ONA AX3

$100,000 - $160,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Y Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Z Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Accuracy

2 um

max workpiece size

550 x 400 x 250 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 in)

max workpiece weight

500 kg (1,102 lb)

Overview

The ONA AX3 is a compact 3-axis sinker EDM designed for precision mold work in toolrooms and mold shops where floor space is at a premium. Built at ONA's factory in Durango, Basque Country, Spain — the same facility that has produced EDM equipment since 1952 — the AX3 brings the company's digital generator technology into a machine configuration suited to intricate mold cavities, core pins, and small die components. The machine's working envelope covers 350 x 250 x 250 mm in X/Y/Z, which addresses the large majority of mold insert and electrode burning tasks found in plastic injection and die casting applications.

The AX3 uses ONA's Optima digital generator, which provides adaptive pulse control across a wide range of electrode materials and workpiece steels. The generator automatically adjusts pulse parameters as the electrode wears or as burning conditions change, maintaining consistent material removal rates and surface finishes throughout long unattended cycles. Surface finish capability reaches Ra 0.10 um with fine finishing conditions, while roughing speeds allow material removal rates competitive with European and Japanese machines in this class. The machine accommodates electrodes up to 300 mm in plan dimensions and handles both graphite and copper electrodes without generator reprogramming.

The dielectric system uses oil (petroleum-based dielectric fluid) as is standard for sinker EDM, with a tank that accommodates workpieces up to 550 x 400 x 250 mm. Maximum workpiece weight is 500 kg, which handles heavy mold bases and die holders. The C-frame machine structure is made from high-grade cast iron with stress-relieved castings for long-term geometric stability. ONA's thermal compensation system monitors machine temperature and applies real-time corrections to maintain positioning accuracy regardless of shop temperature fluctuations.

The control interface runs on ONA's proprietary CNC platform with a 19-inch color touchscreen. Programming is via ISO code or the machine's conversational input system, which guides operators through electrode and workpiece setup steps. Automatic electrode changing is available as an option for lights-out cell applications. The machine ships with ONA's iDos intelligent generator software, which includes a material database with pre-tested parameter sets for common tool steels (P20, H13, D2, S7), stainless steels, carbide, and copper alloys.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Max Workpiece Size	550 x 400 x 250 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Max Electrode Size	300 x 300 mm (11.8 x 11.8 in)
Surface Finish	Ra 0.10 um (4 uin) achievable
Positioning Accuracy	2 um
Generator	ONA Optima digital generator with adaptive pulse control
Dielectric	Oil (petroleum-based dielectric fluid)
CNC Control	ONA proprietary CNC, 19-inch touchscreen
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
Machine Dimensions	1,900 x 1,800 x 2,200 mm (74.8 x 70.9 x 86.6 in)
Model	AX3Discontinued Model
Brand	ONA
Type	Wire EDM
X157y117	Z9.82"ControlCNC
X157	Y11.7"
X	15.7"
Y	11.7"
Z982	ControlCNC
Z	9.82"
Cnc Control	CNC

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint makes the AX3 practical for toolrooms with limited floor space while covering the majority of mold insert and cavity burning tasks
ONA Optima digital generator with adaptive pulse control delivers consistent surface finishes down to Ra 0.10 um without manual parameter intervention
500 kg workpiece capacity is generous for a compact sinker EDM, accommodating heavy mold bases and die holders
Built-in thermal compensation maintains positioning accuracy across shop temperature fluctuations common in production environments
Comprehensive material database with pre-tested parameter sets for common tool steels reduces setup time for new jobs
Handles both graphite and copper electrodes without generator reprogramming, providing flexibility for different burning strategies

Limitations

ONA brand recognition in North America is lower than Sodick, Makino, or Mitsubishi sinker EDMs, which can affect resale value
350 x 250 x 250 mm travel limits the machine to small and medium mold components — large mold work requires stepping up to a larger machine
Service network outside Europe and South America is thinner than Japanese competitors
Proprietary ONA control requires operator retraining for shops accustomed to Fanuc-based sinker EDM controls
Automatic electrode changer is an add-on option rather than standard, adding cost for lights-out cell configurations

Best For

Toolrooms and mold shops burning small to medium mold cavities, core pins, and die inserts where floor space is limited Shops processing H13, P20, D2, and S7 tool steels for injection mold and die casting tooling Job shops wanting a capable sinker EDM with pre-programmed parameter sets to minimize operator skill requirements Facilities running unattended night shifts burning graphite or copper electrodes into complex cavity forms European and South American shops with existing ONA service relationships seeking a compact entry-level sinker EDM

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the price of an ONA AX3?

New ONA AX3 sinker EDM machines typically price between $100,000 and $160,000 depending on options including automatic electrode changers and enhanced filtration systems.

02 What electrode materials does the AX3 support?

The AX3 supports both graphite and copper electrodes without requiring separate generator configurations. The ONA Optima generator's material database includes parameter sets optimized for each electrode type across a range of workpiece materials.

03 How does the ONA AX3 compare to the larger ONA sinker EDM models?

The AX3 is ONA's compact sinker EDM with 350 x 250 x 250 mm travel, suited to small and medium tooling work. Larger ONA sinker EDM models offer expanded travel and higher workpiece weight capacity for bigger mold and die applications. The AX3 shares the same Optima generator technology as larger machines.

04 Can the AX3 run unattended overnight?

Yes. The AX3's adaptive generator and automatic parameter adjustment allow extended unattended burning cycles. Adding the optional automatic electrode changer further extends lights-out capability by allowing multiple electrode changes without operator intervention.

05 What surface finish can the ONA AX3 achieve?

The AX3 achieves surface finishes down to Ra 0.10 um (approximately 4 microinches) in fine finishing mode. For production work where cycle time matters more than ultimate finish, the machine can be configured for faster stock removal at coarser surface quality.