ONA QS400
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Accuracy
u axis
v axis
Overview
The ONA QS400 is a large-format wire EDM from ONA Electroerosion, distinguished by its exceptional 400 mm Z-axis travel — the defining specification that sets it apart from standard mid-range wire EDMs. Built for thick-section cutting applications including extrusion dies, deep mold plates, thick die castings, and aerospace structural component blanks, the QS400 combines generous Z-travel with a wide X/Y envelope and ONA's latest digital generator to cover demanding industrial applications that standard 300 mm Z machines cannot address.
The 400 mm Z-axis stroke allows the QS400 to cut workpieces up to 400 mm tall, which is essential for cutting extrusion dies (often 100-200 mm thick), deep progressive die sections, injection mold components with deep cores, and thick plate components used in aerospace and energy industry tooling. At maximum Z utilization with taper cutting, the U/V axes provide +/-90 mm of travel, enabling taper angles up to +/-30 degrees at full height — covering all practical die clearance and draft angle requirements.
The X/Y working envelope is 800 x 600 mm, and the machine table accommodates workpieces up to 1,250 x 950 mm in plan view. Maximum workpiece weight is 3,000 kg, reflecting the heavy die blocks and extrusion tooling that the machine is designed to handle. ONA's digital generator provides adaptive spark control optimized for the thick-section cutting conditions that are more demanding on wire stability than thin-section work — particularly important for maintaining cut straightness and consistent surface finish from top to bottom of tall workpieces.
Automatic wire threading uses ONA's high-pressure water-jet system with thread-through-the-kerf capability for reliable re-threading after wire breaks in tall workpieces. The dielectric tank has extended capacity for the tall workpiece configuration, with independent upper and lower flushing nozzles that adjust to workpiece height. The machine runs on ONA's CNC platform with a 21-inch touchscreen and supports CAM file import in standard CAD formats.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| U Axis | +/-90 mm (+/-3.54 in) |
| V Axis | +/-90 mm (+/-3.54 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | +/-30 deg at 400 mm height |
| Max Workpiece Size | 1,250 x 950 x 400 mm (49.2 x 37.4 x 15.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.15 - 0.33 mm (0.006 - 0.013 in) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.15 um (6 uin) achievable |
| Positioning Accuracy | 2 um |
| Max Cutting Speed | 350 mm2/min (54 in2/hr) |
| Generator | ONA digital generator with adaptive spark control for thick-section cutting |
| CNC Control | ONA CNC, 21-inch touchscreen |
| Machine Weight | 9,500 kg (20,944 lb) |
| Machine Dimensions | 3,500 x 3,000 x 2,600 mm (138 x 118 x 102 in) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 400 mm Z-axis travel — the machine's defining advantage — enables cutting of thick extrusion dies, deep mold plates, and tall die castings that 300 mm Z machines cannot accommodate
- 3,000 kg workpiece capacity handles the heavy die blocks and extrusion tooling billets that accompany tall-section cutting work
- 800 x 600 mm X/Y envelope with 1,250 x 950 mm table coverage addresses large progressive die sections alongside tall components
- +/-90 mm U/V axis at full 400 mm Z height maintains full taper capability even with tall workpieces mounted
- ONA adaptive generator optimized for thick-section cutting conditions where wire stability is more demanding than in thin-section work
- High-pressure water-jet threading with kerf re-thread capability ensures reliable automated operation in tall workpiece configurations
Limitations
- Larger and heavier than most wire EDMs in the price range — requires substantial floor loading capacity and overhead clearance for installation
- 400 mm Z-travel is a specialized capability; shops that rarely cut parts over 250 mm tall are paying for capacity they may not use
- ONA brand in North America has less market presence than Mitsubishi or Makino large-format wire EDMs
- Service coverage for a large, specialized machine outside major manufacturing regions may involve longer response times
- Wire consumption is higher in tall-section cutting due to longer wire path and increased demands on wire integrity
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The ONA QS400 typically prices between $200,000 and $300,000 new, depending on configuration and options. The large format and 400 mm Z-travel put it in a higher price tier than standard 300 mm Z wire EDMs.
02
Z-travel determines the maximum height of workpiece the machine can cut. Many wire EDMs top out at 300 mm Z, which limits them to workpieces under that height. Extrusion dies, deep mold components, and heavy die blocks often exceed 300 mm, requiring a machine like the QS400 with full 400 mm Z capability.
03
Yes. The U/V axes provide +/-90 mm of travel at full Z height, supporting taper angles up to +/-30 degrees even when cutting 400 mm tall workpieces. This is important for die clearance angles and draft cutting in extrusion tooling.
04
For thick-section cutting (over 200 mm height), 0.25 to 0.33 mm diameter brass wire is preferred for its higher tensile strength and current-carrying capacity compared to finer wires. Coated wires (zinc-coated or diffusion-annealed) further improve cutting speed and wire break resistance in tall workpieces.
05
The ONA AV80 has 800 x 600 x 500 mm travel with its 500 mm Z being its key advantage over the QS400's 400 mm Z. The QS400 is positioned for the 400 mm tall workpiece segment with optimization for extrusion dies and deep mold work, while the AV80 extends even further in Z for the tallest applications.
Videos
Hypop
Rob Hall
Eddie Merino
Hypop
AS400Tutorials
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