Sodick AL60G

$200,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X Travel

600 mm

Y Travel

400 mm

Z Travel

400 mm

Table Size

900 mm × 600 mm

max workpiece weight

3,307 lb. (1,500 kg.)

generator amperage

80 A peak (SP digital generator)

Overview

The Sodick AL60G is a precision CNC sinker EDM machine from Sodick's AL-G series, representing the company's signature linear motor drive technology applied to a mid-to-large work envelope suited for complex die and mold cavity work. The AL60G provides X/Y/Z travels of 600 mm × 400 mm × 400 mm and a workpiece capacity of 800 kg, positioning it as a capable production machine for mold makers, die casting die shops, and precision manufacturers that need the accuracy advantages of linear motor positioning at mid-to-upper industrial sinker EDM scale.

Sodick's all-axis linear motor drive system is the defining technical differentiator of the AL series. By eliminating ballscrews, rotary servos, and mechanical drive trains from all three primary axes, Sodick removes the principal sources of backlash, stick-slip positioning error, and thermally-induced drift that accumulate in mechanically-driven sinker EDM machines over time. Linear motors on the AL60G deliver sub-micron positioning resolution, zero backlash electrode movements during orbital cycles, and consistent servo response throughout extended burn cycles. The practical result is superior surface finish uniformity on cavity walls, finer achievable Ra values at equivalent generator settings, and positioning accuracy that remains stable from the first part to the last in a multi-hour production run.

The AL60G uses Sodick's SP generator system with K-SMC (Smart Motion Control) adaptive machining intelligence. The SP generator produces precisely shaped transistor pulses with independent control of pulse width, frequency, and peak current, enabling Sodick's technology specialists to develop optimized conditions for specific material-electrode combinations with a degree of waveform control not available on simpler generator designs. K-SMC monitors discharge gap conditions in real time and adjusts pulse parameters and electrode feed rate to sustain productive erosion, reduce electrode wear, and recover from unstable gap conditions without operator intervention. Surface finish to Ra 0.1 µm is achievable on the AL60G in fine-finish configuration.

Automation options for the AL60G include Sodick's 16-position automatic electrode changer and interfaces for Erowa and System 3R pallet systems. These options are commonly specified by mold shops and aerospace manufacturers that operate the AL60G in lights-out production configurations, cycling through multiple electrode shapes and workpiece setups without operator presence. Sodick's LN2W CNC control provides the programming environment for complex multi-electrode, multi-position unattended cycles, with graphical orbit programming and a material/electrode technology database that accelerates process setup for new applications.

For shops evaluating the AL60G against mechanically-driven competitors at similar price points, the primary differentiators are the linear motor drive's superior positioning precision and the SP generator's waveform flexibility. The AL60G commands a premium justified by these technical advantages, and Sodick's global service organization supports the investment with trained technicians and genuine spare parts across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	600 mm
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm
Table Size	900 mm × 600 mm
Max Workpiece Weight	3,307 lb. (1,500 kg.)
Generator Amperage	80 A peak (SP digital generator)
Surface Finish	Ra 0.1 µm (fine-finish conditions)
Dielectric	Dielectric oil
CNC Control	Sodick LN2W CNC with K-SMC adaptive control
Machine Weight	11,794.73 lb. (5,350 kg.) • 11,795" lb. (5,350 kg.)
X Axis Travel	23.62" (600 mm)
Y Axis Travel	16.54" (420 mm)
Z Axis Travel	14.57" (370 mm)
Table Dimensions W D	29.53" x 21.65" (750 x 550 mm)
Work Tank Dimensions W D	37.40" x 29.13" x 17.72" (950 x 740 x 450 mm)
Machine Dimensions	73.82" x 115.35" x 101.18" (1,875 x 2,930 x 2,570 mm)
Machine Installation	102.36" x 151.57" (2,600 x 3,850 mm)
Total Power Input	3-phases, 50/60 Hz, 17 KvA

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

All-axis linear motor drive eliminates ballscrew backlash for superior positioning accuracy and surface finish uniformity
Ra 0.1 µm achievable finish for optical mold surfaces and high-precision die applications
SP generator with K-SMC adaptive control sustains stable erosion and minimizes electrode wear on complex cavities
800 kg workpiece capacity and 600×400 mm travel cover large mold blocks and die casting inserts
Erowa and System 3R pallet compatibility enables robotic cell integration for lights-out production

Limitations

Linear motor system requires specialist Sodick technicians for maintenance and repair — field technician pool is smaller
Premium capital cost over mechanically-driven sinker EDM alternatives with comparable work envelopes
Heavy machine weight (approx. 6,000 kg) requires substantial floor loading and careful facility siting

Best For

High-precision mold makers producing large injection mold cavities requiring Ra 0.1 µm or finer surface finish Die casting die manufacturers requiring stable long-cycle erosion on large H13 cavity blocks Aerospace precision manufacturers eroding complex alloy inserts and structural components to tight tolerances Automated lights-out sinker EDM cells in mold and die facilities using robotic electrode and pallet handling

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What advantage does all-axis linear motor drive provide in sinker EDM?

Linear motors eliminate all mechanical drive components — ballscrews, rotary servo couplings, and gearboxes — from the drive train. This removes backlash, mechanical wear accumulation, and thermal expansion from the axis positioning system, delivering sub-micron resolution, consistent servo response throughout long burn cycles, and superior surface finish uniformity on cavity walls compared to mechanically-driven alternatives.

02 How does the AL60G compare to the AG60L?

Both machines offer 600×400 mm work envelopes, but the AL60G uses Sodick's linear motor drive on all axes while the AG series uses conventional servo drives. The AL60G's linear motor advantage results in superior positioning accuracy and finer achievable surface finish, at a higher price point. The AG60L is the value choice where the highest accuracy is not required; the AL60G is chosen when positioning precision and finish quality are paramount.

03 What electrode materials work best on the AL60G?

The AL60G works with graphite, copper, copper-tungsten, and silver-tungsten electrodes. For large-area roughing, copper-graphite composite or iso-graphite electrodes provide good material removal rates with moderate electrode wear. For fine-finish sequences on precision steel cavities, copper electrodes produce the finest Ra values with Sodick's SP finishing conditions.

04 Can the AL60G be integrated into an automated cell?

Yes. The AL60G supports Sodick's 16-position automatic electrode changer and is compatible with Erowa and System 3R workholding pallet systems, enabling integration with robotic handling cells. Lights-out multi-electrode programs managed by the LN2W CNC are a common configuration in high-volume mold and die shops.

05 What industries use the Sodick AL60G?

Primary users include high-precision plastic injection mold makers, die casting die manufacturers, aerospace structural component manufacturers, and precision medical device tooling suppliers. Any industry producing complex cavity features in hardened conductive materials where surface finish quality and dimensional accuracy are critical represents a strong AL60G application.