Sodick AL60G
Key Specifications
X/Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Workpiece Dimensions
Max Workpiece Weight
Max Electrode Weight
Drive System
Overview
The Sodick AL60G is a mid-size CNC sinker EDM machine from Sodick's AL-G series, engineered for die and mold shops that require a high-accuracy, high-productivity sinker EDM with linear motor drive technology on all axes. The AL60G features a 600 x 400 mm X/Y work area and a 400 mm Z-axis stroke, providing capacity for a wide range of die cavities, core and cavity inserts, and aerospace component features. The AL designation reflects Sodick's integration of all-axis linear motor drives into the sinker EDM platform, a technology the company has developed and refined over decades of EDM manufacturing.
Sodick's SP generator system drives the AL60G's discharge circuit, providing digital pulse control with extremely fine energy resolution. The K-SMC (Smart Motion Control) adaptive system reads gap voltage continuously and adjusts servo feed rate and pulse parameters to maintain stable erosion during rough, semi-finish, and finish conditions. This adaptive capability is especially valuable in sinker EDM, where electrode shape complexity and cavity depth create variable gap conditions that can destabilize conventional fixed-parameter generators.
The AL60G supports an optional 16-position automatic electrode changer (AEC), enabling fully automated multi-electrode sequences for complex mold cavities requiring roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing electrodes of different geometries. Combined with Sodick's orbit cycle programming on the LN2W CNC, the AEC enables continuous unattended production of multi-stage cavity erosion sequences.
Sodick positions the AL60G as a core production machine for large mold cavities, forging dies, and precision tooling that requires consistent surface finish across multiple workpieces. Its linear motor system ensures that the tenth-of-a-micron accuracy achieved on the first part is maintained throughout a production run, a key advantage over ballscrew machines where thermal and wear effects accumulate.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X/Y Travel | 600 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 in) |
| Z Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Dimensions | 1000 x 700 x 400 mm |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 800 kg (1,764 lb) |
| Max Electrode Weight | 50 kg |
| Drive System | All-axis linear motor (no ballscrews) |
| Generator | Sodick SP digital generator with K-SMC adaptive control |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.1 µm (finishing conditions on steel) |
| Electrode Changer | 16-position AEC (optional) |
| Orbit Cycle | Yes — programmable orbit patterns on LN2W |
| Dielectric | Oil or water dielectric compatible |
| Control | Sodick LN2W CNC |
| Electrode Materials | Graphite, copper, copper-tungsten, silver-tungsten |
| Power Supply | 200V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz |
| 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) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 3,307 lb. (1,500 kg.) |
| 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) |
| Machine Weight | 11,794.73 lb. (5,350 kg.) • 11,795" lb. (5,350 kg.) |
| 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 provides zero-backlash electrode positioning unique in sinker EDM
- K-SMC adaptive generator maintains stable erosion through complex cavity geometry and variable gap conditions
- Optional 16-position AEC enables fully automated multi-electrode production sequences
- Ra 0.1 µm surface finish capability suitable for optical-quality mold surfaces
- 600 x 400 mm work area covers the majority of production die and mold work
Limitations
- Linear motor maintenance requires Sodick-certified technicians — field repair not accessible to generalists
- Higher capital cost than conventional ballscrew sinker EDMs of equivalent capacity
- Optional AEC adds significant cost and complexity — must be specified at order time
- Dielectric oil system requires appropriate shop ventilation and fire suppression provisions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The AL60G is part of Sodick's AL-G series, which emphasizes all-axis linear motor drive (the 'L' designation) combined with enhanced generator capability for sinker EDM applications. The AG series machines also use linear motors, but the AL-G series is specifically optimized for sinker EDM workflows including AEC integration and advanced orbit cycle programming. Performance differences between AL and AG sinker EDM models reflect primarily configuration and options rather than fundamental technology.
02
Graphite is the most commonly used electrode material with the AL60G for die and mold work. It is easily machined to complex shapes, provides good wear ratios with the SP generator, and produces excellent surface finishes. Copper electrodes offer lower wear ratio on fine finishing work. Copper-tungsten is used for very fine features in carbide. The choice depends on feature geometry, material, and surface finish requirements.
03
The optional 16-position AEC (Automatic Electrode Changer) holds a magazine of pre-registered electrodes with known offsets. The LN2W CNC calls electrodes by program code, the spindle retrieves the specified electrode, and the machine proceeds through roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing sequences automatically. This enables overnight unattended production of complex cavities requiring multiple electrode passes.
04
Yes. Sinker EDM is a non-contact process — there is no cutting force on the workpiece. The spark erosion process generates localized heat, but modern generators like the SP system control pulse energy to minimize heat-affected zone depth. Hardened H13 and D2 tool steels are routinely processed on the AL60G without dimensional distortion from mechanical stress.
05
On hardened steel (HRC 50–60), the AL60G achieves approximately Ra 3.2–6.3 µm during rough cutting, Ra 0.8–1.6 µm on semi-finish, Ra 0.2–0.4 µm on first finish pass, and Ra 0.1 µm on final polish conditions. Actual values depend on electrode quality, generator settings, and orbit cycle parameters. Copper electrodes on final passes can push below Ra 0.1 µm on steel.
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