Sodick AG60L

$200,000-$300,000 (new); $100,000-$200,000 (used 2015-2020) Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

Accuracy

±0.001 mm (±0.00004 in)

x axis travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

y axis travel

420 mm (16.5 in)

z axis travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

work table

650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in)

tank internal

1,050 x 650 mm (41.3 x 25.6 in)

Overview

The Sodick AG60L is a premium sinker EDM (electrical discharge machining) system from Sodick, a Japanese manufacturer recognized as one of the top three EDM builders worldwide alongside Makino and Mitsubishi. The AG60L sits in the upper-mid range of Sodick’s sinker lineup, offering a generous 650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in) work table and 350 mm (13.8 in) of Z-axis travel for large mold and die work.

The machine features Sodick’s proprietary linear motor drive system on all axes — no ball screws. Linear motors eliminate mechanical backlash entirely, delivering positioning accuracy of ±0.001 mm (±0.00004 in) and surface finishes down to Ra 0.1 µm (4 µin) without polishing. This is the same linear motor technology Sodick pioneered in EDM and has refined over decades of production.

The LN2W CNC control runs Sodick’s proprietary software with a touchscreen interface that handles electrode path programming, condition setting, and adaptive control. The SGF (Super Grade Finish) circuit automatically adjusts discharge parameters to achieve mirror-finish surfaces without manual intervention. Sodick’s K-SMC (Knowledge-based Smart Machining Control) uses AI-based algorithms to optimize machining conditions in real time.

Work tank internal dimensions are 1,050 x 650 mm (41.3 x 25.6 in) with a maximum workpiece weight capacity of 1,000 kg (2,205 lb). X/Y/Z axis travels are 600 x 420 x 350 mm (23.6 x 16.5 x 13.8 in). Maximum electrode weight is 100 kg (220 lb). The dielectric fluid system uses Sodick’s own fluid with automatic temperature control to maintain thermal stability during long burns.

New AG60L systems typically price between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on options like C-axis rotation, automatic electrode changer, and fire suppression. Used units from 2015-2020 trade for $100,000-$200,000 depending on hours and configuration. Direct competitors include the Makino EDAF3, Mitsubishi EA28V Advance, and GF Machining Solutions Form P 600.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Y Axis Travel	420 mm (16.5 in)
Z Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Work Table	650 x 450 mm (25.6 x 17.7 in)
Tank Internal	1,050 x 650 mm (41.3 x 25.6 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	100 kg (220 lb)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.001 mm (±0.00004 in)
Best Surface Finish	Ra 0.1 µm (4 µin)
Drive System	Linear motors (all axes)
CNC Control	LN2W CNC
Max Machining Current	60A
Power Supply	Sodick LN2W integrated
Power Requirement	200/220V, 3-phase
Machine Weight	~4,500 kg (9,921 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Linear motor drives on all axes eliminate ball screw backlash for ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy
SGF circuit achieves mirror-finish surfaces down to Ra 0.1 µm without manual polishing
K-SMC AI-based adaptive control optimizes discharge parameters in real time for consistent results
Generous 600x420x350 mm travels handle large mold cores and cavities without repositioning
1,000 kg workpiece capacity accommodates heavy die and mold work without fixture limitations
Sodick’s linear motor technology is field-proven over decades with a strong reliability track record

Limitations

Premium pricing reflects the linear motor technology — ball screw alternatives cost less for shops that don’t need the ultimate accuracy
Sodick’s North American service network is smaller than Makino’s, potentially meaning longer response times in some regions
Linear motor drives require clean, temperature-controlled environments to perform at their rated specifications
Dielectric fluid is a Sodick proprietary formulation — shops can’t substitute generic alternatives without risking warranty issues
The LN2W control uses Sodick’s own programming interface, which has a learning curve for operators coming from Makino or Mitsubishi EDMs

Best For

Mold shops building injection molds that require mirror-finish cavity surfaces without post-EDM polishing Die and stamping tool shops processing large workpieces up to 1,000 kg that demand ±0.001 mm positioning Aerospace manufacturers EDM-machining turbine blade cooling holes and complex features in superalloys Shops where linear motor precision eliminates rework and polishing time, justifying the premium over ball screw machines Production environments running long unattended burns where adaptive control maintains quality without operator intervention Tool and die makers needing generous axis travels for large cavity work without multiple setups

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Sodick AG60L cost?

New AG60L systems run $200,000-$300,000 depending on options. Used units from 2015-2020 trade for $100,000-$200,000.

02 Why does Sodick use linear motors instead of ball screws?

Linear motors eliminate mechanical backlash entirely, achieving ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy and enabling finer surface finishes. Ball screws inherently have some backlash that limits ultimate precision.

03 What surface finish can the AG60L achieve?

Ra 0.1 µm (4 µin) using the SGF (Super Grade Finish) circuit. This is a near-mirror finish achieved directly by the EDM process without manual polishing.

04 How does the AG60L compare to the Makino EDAF3?

Both are premium sinker EDMs. Sodick uses linear motors vs Makino’s ball screws, giving Sodick the edge on positioning accuracy. Makino has a larger North American service network and a strong reputation in mold shop circles.

05 Can the AG60L run unattended?

Yes. The K-SMC adaptive control and optional automatic electrode changer enable extended unattended operation. The machine monitors conditions and adjusts parameters automatically during long burns.