Sodick AG600L

$220,000 – $380,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X/Y Travel

600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)

Z Travel (U-axis stroke)

370 mm (14.6 in)

U/V Travel

±80 mm (±3.1 in)

Max Workpiece Dimensions

1050 x 820 x 370 mm

Max Workpiece Weight

800 kg (1,764 lb)

Wire Diameter Range

0.1 – 0.3 mm (brass or coated wire)

Overview

The Sodick AG600L is a mid-to-large capacity CNC wire EDM machine from Sodick Co., Ltd., a Japanese manufacturer that has pioneered linear motor drive technology in both wire and sinker EDM. The AG600L offers a 600 x 400 mm X/Y travel envelope, making it well suited for progressive die tooling, large mold inserts, and aerospace structural components that exceed the envelope of compact wire EDM machines. Sodick's all-axis linear motor drive system — a hallmark of the AG series — eliminates ballscrews, rack-and-pinion drives, and mechanical wear accumulation from the axis drive train, delivering exceptional axis response and long-term accuracy stability.

The AG600L uses Sodick's proprietary SP power supply generator combined with the K-SMC (Smart Motion Control) adaptive discharge control system. K-SMC continuously monitors the inter-electrode gap and adjusts pulse energy and servo feed rate in real time, maintaining stable cutting even on tapered geometry, thin webs, and workpieces with varying cross-sectional areas. Surface finishes to Ra 0.1 micron are achievable with multiple skim passes on hardened steel.

The machine's LN2W CNC controller provides an intuitive operator interface with extensive on-board cutting condition databases covering steel, carbide, copper, aluminum, and titanium. Automatic wire threading with water-jet assist enables unattended multi-part operation, with threading success even through small start holes. The AG600L supports wire diameters from 0.1 to 0.3 mm brass or coated wire, providing flexibility for both rough cutting and fine finishing applications.

Sodick's global service network supports the AG600L in North America, Europe, and Asia. The machine's rigid cast-iron construction and thermally compensated axis design contribute to day-to-day dimensional repeatability, which is critical in high-volume die and mold production environments.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X/Y Travel	600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in)
Z Travel (U-Axis Stroke)	370 mm (14.6 in)
U/V Travel	±80 mm (±3.1 in)
Max Workpiece Dimensions	1050 x 820 x 370 mm
Max Workpiece Weight	800 kg (1,764 lb)
Wire Diameter Range	0.1 – 0.3 mm (brass or coated wire)
Max Cutting Speed	450 mm²/min (in 50 mm steel with 0.25 mm wire)
Surface Finish	Ra 0.1 µm (final skim passes on steel)
Max Taper Angle	±30° over 100 mm height
Drive System	All-axis linear motor (no ballscrews)
Generator	Sodick SP digital generator with K-SMC adaptive control
Auto Wire Threading	Yes — water-jet assist, auto re-thread at breaks
Control	Sodick LN2W CNC
Power Supply	200V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

All-axis linear motor drive eliminates ballscrew backlash and long-term mechanical wear
600 x 400 mm travel handles large progressive dies and big mold inserts in a single setup
K-SMC adaptive discharge control stabilizes cutting on tapers, thin webs, and variable cross-sections
Ra 0.1 µm surface finish achievable on hardened steel for precision punch/die tooling
Automatic water-jet wire threading supports lights-out multi-part operation

Limitations

Linear motor system requires Sodick-certified technicians for servicing — not field-repairable by generalists
Higher acquisition cost than conventional ballscrew wire EDMs of comparable table size
800 kg workpiece limit may still be insufficient for very large forging die blanks
Coated wire consumption cost higher than bare brass — ongoing consumable consideration

Best For

Progressive die shops cutting large punches, die plates, and stripper plates in hardened D2 or M2 Mold makers producing large cavity inserts and core components in hardened H13 or P20 Aerospace suppliers cutting structural titanium and Inconel components with complex contours Job shops requiring a flexible large-envelope wire EDM with unattended overnight capability

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the advantage of linear motor drive on the AG600L compared to ballscrew EDMs?

Sodick's linear motors drive the axes directly without a ballscrew mechanical transmission. This eliminates backlash, thermal growth in the ballscrew, and wear-induced axis error that accumulates over time in conventional machines. The result is sustained positioning accuracy and superior surface finish consistency across the machine's operating life.

02 What wire types work best on the AG600L?

The AG600L accepts standard brass wire (0.1–0.3 mm) and coated wire variants such as zinc-coated or diffusion-annealed wire. Coated wire improves rough-cut speed by 15–30% versus bare brass on equivalent generator settings, making it preferred for production roughing. Bare brass is commonly used for skim passes where surface finish is the priority.

03 Can the AG600L cut carbide tooling?

Yes. Wire EDM is hardness-independent — it erodes any electrically conductive material. Tungsten carbide is routinely processed on the AG600L using deionized water dielectric and appropriate generator settings. Carbide cutting speeds are lower than steel, but the AG600L's SP generator handles the different electrical characteristics of carbide effectively.

04 What surface finish can the AG600L achieve on hardened steel?

With multiple skim passes using 0.2 mm wire on 50 mm thick hardened tool steel, the AG600L achieves Ra 0.1 µm. Roughing cuts produce Ra 1.5–2.5 µm, with each skim pass progressively improving the surface. Four to five passes are typical to reach Ra 0.1 µm on production tooling.

05 How does the AG600L compare to the AG400L?

The AG600L and AG400L share Sodick's linear motor architecture and SP generator technology but differ in table size. The AG600L provides 600 x 400 mm X/Y travel versus the AG400L's 400 x 300 mm, accommodating larger workpieces and more complex multi-cavity die plates. Shops working predominantly on smaller tooling (under 350 x 250 mm) often choose the AG400L for its lower cost and smaller footprint.