ONA QX4

$90,000 - $160,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Y Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Z Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Table Size

650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in)

Accuracy

2 um

Repeatability

1 um

Overview

The ONA QX4 is a compact sinker EDM from ONA Electroerosion designed for shops that need precision cavity sinking in a manageable footprint. With 400 x 300 x 350 mm (15.7 x 11.8 x 13.8 in) of X/Y/Z travel and a 650 x 450 mm table, the QX4 handles the bread-and-butter sinker EDM work — mold inserts, small die cavities, micro-featured components, and repair work on hardened tooling. It is the entry point into ONA's QX sinker EDM line, sharing the same generator technology and control platform as the larger QX6.

ONA's digital generator provides the same adaptive spark control found across the QX range. The generator continuously monitors gap conditions and adjusts discharge parameters to minimize electrode wear while maximizing material removal. Roughing rates in tool steel with graphite electrodes reach approximately 300 mm3/min, and the generator transitions smoothly to finishing parameters capable of VDI 10 (Ra 0.4 um) surface quality. The low-wear settings are particularly effective — electrode wear ratios below 1% are achievable on semi-finishing and finishing passes.

The QX4's C-frame construction uses ribbed cast iron for rigidity and vibration damping. Despite its compact size, the machine accepts workpieces up to 1,000 kg (2,205 lb), which covers the majority of mold inserts and die components that shops run through a sinker EDM this size. The Z-axis ram provides smooth, responsive electrode feed, and an optional linear motor Z-axis upgrade is available for applications requiring the fastest servo response — thin ribs, small gaps, and micro-feature work where arc prevention is critical.

The ONA touchscreen CNC control provides graphical orbit programming, electrode wear compensation, and multi-cavity job management. Programming is straightforward for operators accustomed to conversational-style interfaces. The control supports up to 4-axis simultaneous orbiting for improved flushing in deep cavities. An automatic electrode changer is available as an option, enabling unattended multi-electrode sequences for roughing through finishing on production mold work.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Table Size	650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	100 kg (220 lb)
Surface Finish	VDI 10 (Ra 0.4 um) achievable
Metal Removal Rate	300 mm3/min (graphite roughing)
Positioning Accuracy	2 um
Repeatability	1 um
CNC Control	ONA proprietary touchscreen CNC
Generator	ONA digital generator with adaptive spark control
Dielectric Tank Capacity	Approx. 500 L (132 gal)
Machine Weight	4,200 kg (9,259 lb)
Machine Dimensions	2,200 x 2,100 x 2,700 mm (87 x 83 x 106 in)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint fits into shops where floor space is at a premium while still providing 400 x 300 x 350 mm of usable travel
Same adaptive digital generator technology as the larger QX6 delivers professional-grade surface finishes and low electrode wear
1,000 kg workpiece capacity is generous for a compact sinker EDM, handling most mold inserts without weight concerns
Optional linear motor Z-axis provides superior arc prevention for thin-rib and micro-feature work
Electrode wear ratios below 1% on finishing passes reduce electrode manufacturing costs and improve dimensional accuracy
Competitive pricing against Japanese and Swiss compact sinker EDMs without sacrificing generator capability

Limitations

400 x 300 mm X/Y travel limits the machine to smaller mold inserts and die components — full-size cavities need the QX6
ONA's North American service presence is thinner than Makino, Sodick, or AgieCharmilles, which can affect downtime resolution
Proprietary control system has a smaller user community and fewer third-party training resources than Fanuc-based controls
Lower resale value in North American markets compared to equivalent Japanese sinker EDMs
100 kg maximum electrode weight may be limiting for larger roughing electrodes on deep cavity work

Best For

Mold shops sinking small to medium injection mold inserts, core pins, and cavity details Tool and die operations needing a dedicated sinker EDM for die inserts, punch details, and repair work Medical device manufacturers EDM'ing small precision features in hardened stainless and titanium Shops adding a first or second sinker EDM where budget and floor space are primary considerations Electrode development and prototyping work requiring fine surface finishes on small components Job shops handling varied sinker EDM work on parts that fit within 400 x 300 mm

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an ONA QX4 cost?

New ONA QX4 machines typically price between $90,000 and $160,000 depending on generator capacity, optional linear motor Z-axis, and electrode changer configuration. Used QX4 machines are uncommon in North America but typically trade under $70,000 when available.

02 How does the QX4 compare to the QX6?

The QX4 is the compact model with 400x300x350mm travel and 1,000 kg workpiece capacity, while the QX6 steps up to 650x450x450mm and 2,000 kg. Both use the same generator and control platform. The QX4 costs roughly $60,000-$90,000 less and takes up significantly less floor space.

03 Does the QX4 support automatic electrode changing?

Yes, as an option. ONA offers electrode changers that integrate with the QX4 control for multi-electrode sequencing. This enables unattended rough-semi-finish-finish cycles on production mold inserts.

04 What is the advantage of the linear motor Z-axis option?

The linear motor Z-axis provides faster servo response than a ballscrew, which improves arc prevention on thin ribs, small gaps, and micro-features. It is most valuable for precision finishing work where spark stability directly affects surface quality.

05 Can the QX4 handle hardened tool steels?

Absolutely. Sinker EDM is material-hardness independent — the QX4 cuts hardened H13, S7, D2, and similar tool steels at the same rates as pre-hardened material. This is one of the fundamental advantages of EDM over conventional machining.