Makino UPV-3
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Table Size
Accuracy
Repeatability
Overview
The Makino UPV-3 is a high-precision wire EDM designed for ultra-fine surface finishes and tight tolerances in the die/mold and precision components industries. It's positioned above Makino's mainstream U-series wire EDMs, targeting applications where surface finish quality below 0.1 um Ra and positioning accuracy in the sub-micron range are non-negotiable requirements.
Axis travel measures 370 x 270 x 220 mm (14.6 x 10.6 x 8.7 in) on X/Y/Z, with U and V axes providing +/-50 mm (+/-2.0 in) of independent wire offset for taper cutting. The travel envelope is deliberately compact — this isn't a production wire EDM built for throughput. It's a precision instrument designed to hold the tightest tolerances the wire EDM process can deliver. The 4-sided hardened worktable spans 500 x 350 mm (19.7 x 13.8 in) with a workpiece capacity of 500 x 350 x 220 mm (19.7 x 13.8 x 8.7 in) and 200 kg (441 lb) maximum weight.
The UPV-3 achieves surface finishes down to 0.05 um Ra (2 uin Ra) using Makino's multi-pass finishing technology with fine wire. It runs wire diameters from 0.05 to 0.30 mm (0.002 to 0.012 in), including the ultra-fine wires needed for the highest-quality finishes. Positioning accuracy reaches +/-0.001 mm (+/-0.00004 in) with repeatability of +/-0.0005 mm, enabled by precision glass scales and a thermally controlled structure.
The machine uses Makino's Hyper-i touchscreen control with specialized UPV technology settings that optimize spark parameters for ultra-fine finishing. The dielectric system is temperature-controlled to maintain thermal stability during long finishing passes. Through-dielectric wire threading and a submerged cutting configuration maintain consistent flushing across the work zone.
The UPV-3 competes with the Mitsubishi MV1200R Connect, Sodick AP250L, and GF Machining Solutions CUT X 350 in the precision wire EDM segment. New pricing typically ranges from $200,000 to $280,000 depending on configuration.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 370 mm (14.6 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| U Axis | +/-1.97" |
| V Axis | +/-1.97" |
| Table Size | 500 x 350 mm (19.7 x 13.8 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 500 x 350 x 220 mm (19.7 x 13.8 x 8.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 200 kg (441 lb) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.05 - 0.30 mm (0.002 - 0.012 in) |
| Surface Finish | 0.05 um Ra (2 uin Ra) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/-0.001 mm (+/-0.00004 in) |
| Repeatability | +/-0.0005 mm |
| CNC Control | Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen) |
| Dielectric System | Temperature-controlled deionized water |
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| Metric | English |
| Maximum Workpiece Size780 Mm X 590 Mm X 100 Mmmaximum Workpiece Weight350 Kgtank Size790 Mm X 610 Mm | U-Axis:+/-1.97"V-Axis:+/-1.97"Maximum Workpiece Size:30.71" x 23.23" x 3.94"Maximum Workpiece Weight:771 lbsTank Size:31.1" x 24.05" |
| Maximum Workpiece Size | 30.71" x 23.23" x 3.94" |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 771 lbs |
| Tank Size | 31.1" x 24.05" |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Ultra-fine surface finish capability down to 0.05 um Ra sets it apart from mainstream wire EDMs limited to 0.2-0.4 um Ra
- Sub-micron positioning accuracy (+/-0.001 mm) enables precision component and connector mold work that standard wire EDMs cannot achieve
- Fine wire capability down to 0.05 mm diameter allows cutting of extremely small features and ultra-thin slots
- Temperature-controlled dielectric system maintains thermal stability for consistent accuracy during long finishing passes
- Hyper-i touchscreen control simplifies setup for complex precision jobs with intuitive parameter selection
- 4-sided hardened worktable ensures long-term flatness and workpiece registration accuracy
Limitations
- Compact travel envelope (370 x 270 mm) limits workpiece size significantly compared to production wire EDMs
- 200 kg workpiece capacity restricts the machine to smaller precision parts and mold components
- Premium pricing ($200K-$280K) is significantly higher than mainstream wire EDMs with larger travel
- Ultra-fine finishing passes are inherently slow, making the UPV-3 a poor choice for shops prioritizing throughput over finish quality
- Requires climate-controlled environment to achieve its rated accuracy specifications consistently
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New UPV-3 machines typically price between $200,000 and $280,000 depending on configuration and options. The precision platform commands a significant premium over mainstream U-series wire EDMs. Used UPV-3 machines are uncommon on the secondary market due to low production volumes, but when available, they typically trade between $90,000 and $160,000 for units from 2015-2020.
02
The UPV-5 offers larger axis travels (500 x 400 x 310 mm vs 370 x 270 x 220 mm), a bigger table (700 x 500 mm vs 500 x 350 mm), and higher workpiece capacity (500 kg vs 200 kg). Both machines share the same precision pedigree and ultra-fine finish capability. Choose the UPV-3 for smaller precision components where the compact travel is sufficient; choose the UPV-5 when your precision work requires a larger envelope.
03
Both are precision-class wire EDMs, but they serve slightly different niches. The MV1200R offers larger travel (400 x 300 x 220 mm) and the Tubular Shaft motor technology for smooth axis motion. The UPV-3 focuses on the ultimate in surface finish quality with its multi-pass finishing technology. The Mitsubishi has a broader dealer network in North America. Both achieve sub-micron positioning accuracy.
04
For roughing passes, standard 0.20-0.25 mm brass wire delivers good cutting speed. For precision finishing, coated wires (zinc-coated, diffusion-annealed) in 0.10-0.20 mm diameter optimize surface finish. For ultra-fine work below 0.10 um Ra, tungsten or molybdenum wires in 0.05-0.10 mm diameter are used, though these are significantly more expensive than brass wire.
05
Yes. To achieve the rated +/-0.001 mm positioning accuracy and 0.05 um Ra surface finish, the UPV-3 should be installed in a climate-controlled room holding temperature within +/-1 degree C and humidity below 60%. Temperature fluctuations cause thermal expansion in both the machine structure and workpiece, directly degrading accuracy. Most shops install UPV-class machines in a dedicated temperature-controlled enclosure within the shop.
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