Makino EDNC-20
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Weight
Overview
The Makino EDNC-20 is the flagship of Makino's sinker EDM lineup — a massive production machine built for the largest mold and die applications in the world. When standard sinker EDMs run out of envelope, the EDNC-20 steps in. It is found in the shops that build the biggest automotive molds, the largest forging dies, and the most demanding industrial tooling.
Axis travel measures 1,100 x 800 x 600 mm (43.3 x 31.5 x 23.6 in) on X/Y/Z, an enormous work envelope that accommodates the largest cavity molds produced anywhere. The worktable handles workpieces up to 6,000 kg (13,228 lb), supporting the massive die blocks and mold plates that weigh several tons.
The EDNC-20 runs Makino's most powerful HS-Rib generator configuration at 150A peak current. This is the top of Makino's roughing capability, enabling efficient stock removal from the deepest, largest cavities. Even at this scale, the HS-Rib generator maintains finishing quality down to VDI 14 (Ra 0.5 µm) — adequate for large cavity work where subsequent manual polishing typically refines the surface.
The drop tank holds approximately 2,200 liters of dielectric fluid, providing the thermal mass needed for burns that can run for days without interruption. SGF flushing technology becomes absolutely critical at this scale — maintaining consistent flushing in cavities this size would be virtually impossible without automated optimization. ArcFree technology monitors the gap across the entire work zone.
A 24-position ATC manages electrode sequencing for multi-day burn cycles. The Hyper-i control handles programming and monitoring. Rapid traverse is 1,500 mm/min (59 ipm) — the trade-off for the heavy-duty axis assemblies required at this scale. Machine weight is approximately 28,000 kg (61,729 lb). New EDNC-20 machines price between $700,000 and $1,000,000. Used units from 2005-2016 sell between $280,000 and $550,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Table Size | 1,500 x 1,100 mm (59.1 x 43.3 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 6,000 kg (13,228 lb) |
| Max Electrode Weight | 220 lbs |
| Tank Internal Dimensions | 1,900 x 1,400 x 700 mm (74.8 x 55.1 x 27.6 in) |
| Dielectric Fluid Volume | 2,200 liters (581 gal) |
| Generator Current | 150A peak (HS-Rib) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 79"/min |
| Atc Capacity | 24 positions |
| Best Surface Finish | VDI 14 (Ra 0.5 µm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| Machine Dimensions | 3,600 x 5,000 x 3,800 mm (141.7 x 196.9 x 149.6 in) |
| Machine Weight | ~28,000 kg (61,729 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen) |
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| Metric | English |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 22,046 lbs |
| Tool Capacity | 8, 16, 32 |
| Tank Size | 110.2" x 63.0" x 41.3" |
| Max Available Amperage | 60A ~ 240A |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,100 x 800 mm X/Y travel is the largest in Makino's sinker EDM lineup — handles cavities no other Makino EDM can reach
- 150A HS-Rib generator is Makino's most powerful sinker configuration, dramatically reducing burn times on massive cavities
- 6,000 kg workpiece capacity handles multi-ton die blocks and mold plates without compromise
- 2,200 liters of dielectric provides the thermal stability needed for multi-day continuous burn cycles
- 500 kg electrode capacity supports the oversized graphite electrodes required for burning the largest cavities
- SGF flushing and ArcFree technologies scale to the enormous work zone, maintaining burn quality and safety
Limitations
- 28,000 kg machine weight requires a purpose-built reinforced foundation and heavy rigging for installation
- Price of $700K-$1M positions this as a major capital investment, justified only by consistent large-format work
- 1,500 mm/min rapid traverse is very slow — electrode changes and positioning add meaningful time to cycles
- 2,200 liters of dielectric means substantial ongoing fluid cost — plan for $5,000-$8,000 per fill
- Massive footprint of 3,600 x 5,000 mm demands dedicated floor space with overhead crane access for workpiece loading
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Makino EDNC-20 machines price between $700,000 and $1,000,000. Base machines start around $700,000. Full production configurations with C-axis head, overhead crane integration, enhanced thermal management, fire suppression, and automation features approach $900,000-$1,000,000. Used EDNC-20 machines from 2005-2016 sell between $280,000 and $550,000 depending on generator condition, hours, and overall machine state.
02
The EDNC-20 offers substantially more in every dimension: travel (1,100/800/600 mm vs 900/650/500 mm), workpiece capacity (6,000 kg vs 4,000 kg), generator power (150A vs 120A), and tank volume (2,200L vs 1,600L). It weighs 8,000 kg more and costs $150K-$250K more. The EDNC-20 is for work that genuinely exceeds the EDNC-17's envelope — don't overbuy if the EDNC-17 covers your needs.
03
An overhead bridge crane rated for a minimum of 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) is recommended — enough to lift the heaviest expected workpiece plus fixturing. Many shops install 10,000 kg cranes to provide margin. The crane must have sufficient hook height to clear the machine's Z-axis assembly and enough span to position workpieces on the table. Plan crane installation before machine delivery.
04
The EDNC-20 holds approximately 2,200 liters of dielectric in the tank, with an additional 200-400 liters in the filtration system. Dielectric replacement every 12-18 months costs $5,000-$8,000 depending on the oil brand. Ongoing filtration and fluid maintenance costs add $2,000-$4,000 annually. Proper fluid maintenance extends dielectric life and protects surface finish quality.
05
The EDNC-20 buyer is typically a Tier 1 automotive mold shop, a large forging die house, or a captive OEM tool room producing the biggest molds and dies in their respective industries. There are relatively few EDNC-20 machines installed worldwide compared to smaller EDNC models. These shops have the volume of large-format work, the infrastructure (foundations, cranes, floor space), and the budget to justify a machine in this class.
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