Makino UPV-5

$250,000 - $340,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

310 mm (12.2 in)

Table Size

700 x 500 mm (27.6 x 19.7 in)

Accuracy

+/-0.001 mm (+/-0.00004 in)

Repeatability

+/-0.0005 mm

Overview

The Makino UPV-5 is the larger platform in Makino's ultra-precision wire EDM range, offering the same sub-micron accuracy and mirror-finish capability as the UPV-3 but with a significantly expanded work envelope. It fills the gap between compact precision wire EDMs and production-class machines, giving shops the travel and workpiece capacity to handle larger mold plates while maintaining precision-class tolerances.

Axis travel measures 500 x 400 x 310 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 12.2 in) on X/Y/Z, with U and V axes providing +/-75 mm (+/-3.0 in) of independent wire offset for taper cutting up to 15 degrees. The worktable spans 700 x 500 mm (27.6 x 19.7 in) with a maximum workpiece size of 800 x 600 x 310 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 12.2 in) and 500 kg (1,102 lb) load capacity. This is enough room for medium-sized injection mold plates, precision die blocks, and multi-component fixturing.

Like the UPV-3, the UPV-5 achieves surface finishes down to 0.05 um Ra (2 uin Ra) with multi-pass finishing technology. Wire diameter range spans 0.05 to 0.30 mm (0.002 to 0.012 in), covering everything from ultra-fine finishing to standard production cutting. Positioning accuracy reaches +/-0.001 mm (+/-0.00004 in) with repeatability of +/-0.0005 mm, enabled by precision glass scales on all axes and a thermally stabilized cast-iron structure.

The machine runs on Makino's Hyper-i touchscreen control with UPV-specific technology packages that optimize spark parameters, flushing, and wire tension for precision finishing operations. The temperature-controlled dielectric system maintains the thermal consistency needed for sub-micron work over extended cutting cycles.

The UPV-5's larger work envelope makes it more versatile than the UPV-3 without sacrificing precision capability. It competes with the Mitsubishi MV2400S Connect, Sodick ALC600G, and GF Machining Solutions CUT X 500 in the precision large-travel wire EDM segment. Pricing for a new UPV-5 typically ranges from $250,000 to $340,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	310 mm (12.2 in)
U Axis	+/-1.97"
V Axis	+/-1.97"
Max Taper Angle	15°
Table Size	700 x 500 mm (27.6 x 19.7 in)
Max Workpiece Size	800 x 600 x 310 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 12.2 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg (1,102 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 Size	37.79" x 27.17" x 3.94"
Maximum Workpiece Weight	1212 lbs
Tank Size	38.18" x 21.65"

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Larger travel (500 x 400 mm) than the UPV-3 while maintaining the same 0.05 um Ra surface finish and sub-micron positioning accuracy
500 kg workpiece capacity handles medium-sized mold plates and die blocks that exceed the UPV-3's 200 kg limit
15-degree taper cutting capability across the full Z range enables complex precision die profiles and clearance angles
Fine wire capability down to 0.05 mm diameter supports ultra-fine feature cutting and mirror-finish operations
Temperature-controlled dielectric system maintains thermal stability for consistent sub-micron accuracy during long cuts
Hyper-i touchscreen control with UPV-specific technology packages simplifies precision finishing setup

Limitations

Premium pricing ($250K-$340K) places it well above mainstream production wire EDMs with similar or larger travel
Ultra-fine finishing passes are inherently slow, making cycle times significantly longer than production-focused machines
Requires climate-controlled installation environment to achieve rated accuracy specifications
Fine wire consumable costs (especially tungsten and molybdenum wires below 0.10 mm) are substantially higher than standard brass wire
Lower cutting speed than production-class wire EDMs when running standard roughing operations

Best For

Precision injection mold shops producing connector molds, medical device molds, and optical molds with mirror-finish cavity requirements Die manufacturers making progressive dies for electronics and semiconductor components requiring sub-micron profile accuracy Automotive precision tooling shops cutting fuel injector nozzle dies and other components with ultra-tight tolerance requirements Shops that need UPV-class precision but have workpieces too large for the compact UPV-3 platform Tool rooms producing master gauges, precision fixtures, and reference standards where accuracy and finish are the primary requirements Medical device manufacturers cutting precision stamping and forming dies for implant components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino UPV-5 cost?

New UPV-5 machines typically price between $250,000 and $340,000 depending on configuration. The larger platform commands approximately $50,000-$60,000 more than the UPV-3. Used UPV-5 machines are rare on the secondary market but trade between $120,000 and $200,000 when available.

02 How does the UPV-5 compare to the Makino U6 H.E.A.T.?

These are fundamentally different machines despite both being Makino wire EDMs. The U6 H.E.A.T. is a production-class machine optimized for cutting speed, poor-flush performance, and throughput, with 650 x 450 mm travel and 1,500 kg capacity. The UPV-5 is a precision instrument optimized for surface finish (0.05 vs 0.4 um Ra) and accuracy (+/-0.001 vs +/-0.003 mm). Choose the U6 for production volume; choose the UPV-5 for critical-tolerance precision work.

03 Can the UPV-5 handle production cutting in addition to precision work?

The UPV-5 can perform standard wire EDM cutting, but it's not cost-effective for production work. Its cutting speed on roughing passes is lower than dedicated production machines, and tying up a $300K precision machine for work that a $150K production wire EDM can handle equally well doesn't make financial sense. Most shops use the UPV-5 exclusively for precision finishing and critical-tolerance work.

04 What positioning accuracy can realistically be achieved?

The rated +/-0.001 mm (+/-0.00004 in) is achievable in a temperature-controlled environment (+/-1 degree C). In a typical shop environment without climate control, expect +/-0.002 to +/-0.003 mm. The machine's glass scales and thermally stable structure provide the foundation, but ambient temperature fluctuations are the practical limiting factor for most installations.

05 What maintenance does the UPV-5 require beyond standard wire EDM care?

Beyond standard wire EDM maintenance (filter changes, wire guide replacement, deionization resin), the UPV-5 requires attention to its precision-specific systems. The glass scales should be inspected and cleaned periodically. The temperature-control system for the dielectric needs regular coolant checks. Wire guides wear faster with fine wires below 0.10 mm and may need more frequent replacement than in production machines running standard 0.25 mm wire.