Makino UPV-3
Image: makino.com, Makino
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Table Size
max workpiece size
max workpiece weight
How much does the Makino UPV-3 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a wire edm in this class — not a quote from Makino. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Makino UPV-3 is an oil-dielectric precision wire EDM built on Makino's Uj-series platform, with 370 x 270 x 220 mm (14.56 x 10.63 x 8.7 in) of travel, a 630 x 450 mm (24.8 x 17.71 in) table and a 790 x 610 mm (31.1 x 24.05 in) work tank. Like the rest of that platform it has a stationary table, and it is held to a tighter construction accuracy specification.
The oil is the reason to buy it. Makino uses the same dielectric oil as its sinker EDMs, which supports a smaller spark gap than deionized water and much lower power levels. Makino quotes finishes down to 0.02 µm Ra (1 µin Ra), considerably finer than traditional water-based wire EDM, and says the low power leaves HAZ and recast virtually undetectable. Oil is also chemically neutral: steel parts will not rust in the tank, and carbide and PCD are protected from oxidation of their binder, such as cobalt depletion.
The envelope has one limit worth noting. Workpieces can be up to 780 x 590 x 100 mm (30.71 x 23.23 x 3.94 in) and 350 kg (771 lb), larger in plan than the table, but height stops at 100 mm (3.94 in) even though Z travels 220 mm (8.7 in). This is a machine for plates, punches and inserts, not for tall blocks.
The 3-sided rise and fall work tank simplifies loading and setup and keeps automation requirements down. The Hyper i control on a wide 24” class touch screen, the advanced Handbox, onboard manuals, E-Tech Doctor and training videos are standard. Parts that need more X and Y go to the UPV-5, with 550 x 370 mm (21.65 x 14.56 in) of travel on the same principle.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Table Size | 630 mm x 450 mm (24.8 in x 17.71 in) |
| X-Axis Travel | 370 mm (14.56 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 270 mm (10.63 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 780 mm x 590 mm x 100 mm (30.71 in x 23.23 in x 3.94 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 350 kg (771 lb) |
| Work Tank Size | 790 mm x 610 mm (31.1 in x 24.05 in) |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-10-02
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Oil dielectric gives finishes down to 0.02 µm Ra (1 µin Ra), according to Makino
- Oil prevents rust on steel and protects carbide and PCD from cobalt depletion
- Stationary table on the Uj-series platform, held to a tighter construction accuracy specification
- Workpieces up to 780 x 590 x 100 mm (30.71 x 23.23 x 3.94 in) and 350 kg (771 lb)
- 3-sided rise and fall tank for loading, setup and automation
Limitations
- Workpiece height is limited to 100 mm (3.94 in), well under the 220 mm (8.7 in) of Z travel
- Workpiece weight tops out at 350 kg (771 lb)
- Makino's table lists no wire sizes, U and V travel or accuracy figures for this model
- Running on oil means parts leave the machine oily and the shop must handle dielectric oil rather than water
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both have 370 x 270 x 220 mm of X, Y and Z travel and a stationary table. The difference is the dielectric. The UPV-3 cuts in oil, which Makino contrasts with traditional water-based wire EDM, is held to a tighter construction accuracy specification, and is quoted for finishes down to 0.02 µm Ra (1 µin Ra). Its workpiece height is limited to 100 mm (3.94 in).
02
Oil is electrically neutral, so it supports machining at much lower power than deionized water and a smaller spark gap. Makino says that gives greater precision, finer finish and better metallurgical quality, with HAZ and recast reduced to a point where they are virtually undetectable.
03
Up to 780 mm x 590 mm x 100 mm (30.71 in x 23.23 in x 3.94 in) and 350 kg (771 lb), on a 630 mm x 450 mm (24.8 in x 17.71 in) table inside a 790 mm x 610 mm (31.1 in x 24.05 in) tank. Height is the tight limit: 100 mm (3.94 in), even though Z travels 220 mm (8.7 in).
04
Makino points to three effects of the oil dielectric: steel parts cannot rust in the machine, carbide and PCD are protected from oxidation of their binder such as cobalt depletion, and the low power levels leave HAZ and recast virtually undetectable. Carbide punches, PCD tooling and fine-finish steel components gain most.
05
The UPV-5 is the larger version, with 550 x 370 x 220 mm (21.65 x 14.56 x 8.7 in) of travel and an 810 x 550 mm (31.89 x 21.65 in) table. The UPV-3 has 370 x 270 x 220 mm (14.56 x 10.63 x 8.7 in) and a 630 x 450 mm table. Both are oil machines on the Uj-series platform with a 3-sided rise and fall tank.
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