Makino EDGE3i

$160,000 - $230,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

450 mm (17.7 in)

Y Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Tool Capacity

5, 8, 16

Table Size

650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in)

Weight

~5,800 kg (12,787 lb)

Overview

The Makino EDGE3i is the larger brother in Makino's EDGE sinker EDM series, stepping up the work envelope and generator power for shops that need to handle medium-sized mold cavities and heavier workpieces. It bridges the gap between the compact EDGE2i and the full-size EDNC production machines, making it a strong choice for growing mold shops.

Axis travel measures 450 x 350 x 300 mm (17.7 x 13.8 x 11.8 in) on X/Y/Z, a meaningful jump over the EDGE2i that opens up medium-sized cavity work. The worktable handles workpieces up to 800 kg (1,764 lb), accommodating larger mold plates and die blocks that smaller machines simply cannot fixture.

The EDGE3i runs a 40A peak generator that delivers substantially faster roughing rates compared to the EDGE2i's 30A unit. That extra power translates directly to shorter cycle times when hogging out stock on medium cavities. On the finishing side, the machine still achieves surface finishes down to VDI 10 (Ra 0.3 µm) with proper electrode selection and parameter tuning.

The programmable drop tank measures approximately 800 x 550 x 350 mm internally, providing adequate dielectric volume for thermal stability during extended burns. Standard 20-position ATC supports complex multi-electrode strategies for unattended production. ArcFree technology monitors the spark gap continuously and prevents destructive DC arcs.

Makino's Hyper-i touchscreen control provides the same intuitive interface found across the lineup, with guided workflows that simplify setup and electrode management. Rapid traverse runs at 5,000 mm/min (197 ipm). Machine weight is approximately 5,800 kg (12,787 lb). New EDGE3i machines price between $160,000 and $230,000, with used units from 2016-2022 selling between $70,000 and $130,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Table Size	650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	800 kg (1,764 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	110 lbs
Tank Internal Dimensions	800 x 550 x 350 mm (31.5 x 21.7 x 13.8 in)
Dielectric Fluid Volume	500 liters (132 gal)
Generator Current	40A peak
Rapid Traverse Rate	197 ipm
Atc Capacity	20 positions
Best Surface Finish	VDI 10 (Ra 0.3 µm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in)
Machine Dimensions	1,700 x 2,600 x 2,500 mm (66.9 x 102.4 x 98.4 in)
Machine Weight	~5,800 kg (12,787 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen)
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Metric	English
Maximum Workpiece Weight	1,764 lbs
Tool Capacity	5, 8, 16
Tank Size	31.5” x 21.6” x 13.8”
Drop Tank	Yes
Max Available Amperage	80A

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

450 x 350 mm X/Y travel handles medium-sized mold cavities and die inserts that the EDGE2i cannot reach
40A peak generator delivers noticeably faster roughing compared to the EDGE2i's 30A unit, cutting cycle times on medium cavities
800 kg workpiece capacity accommodates larger mold plates and die blocks without needing to step up to EDNC machines
20-position ATC provides more electrode stations for complex multi-cavity and multi-finish strategies during unattended runs
ArcFree technology and Hyper-i control maintain the ease-of-use and surface protection found across Makino's EDM lineup
Larger drop tank with 500 liters of dielectric provides better thermal stability for extended burn cycles

Limitations

5,800 kg machine weight and larger footprint require adequate floor space and foundation preparation
Price jump over the EDGE2i may not be justified for shops primarily burning small cavities and detail work
40A generator still falls short of EDNC-series machines for heavy roughing on large, deep cavities
Higher dielectric volume means longer warm-up time to reach stable operating temperature

Best For

Medium-volume mold shops burning cavities in the 300-450 mm range that need more envelope than the EDGE2i provides Automotive mold makers producing bumper, interior panel, and lighting mold inserts in hardened steels Die shops working with medium-sized stamping die inserts and progressive die components Growing mold shops that need a capable sinker EDM without the investment of a full EDNC production machine Shops running multi-electrode unattended strategies that benefit from the 20-position ATC capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino EDGE3i cost?

New Makino EDGE3i machines typically price between $160,000 and $230,000. Base machines with 20-position ATC and Hyper-i control start around $160,000. Adding the C-axis head, enhanced filtration, fire suppression, and chiller pushes the price toward $200,000-$230,000. Used EDGE3i units from 2016-2022 sell between $70,000 and $130,000 depending on hours and condition.

02 How does the EDGE3i compare to the EDGE2i?

The EDGE3i offers larger travel (450/350/300 mm vs 350/250/250 mm), more workpiece capacity (800 kg vs 500 kg), a more powerful 40A generator vs 30A, and a 20-position ATC vs 16 positions. It handles medium-sized cavities the EDGE2i cannot reach. The EDGE2i is more cost-effective for shops focused on smaller work.

03 What is the maximum surface finish achievable on the EDGE3i?

The EDGE3i achieves surface finishes down to approximately VDI 10 (Ra 0.3 µm) under optimal conditions with copper electrodes and fine-finish parameters. Typical production finishes with graphite electrodes range from VDI 14-20. Achieving the finest finishes requires proper flushing, stable dielectric temperature, and appropriate electrode material selection.

04 Can the EDGE3i be automated with robotics?

Yes, the EDGE3i can be integrated with robotic electrode and workpiece loading systems. The 20-position ATC handles electrode changes, and the machine's open architecture supports integration with Makino's own automation systems or third-party robot cells. This makes it suitable for high-mix, low-volume production environments requiring minimal operator intervention.

05 Is the EDGE3i suitable for burning carbide workpieces?

Yes, the EDGE3i can burn carbide workpieces effectively. Copper electrodes are strongly recommended for carbide work due to lower electrode wear. The 40A generator provides adequate power for carbide burning, though metal removal rates will be slower than in steel. Proper flushing and reduced duty cycles help maintain surface quality on carbide.