Makino V22 Graphite

$150,000 - $220,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Y Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Z Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Max Spindle

40,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-E32

Tool Capacity

30 (60)

Overview

The Makino V22 Graphite is a compact high-speed vertical machining center purpose-built for graphite electrode manufacturing. It's the smallest machine in Makino's graphite-specific V-series lineup, designed for shops producing small electrodes for sinker EDM operations — connector molds, micro-features, and precision detail work where electrode accuracy directly determines cavity quality.

Axis travel measures 350 x 300 x 250 mm (13.8 x 11.8 x 9.8 in) on X/Y/Z, a deliberately compact envelope matched to small electrode production. The 450 x 300 mm (17.7 x 11.8 in) worktable handles loads up to 100 kg (220 lb), which is more than sufficient for graphite blanks and small fixture setups. The machine uses precision linear guides on all axes for the fast, smooth motion that graphite electrode finishing requires.

The 40,000 RPM spindle is the V22's defining feature. This ultra-high-speed spindle uses ceramic hybrid bearings and Makino's core-cooled technology to maintain thermal stability at sustained high RPMs. The HSK-E32 taper accommodates the small-diameter endmills (0.1 mm and up) used for micro-feature electrode work. At 40,000 RPM, cutting speeds remain optimal even with 1 mm diameter tools, which is critical for achieving the surface quality and geometric accuracy that precision sinker EDM demands.

The machine is fully sealed with an integrated dust extraction system designed specifically for graphite. Graphite dust is abrasive and conductive — without proper containment, it infiltrates linear guides, ballscrews, and electronics, causing accelerated wear and electrical faults. The V22's sealed enclosure and negative-pressure extraction system keep graphite dust contained and away from critical components.

Rapid traverse rates reach 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) on all axes. The Pro 6 control with SGI.5 contouring handles the high-speed toolpaths that graphite electrode finishing demands. At approximately 4,500 kg (9,921 lb), the V22 is compact enough for integration into automated electrode manufacturing cells. New pricing typically ranges from $150,000 to $220,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Max Spindle Speed	40,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-E32
Spindle Motor Power	3.7 kW (5 hp)
Tool Capacity	30 (60)
Table Size	450 x 300 mm (17.7 x 11.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	100 kg (220 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	787 in/min
Guideway Type	Precision linear guides
Dust Extraction	Integrated sealed enclosure with negative-pressure system
Machine Weight	~4,500 kg (9,921 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Professional 6 (Pro 6)
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Metric	English
Spindle Rpm	40,000
Cutting Feedrate	394 in/min
Maximum Workpiece	17.7" x 18.7" x 7.9"
Maximum Payload	220 lbs
Chip To Chip	8 sec
Maximum Tool Diameter	1.26"
Maximum Tool Weight	1.1 lbs
Optional Atc Capacity	Yes
Makinooptionalatccapacity	Yes

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

40,000 RPM spindle enables optimal cutting speeds with micro-diameter endmills as small as 0.1 mm for ultra-fine electrode features
Fully sealed enclosure with integrated dust extraction protects machine components from abrasive graphite dust contamination
HSK-E32 taper provides excellent runout characteristics critical for maintaining accuracy with small-diameter tooling
Compact footprint fits into automated electrode manufacturing cells alongside sinker EDMs and robotic handling systems
Core-cooled spindle maintains thermal stability at sustained 40K RPM operation during long electrode finishing runs
SGI.5 contouring in the Pro 6 control produces smooth electrode surfaces that translate directly to better EDM cavity finishes

Limitations

350 x 300 mm travel limits the V22 to small electrodes only — medium and large electrode work requires the V33i or V56i
100 kg table capacity restricts fixturing options and rules out heavier multi-electrode setups
HSK-E32 taper limits tool shank size, ruling out larger roughing endmills for aggressive graphite stock removal
3.7 kW spindle power is very low — this is a finishing machine, not a roughing platform
Premium pricing ($150K-$220K) for a compact single-purpose machine requires sufficient electrode volume to justify the investment

Best For

Connector mold shops producing high volumes of small precision electrodes with micro-features and tight tolerances Medical device tooling manufacturers making electrodes for micro-implant mold cavities with sub-0.01 mm feature requirements Shops running automated electrode manufacturing cells where the V22 feeds multiple sinker EDMs via robotic handling Electronics and semiconductor tooling facilities machining detailed graphite electrodes for IC packaging mold cavities Precision die shops that need dedicated small-electrode capacity with dust containment to protect the shop environment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino V22 Graphite cost?

New V22 Graphite machines typically price between $150,000 and $220,000 depending on configuration. The 40K RPM spindle and integrated dust extraction system account for much of the cost premium over general-purpose VMCs. Used V22 machines are uncommon on the secondary market but trade between $70,000 and $130,000 when available.

02 Can the V22 Graphite machine materials other than graphite?

While technically capable of cutting copper and soft metals, the V22 is optimized specifically for graphite. The HSK-E32 spindle taper, 3.7 kW power, and dust extraction system are all tailored for graphite machining. Using it for metals wastes the graphite-specific features and underutilizes the 40K RPM spindle. Shops needing metal-cutting capability should look at Makino's general-purpose V-series or PS-series machines.

03 How does the V22 compare to the V33i Graphite?

The V33i Graphite offers larger travel (450 x 350 x 300 mm vs 350 x 300 x 250 mm), a bigger table (600 x 400 mm vs 450 x 300 mm), and more spindle power while maintaining high-speed capability. The V33i handles medium-sized electrodes that the V22 can't accommodate. Choose the V22 for shops focused exclusively on small micro-electrodes where the compact footprint is an advantage; choose the V33i for broader electrode work.

04 Why is dust extraction critical for graphite machining?

Graphite dust is both abrasive and electrically conductive. Without containment, it infiltrates linear guides, ballscrews, and electronic enclosures. Abrasive wear on precision guideways degrades positioning accuracy over time, and conductive dust can cause short circuits in control electronics and servo drives. The V22's sealed enclosure and negative-pressure extraction system prevent these failure modes, significantly extending machine life and maintaining accuracy.

05 What electrode sizes can the V22 produce?

With 350 x 300 x 250 mm travel, the V22 handles electrodes up to roughly 300 x 250 x 200 mm in finished size, accounting for fixturing and clearance. In practice, most work on the V22 involves electrodes well within this envelope — typically under 150 mm in any dimension. The machine excels at electrodes with fine detail features machined with 0.1-3 mm diameter endmills where the 40K RPM spindle is essential.