x 2,200 mm (43.3 x 74.8 x 86.6 in) |
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| Metric | English |
| A Axis | 360° |
| B Axis | -140° / +140° |
| Maximum Workpiece Size | 300 Ø x 300 mm |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 44 lbs |
| Tank Size | 31.50" x 29.13” |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Sub-micron positioning accuracy with glass scale feedback enables precision micro-feature burning that standard sinker EDMs cannot achieve
- Compact 200 x 150 mm travel is purpose-matched to micro-scale work, eliminating the unnecessary mass and cost of larger platforms
- ArcFree technology is especially critical for micro-burning where a single DC arc can destroy features measured in hundredths of a millimeter
- 16-position ATC enables complex multi-electrode micro-cavity strategies without operator intervention
- Small footprint (1,100 x 1,900 mm) fits into tight shop layouts and automated micro-tooling cells
- Fine-finish power supply delivers controlled energy pulses optimized for minimal electrode wear with micro-electrodes
Limitations
- 200 x 150 mm travel is extremely limited — this machine handles only micro-scale work and cannot substitute for a general-purpose sinker EDM
- 150 kg workpiece capacity restricts the machine to small inserts and die components
- Micro-burning operations are inherently slow, making the BX3 a poor choice for any application requiring material removal speed
- Specialized micro-electrodes are expensive to produce and require high-speed graphite machines or micro-milling capability
- Limited secondary market presence makes resale challenging compared to more common sinker EDMs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New BX3 machines typically price between $90,000 and $140,000 depending on configuration. The micro-precision optics, glass scales, and fine-finish power supply account for the cost premium relative to general-purpose sinker EDMs of similar size. Used BX3 machines are uncommon on the secondary market due to low production volumes.
02
The BX3 is smaller and more specialized than the EDAC1. The EDAC1 has 250 x 200 mm travel vs the BX3's 200 x 150 mm, a larger table, and higher workpiece capacity. The BX3 adds glass scale feedback for sub-micron positioning and fine-finish power supply technology optimized for micro-burning. Choose the EDAC1 for general small-to-medium sinker EDM work; choose the BX3 specifically for micro-feature burning where sub-micron accuracy is required.
03
The BX3 handles electrodes from micro-scale (under 0.5 mm features) up to the limits of its 200 x 150 mm travel. Most work involves electrodes with feature sizes from 0.05 mm to 5 mm. The 15 kg electrode weight limit accommodates most micro-electrode setups, which are typically very small and lightweight.
04
Technically yes, within its 200 x 150 mm travel, but this is not cost-effective. The BX3's value lies in its micro-precision capability. Using it for standard sinker EDM work wastes the precision features you're paying for and ties up a specialized machine on work that a less expensive EDAC1 or EDAF2 could handle better.
05
The BX3 is most commonly found in connector mold shops, semiconductor packaging toolmakers, medical device manufacturers, and electronics tooling facilities. These industries regularly produce mold cavities and die features at the micro-scale where standard sinker EDMs lack the positioning accuracy needed. The automotive industry occasionally specifies BX3 machines for precision fuel system component tooling.
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