Makino EDAC1
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Table Size
Weight
Rapid Traverse
Overview
The Makino EDAC1 is a compact, high-precision sinker EDM designed for mold shops producing small-to-medium cavities, micro-features, and detailed finishing work. It sits at the entry point of Makino's sinker EDM lineup but delivers accuracy and surface finish quality that punches well above its size class. The machine is manufactured in Singapore and shares core technologies with the larger EDAF series.
Axis travel measures 250 x 200 x 200 mm (9.8 x 7.9 x 7.9 in) on X/Y/Z, making it purpose-built for smaller precision work rather than large cavity burning. The 400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in) worktable handles workpieces up to 350 kg (772 lb), which covers most small-to-medium mold inserts, connector molds, and precision die components.
The EDAC1 features Makino's SuperSpark IV power supply technology that optimizes spark parameters for both roughing speed and finishing quality. ArcFree technology monitors the spark gap in real time and prevents destructive DC arcs that can pit finished surfaces — a critical feature during unattended operation. The NC power supply delivers 20A peak current through an MGH4 unit, adequate for the smaller electrodes and shallower cavities this machine is designed to handle.
The three-sided programmable drop tank (550 x 400 x 250 mm internal) provides easy workpiece access for setup and inspection. A standard 16-position ATC enables unattended multi-electrode operation, and the optional C-axis MA head running up to 1,000 RPM supports orbital burning and electrode rotation strategies.
The Hyper-i touchscreen control with guided setup makes the EDAC1 accessible to operators at all experience levels. Rapid traverse runs at 5,000 mm/min (197 ipm) on all axes. Machine weight is approximately 3,200 kg (7,055 lb), and the compact footprint makes it suitable for shops with limited floor space. New pricing typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000, making it one of the most accessible Makino EDMs. Used units from 2014-2020 show up between $30,000 and $60,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Table Size | 400 x 300 mm (15.7 x 11.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 350 kg (772 lb) |
| Max Electrode Weight | 11 lbs |
| Tank Internal Dimensions | 550 x 400 x 250 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 in) |
| Dielectric Fluid Volume | 250 liters (66 gal) |
| Nc Power Supply | MGH4 (20A peak) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 118"/min |
| Atc Capacity | 16 positions |
| C Axis Speed | 1,000 RPM (MA Head, optional) |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,250 x 2,100 x 2,300 mm (49.2 x 82.7 x 90.6 in) |
| Machine Weight | ~3,200 kg (7,055 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen) |
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| Metric | English |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 110 lbs |
| Tank Size | 17.7" x 13.77" x 7.87" |
| Max Available Amperage | 30 amp |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Compact footprint and 3,200 kg weight make it one of the most shop-friendly Makino sinker EDMs for space-constrained facilities
- ArcFree technology prevents surface-damaging DC arcs during unattended burns, protecting critical cavity finishes
- Hyper-i touchscreen control with guided setup lowers the learning curve for operators new to sinker EDM or new to Makino
- 16-position ATC enables multi-electrode strategies and overnight unattended burning on precision mold inserts
- Three-sided programmable drop tank provides unrestricted workpiece access for setup without removing the workpiece from the table
- Price point ($80K-$130K new) makes Makino precision EDM technology accessible to smaller mold shops
Limitations
- 250 x 200 mm X/Y travel severely limits workpiece size, making it unsuitable for medium-to-large mold cavities
- 20A peak current restricts metal removal rate for roughing operations compared to larger EDAF machines with 40A+ supplies
- 350 kg workpiece capacity limits the size and weight of mold plates that can be fixtured on the table
- Optional C-axis MA head adds significant cost to the base price for shops that need orbital burning capability
- Smaller dielectric reservoir (250 liters) means less thermal mass for temperature stability during extended burns
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New EDAC1 machines typically price between $80,000 and $130,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with 16-tool ATC and Hyper-i control starts around $80,000. Adding the C-axis MA head, high-pressure dielectric filtration, and fire suppression pushes the price toward $110,000-$130,000. Used EDAC1 machines from 2014-2020 sell between $30,000 and $60,000.
02
The EDAF2 is a step up in size and capability. It offers larger X/Y/Z travel (350/250/250 mm vs 250/200/200 mm), a bigger table (500 x 350 mm vs 400 x 300 mm), higher workpiece capacity (500 kg vs 350 kg), and a more powerful 30A MGH5 power supply vs the EDAC1's 20A MGH4. The EDAF2 also has a larger drop tank. Choose the EDAC1 for smaller precision work; choose the EDAF2 when you need more stroke and power.
03
Yes, the EDAC1 handles both graphite and copper electrodes effectively. Graphite is commonly used for detail work due to its ability to be machined into complex shapes with fine features. The Hyper-i control includes specific graphite electrode settings that optimize spark parameters for graphite's material properties. Copper electrodes are preferred when the lowest electrode wear is critical.
04
The EDAC1 is suitable for production work on small parts, especially with the 16-position ATC enabling multi-electrode and multi-cavity strategies. However, its 20A power supply and compact travel limit it to smaller cavities. For production shops burning large volumes of medium-to-large cavities, the EDAF2 or EDAF3 are better choices. The EDAC1 excels as a precision detail machine in shops that also have larger sinker EDMs for roughing.
05
Both are compact sinker EDMs for precision work. The Sodick AG40L uses linear motor drives for faster axis response, while the EDAC1 uses conventional ballscrew drives. The Makino's ArcFree technology and Hyper-i control are competitive advantages, while the Sodick offers the LN2W power supply with fine-finish capability. Both achieve excellent surface finishes. The choice often comes down to dealer support and which control interface your operators prefer.
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Comparison and buying advice — Can you guys explain this please? : r/Machinists - RedditMachining - RedditInterviewing to work for Makino... Advice? : r/MachinistsLearn me Sinker EDM : r/Machinists - RedditHaas vs Makino : r/Machinists - RedditWhat do you guys think of this machine? : r/machining -
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