Makino UX3i

$150,000 - $210,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

370 mm (14.6 in)

Y Travel

270 mm (10.6 in)

Z Travel

220 mm (8.7 in)

Table Size

540 x 380 mm (21.3 x 15.0 in)

Accuracy

+/-0.002 mm (+/-0.00008 in)

u axis

±1.96"

Overview

The Makino UX3i is a next-generation intelligent wire EDM that builds on the proven UX3 platform with advanced automation features, improved generator technology, and enhanced Hyper-i control capabilities. It targets production die/mold shops and high-mix contract manufacturers who need consistent accuracy with minimal operator intervention.

Axis travel measures 370 x 270 x 220 mm (14.6 x 10.6 x 8.7 in) on X/Y/Z, matching the proven UX3 envelope. U and V axes provide +/-50 mm (+/-2.0 in) for taper cutting operations. The worktable spans 540 x 380 mm (21.3 x 15.0 in) and handles workpieces up to 540 x 380 x 220 mm (21.3 x 15.0 x 8.7 in) with a maximum weight of 300 kg (661 lb).

The 'i' designation signals the intelligent upgrades — the UX3i features Makino's next-generation spark generator with adaptive discharge control that automatically optimizes cutting parameters based on real-time feedback from the cut. This translates to faster roughing speeds, better surface finish consistency across varying workpiece heights, and reduced wire breakage. Surface finish capability reaches 0.1 um Ra (4 uin Ra), and positioning accuracy is rated at +/-0.002 mm (+/-0.00008 in).

Wire diameter range spans 0.10 to 0.30 mm (0.004 to 0.012 in), covering standard production wire EDM applications. The taper cutting system handles angles up to +/-30 degrees at reduced workpiece height. The enhanced Hyper-i control adds predictive maintenance alerts, cutting time estimation, and improved technology databases with more material/wire combinations pre-programmed.

The submerged cutting tank with temperature-controlled dielectric maintains thermal stability for consistent accuracy across long runs. Automatic wire threading with intelligent retry logic handles even difficult start holes and pre-machined features reliably.

The UX3i competes with the Sodick ALN400Qi, Mitsubishi MV1200R Connect, and GF Machining Solutions CUT 200 Dedicated in the mid-range precision wire EDM segment. New pricing typically ranges from $150,000 to $210,000.

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	±1.96"
V Axis	±2.0"
Table Size	540 x 380 mm (21.3 x 15.0 in)
Max Workpiece Size	540 x 380 x 220 mm (21.3 x 15.0 x 8.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Wire Diameter Range	0.10 - 0.30 mm (0.004 - 0.012 in)
Taper Angle	+/-30 degrees (at reduced height)
Surface Finish	0.1 um Ra (4 uin Ra)
Positioning Accuracy	+/-0.002 mm (+/-0.00008 in)
CNC Control	Makino Hyper-i (enhanced touchscreen)
Generator	Makino adaptive discharge AC generator
Tank Size	31.10" x 24.05"
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
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Metric	English
Maximum Workpiece Size	30.3" x 23.2" x 8.7" Tall
Maximum Workpiece Weight	1,323 lbs
Available Wire Size	Standard 0.003" - 0.012" ø

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Adaptive discharge generator automatically optimizes spark parameters for consistent finish quality across varying workpiece conditions
Enhanced Hyper-i control with predictive maintenance and cutting time estimation reduces unplanned downtime
Surface finish to 0.1 um Ra covers the vast majority of die/mold surface requirements without stepping up to UPV-class machines
Intelligent automatic wire threading with retry logic improves lights-out reliability significantly
+/-30 degree taper capability handles complex die geometries including clearance angles and draft angles
Temperature-controlled dielectric system maintains accuracy during extended unattended runs
Expanded technology databases reduce setup time and improve first-cut accuracy for less experienced operators

Limitations

Mid-range travel envelope (370 x 270 mm) limits workpiece size compared to U6-class machines
Does not run wire below 0.10 mm, so shops needing ultra-fine features must look at UPV or UPN models
Premium pricing over the base UX3 may not be justified for shops that don't leverage the intelligent features
300 kg workpiece capacity may be limiting for larger mold base work

Best For

Production die/mold shops that need consistent accuracy and finish quality across multiple shifts with minimal operator oversight Contract manufacturers running high-mix work where adaptive generator technology reduces setup and first-cut trial time Precision stamping die shops cutting progressive die inserts and punch/die details within the 370 x 270 mm envelope Shops upgrading from older wire EDMs that want modern intelligent features without moving to the premium UPV platform Lights-out operations where reliable automatic wire threading and predictive maintenance reduce unplanned downtime

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino UX3i cost?

New UX3i machines typically price between $150,000 and $210,000 depending on configuration. The 'i' intelligent features add a premium of roughly $15,000-$25,000 over the base UX3 model. As a newer model, used UX3i machines are limited on the secondary market, but early units have traded in the $95,000-$135,000 range.

02 What is the difference between the UX3 and UX3i?

The UX3i adds an adaptive discharge generator that auto-optimizes cutting parameters in real time, enhanced Hyper-i control with predictive maintenance alerts, improved automatic wire threading with intelligent retry, expanded technology databases, and cutting time estimation. The mechanical platform and travel envelope are essentially the same. The 'i' upgrades are most valuable in high-mix shops and lights-out operations.

03 How does the UX3i compare to the Mitsubishi MV1200R Connect?

Both are modern intelligent wire EDMs in the mid-range segment. The MV1200R Connect features Mitsubishi's Tubular Shaft motor technology and D-CUBES control with IoT connectivity. The UX3i counters with Makino's adaptive discharge generator and Hyper-i control ecosystem. Both achieve comparable accuracy and finish quality. The choice often depends on existing brand loyalty, dealer support, and control preference.

04 Can the UX3i run unattended reliably?

Yes, the UX3i is designed for lights-out operation. The intelligent auto-threader with retry logic handles broken wire situations and difficult start holes. Predictive maintenance alerts flag potential issues before they cause failures. The submerged cutting tank and temperature-controlled dielectric maintain consistent conditions without operator monitoring. Many shops run the UX3i through overnight and weekend shifts.