Makino U3 Wire EDM

$220,000 – $340,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X/Y/Z Travel

350 x 250 x 220 mm

Max Workpiece Weight

500 kg

Wire Diameter Range

0.1 – 0.3 mm

Max Cutting Speed

380 mm²/min

Surface Finish Ra

Ra 0.1 µm

Taper Angle

±30° / 100 mm

Overview

The Makino U3 is a mid-size wire EDM machine positioned at the intersection of high precision and practical work capacity. With X/Y/Z travels of 350 x 250 x 220 mm and a 500 kg workpiece weight capacity, the U3 addresses the most common range of precision tooling, stamping die, and medical device component applications without the floor space and infrastructure demands of larger machines.

Built on the same Hyper-i control platform as the larger U6, the U3 benefits from Makino's advanced adaptive power supply technology. The control interprets cutting conditions in real time and modulates discharge energy to optimize speed and surface quality simultaneously — a capability that distinguishes Makino wire EDMs from competitors relying on fixed cutting strategies.

The U3 achieves maximum cutting speeds of 380 mm²/min and surface finishes in the Ra 0.1 µm range, making it equally at home roughing through hardened tool steel and finishing precision punch-and-die sets to mirror-quality surfaces. Taper cutting capability of ±30° at 100 mm height supports complex angular features common in progressive die tooling.

Makino's automatic wire threading system on the U3 handles rethreading after wire breaks with high reliability, a key factor for unattended operation. The machine's compact footprint relative to its work envelope, combined with low wire and dielectric consumption, delivers favorable operating economics for shops running the U3 across multiple shifts.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X/Y/Z Travel	350 x 250 x 220 mm
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg
Wire Diameter Range	0.1 – 0.3 mm
Max Cutting Speed	380 mm²/min
Surface Finish Ra	Ra 0.1 µm
Taper Angle	±30° / 100 mm
Control System	Makino Hyper-i
Machine Weight	~3,800 kg
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Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Hyper-i control with adaptive power supply delivers consistent precision across materials
Ra 0.1 µm surface finish capability for mirror-quality die and punch components
Reliable automatic wire threading supports unattended multi-shift operation
Compact footprint for mid-range work envelope — efficient floor space use

Limitations

350 x 250 mm travel limits applicability on large progressive dies
Premium brand pricing compared to some Asian-market competitors in this class
Consumable (wire, filters, resin) costs are higher than entry-level machines

Best For

Precision stamping dies and progressive tooling in hardened tool steel Medical and aerospace components requiring sub-micron form accuracy Job shops running two or three EDM shifts needing reliable automated threading

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the Makino U3 compare to the U6?

The U3 shares the same Hyper-i control and precision technology as the U6 but offers a smaller 350 x 250 mm work envelope and 500 kg capacity vs the U6's 600 x 400 mm and 1,000 kg. The U3 is the more common choice for job shops and mid-size die shops, while the U6 targets heavy tooling applications.

02 What materials can the Makino U3 cut?

The U3 can cut any electrically conductive material, including hardened tool steel (HRC 60+), carbide, titanium, Inconel, copper alloys, and aluminum. It excels in hardened steel stamping and injection mold tooling.

03 Does the U3 support fine wire for micro-precision work?

Yes. The U3 accepts wire diameters down to 0.1 mm, enabling fine-feature cutting for small die inserts and precision components, though dedicated micro-EDM machines like the Makino U1 offer even finer wire capability.