Sodick AG400L Wire EDM

$180,000 – $280,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X/Y/Z Travel

400 x 300 x 220 mm

Max Workpiece Weight

500 kg

Wire Diameter Range

0.1 – 0.3 mm

Max Cutting Speed

340 mm²/min

Surface Finish Ra

Ra 0.1 µm

Taper Angle

±30° / 100 mm

Overview

The Sodick AG400L is a mid-range wire EDM machine that leverages Sodick's signature linear motor drive technology to deliver positioning speeds, accuracy, and long-term repeatability that ballscrew-driven competitors cannot match. By eliminating backlash, wear, and periodic recalibration requirements associated with mechanical drive systems, the AG400L maintains its original accuracy specification over a service life measured in decades rather than years.

Sodick's linear motor axes achieve positioning accuracy of ±1 µm and rapid traverse rates that significantly reduce non-cutting time in multi-pass operations. The AG400L features X/Y travels of 400 x 300 mm with a 220 mm Z-axis and handles workpieces up to 500 kg, making it well-suited for precision tooling, injection mold inserts, and mid-size progressive die work across automotive, electronics, and medical sectors.

The machine is powered by Sodick's LN power supply, which delivers stable discharge conditions with minimal wire wear and erosion debris. Combined with the precision linear drive system, this enables consistent Ra 0.1 µm surface finishes and cutting speeds up to 340 mm²/min in 50 mm thick steel. The AG400L's taper cutting capability of ±30° at 100 mm height supports the angular features common in extrusion and injection tooling.

Sodick's K-SMC (Super Multi Cutting) control strategy manages multiple skim passes automatically, progressively improving surface finish and dimensional accuracy without operator intervention between passes. The AG400L also features Sodick's automatic wire threading system and an intuitive LN Windows-based controller, providing a low-operator-burden operating experience suitable for shops running mixed materials and workpiece sizes across extended production windows.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X/Y/Z Travel	400 x 300 x 220 mm
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg
Wire Diameter Range	0.1 – 0.3 mm
Max Cutting Speed	340 mm²/min
Surface Finish Ra	Ra 0.1 µm
Taper Angle	±30° / 100 mm
Control System	Sodick LN (Windows-based)
Machine Weight	~3,600 kg

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Linear motor drives eliminate backlash and maintain accuracy over decades of service
±1 µm positioning accuracy for precision die and tooling work
K-SMC multi-cut strategy automates skim passes for consistent surface finish
Competitive price-to-performance ratio vs Japanese precision competitors

Limitations

Linear motor technology adds cost vs ballscrew machines in the same envelope class
400 x 300 mm envelope is not suited for the largest progressive die work
Maximum cutting speed slightly lower than some ballscrew competitors — tradeoff for drive precision

Best For

Precision injection mold inserts requiring long-term dimensional repeatability Mid-size progressive stamping dies in hardened tool steel Job shops and toolrooms prioritizing low maintenance and consistent long-term accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Why does Sodick use linear motors instead of ballscrews?

Linear motors have no mechanical contact between the moving and fixed components, so there is no wear, no backlash, and no need for periodic lead screw compensation. This means a Sodick AG400L will hold the same accuracy specification 10 or 15 years into service that it held on day one — a significant advantage for shops that amortize machine tools over long periods.

02 What wire types work best in the Sodick AG400L?

The AG400L is optimized for standard 0.25 mm plain brass wire for high-speed roughing, coated (diffusion-annealed) wire for improved flushing and speed on tall workpieces, and fine wires down to 0.1 mm for precision finishing. Sodick's LN power supply settings automatically adjust for wire type.

03 How does Sodick's K-SMC system work?

K-SMC (Super Multi Cutting) is Sodick's automated multi-pass strategy that programs and executes a roughing cut followed by a defined number of skim passes at progressively lower discharge energy. The system tracks position offsets for each pass automatically, progressively improving surface finish and accuracy without the operator manually programming each skim pass.