Sodick AG40L

$120,000 - $180,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

X Travel

400 mm (15.75 in)

Y Travel

300 mm (11.81 in)

Z Travel

270 mm (10.63 in)

work table size

600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.75 in)

work tank dimensions

750 x 620 x 350 mm (29.5 x 24.4 x 13.8 in)

max workpiece weight

550 kg (1,213 lb)

Overview

The Sodick AG40L is a linear motor-driven sinker EDM that brings Sodick's direct-drive technology to die-sinking applications where speed, accuracy, and surface finish quality define the value proposition. With 400 x 300 x 270 mm (15.75 x 11.81 x 10.63 inch) X/Y/Z travel, a 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.75 inch) work table, and 550 kg (1,213 lb) workpiece capacity, the AG40L is sized for the mid-range mold and die work that makes up the bulk of most sinker EDM shops' throughput — core pins, cavity inserts, rib details, and complex 3D contours in hardened tool steel and carbide.

The linear motor drive system is the AG40L's defining technical advantage. With axis feed rates of 36,000 mm/min (1,400 ipm) and acceleration of 1.2G, the AG40L's electrode jump speed creates a natural flushing action that eliminates the need for external flushing in most applications. This no-flush EDM capability is a genuine time-saver — it eliminates the setup time for flushing fixtures and the trial-and-error of dialing in flushing pressure and direction. For shops burning multiple cavities per day, the cumulative time savings are significant.

The TMM3 power supply is Sodick's latest-generation discharge generator, specifically tuned for improved speed on cemented carbide and other difficult-to-cut materials. Combined with Sodick's zero-wear circuit technology, the TMM3 reduces electrode consumption to near-zero levels on finishing passes, which directly reduces the number of electrodes needed per job and the associated electrode manufacturing costs. Surface finishes down to VDI 12 (Ra 0.40 um) are achievable with standard graphite electrodes, and finer finishes are possible with copper electrodes and extended finishing passes.

Sodick backs the linear motor positioning accuracy with their standard 10-year guarantee, and the AG Series incorporates energy-saving technology that reduces power consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional sinker EDMs. The work tank inner dimensions of 750 x 620 x 350 mm provide ample room for fixturing, and the distance from electrode chuck to table top adjusts from 150 to 420 mm to accommodate various electrode and workpiece heights.

Pricing for a new Sodick AG40L typically falls in the $120,000-$180,000 range depending on configuration. Used machines from 2015-2020 trade between $50,000 and $100,000. The AG40L competes with the Mitsubishi EA12V, Makino EDAF3, and GF AgieCharmilles FORM E 350 in the mid-range sinker EDM segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.75 in)
Y-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.81 in)
Z-Axis Travel	270 mm (10.63 in)
Work Table Size	600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.75 in)
Work Tank Dimensions	750 x 620 x 350 mm (29.5 x 24.4 x 13.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	550 kg (1,213 lb)
Electrode To Table Clearance	150 - 420 mm (5.9 - 16.5 in)
Axis Feed Rate	36,000 mm/min (1,400 ipm)
Acceleration	1.2G
Drive System	Linear motors (X, Y, Z)
Generator	TMM3 power supply
Surface Finish	VDI 12 / Ra 0.40 um with graphite
Electrode Wear	Near-zero on finishing (zero-wear circuit)
CNC Control	Sodick LQ controller
Machine Dimensions	1,550 x 2,350 x 2,330 mm (61.0 x 92.5 x 91.7 in)
Machine Weight	3,900 kg (8,598 lb)
Accuracy Guarantee	10-year positioning accuracy guarantee
Energy Savings	Up to 60% reduction vs. conventional sinker EDMs

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Linear motor drives with 1.2G acceleration and 1,400 ipm feed create natural flushing action, eliminating external flushing setup on most jobs — a major time saver
TMM3 power supply with zero-wear circuit technology reduces electrode consumption to near-zero on finishing passes, cutting electrode manufacturing costs significantly
10-year positioning accuracy guarantee from linear motor technology means no ball-screw replacements or periodic accuracy compensation over the machine's life
1.2G acceleration enables aggressive jump cycles that clear debris efficiently from deep ribs and narrow slots where conventional machines struggle with flushing
Up to 60% energy savings compared to conventional sinker EDMs reduces operating costs for shops running machines around the clock
550 kg workpiece capacity and 600 x 400 mm table handle mid-to-large mold inserts and die components without a larger-platform investment

Limitations

Z-axis travel of 270 mm limits deep-cavity work — shops regularly burning cavities deeper than 250 mm should look at the AG60L with 370 mm Z-travel
Surface finish of Ra 0.40 um with graphite is good but not class-leading — shops needing mirror finishes below Ra 0.20 um will need copper electrodes and extended burn times
Sodick's LQ controller interface is functional but less intuitive than the latest touchscreen interfaces from Mitsubishi or GF Machining Solutions
No built-in automatic tool changer as standard — the ATC is an option that adds cost but is essential for unattended multi-electrode burning

Best For

Mold shops burning core pins, cavity inserts, and rib details in hardened tool steel where no-flush EDM capability eliminates flushing setup time Die shops working with cemented carbide and difficult-to-cut materials where the TMM3 generator's material-specific optimization improves speed and surface quality Production sinker EDM environments where near-zero electrode wear reduces per-part electrode costs and minimizes electrode manufacturing requirements Shops that value long-term cost of ownership — linear motors eliminate mechanical wear while the 60% energy savings reduce ongoing operating expenses Mid-volume injection mold work where the 400 x 300 mm X/Y travel covers typical insert sizes without needing a larger-platform machine

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does 'no-flush EDM' mean on the Sodick AG40L?

The AG40L's linear motor acceleration (1.2G) enables extremely fast electrode jump cycles that create a pumping action in the spark gap, effectively flushing debris without external flushing fixtures. This means you can burn most cavities without setting up side-flush nozzles or through-flush fixtures, saving significant setup time per job. It's particularly effective on open geometries — very deep, narrow slots may still benefit from supplemental flushing.

02 How does the AG40L compare to the Mitsubishi EA12V?

Both are mid-range sinker EDMs with similar travel envelopes. The AG40L's main advantage is its linear motor drives with no-flush capability and 10-year accuracy guarantee. The EA12V counters with Mitsubishi's FP80V power supply with fine-pulse technology and a more established North American service network through MC Machinery. The AG40L is the better choice for shops prioritizing speed and long-term accuracy; the EA12V is stronger for shops that value service availability and fine-finish capability.

03 What does a used Sodick AG40L cost?

Used AG40L machines from 2015-2020 typically trade between $50,000 and $100,000 depending on hours, condition, and options like ATC. The linear motor technology means accuracy holds well on used machines, making a well-maintained used AG40L a strong value. Check the dielectric fluid condition, filter system, and TMM3 generator function when evaluating used units.

04 What electrode materials work best with the AG40L?

Graphite is the standard electrode material for most AG40L work — it's fast-cutting, easy to machine, and the zero-wear circuit keeps consumption minimal. Copper electrodes produce finer surface finishes (below Ra 0.20 um) but wear faster and cost more to manufacture. For most production mold and die work, graphite with the TMM3 generator is the optimal combination of speed, finish, and economy.

05 Does the AG40L have an automatic tool changer?

Not as standard equipment — the ATC is an option. For shops burning multiple electrodes per setup (which is most mold work), the ATC is practically essential for unattended operation. Without it, an operator needs to change electrodes manually between roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing passes. Budget for the ATC option when quoting the machine.