Sodick ALC400G
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Accuracy
uv taper range
work table size
Overview
The Sodick ALC400G is the standard-configuration entry point into Sodick's ALC series of linear motor wire EDMs, offering 400 x 300 mm (15.75 x 11.81 in) X/Y travel in a package designed for precision mold, die, and medical component work. As the non-premium sibling to the ALC400G Premium, the ALC400G delivers the core Sodick linear motor advantage — zero backlash, no ball screws, 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee — at a price point accessible to a wider range of shops.
The linear motor drive system runs all positioning axes without mechanical contact between moving parts, which means there is no friction-induced wear to introduce progressive positioning error over time. This is especially relevant for shops doing high-tolerance punch and die work, where the ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy maintained year after year directly impacts die clearance control and part quality.
Sodick's SP43A power supply with e-pak discharge technology delivers consistent spark energy across the full range of materials encountered in precision toolmaking: tool steel, carbide, copper alloys, titanium, and aluminum. The technology table library pre-loaded in the Sodick LQ controller covers over 300 cutting conditions, making setup straightforward for operators who are not EDM specialists.
Automatic wire threading is standard, and the ALC400G supports wire diameters from 0.10 to 0.30 mm. The compact submerged cutting design allows full workpiece immersion for thermal stability on long, fine-finish cuts. The machine's 30° taper capability (±15° from vertical) covers the full range of standard toolmaking taper requirements without requiring specialized axis extension options.
Pricing for a new Sodick ALC400G typically falls in the $160,000-$220,000 range. Used machines from 2016-2022 trade between $70,000 and $130,000. The ALC400G competes with the Mitsubishi MV1200S, GF AgieCharmilles Cut 300 Sp, and Fanuc ROBOCUT α-C400iB in the precision mid-size wire 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 | 220 mm (8.66 in) |
| Uv Taper Range | ±15° / 80 mm height (30° included angle) |
| Work Table Size | 620 x 460 mm (24.4 x 18.1 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Max Workpiece Height | 220 mm (8.66 in) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.10 - 0.30 mm |
| Drive System | Linear motors (X, Y, U, V axes) |
| Generator | SP43A with e-pak discharge circuit |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.18 um achievable |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.001 mm |
| CNC Control | Sodick LQ controller |
| Awt | Automatic wire threading |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,800 x 2,200 x 1,950 mm (70.9 x 86.6 x 76.8 in) |
| Machine Weight | 7,496 lbs (3,400 kg) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee |
| Power Supply | SP43A |
| X Axis Travel | 15.75" (400 mm) |
| Y Axis Travel | 11.81” (300 mm) |
| Z Axis Travel | 9.84” (250 mm) |
| U V Axis Travel | 5.91” x 5.91” (150 x 150 mm) |
| Wire Diameter Range Min Max | 0.002” ~ 0.012” (0.05 ~ 0.30 mm) (With Available Options) |
| Work Tank Dimensions W D | 33.45” x 24.01” (850 x 610 mm) |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 1,102 lbs (500 kg) |
| Distance From Floor To Table | 39.17” (995 mm) |
| Machine Tool Dimensions | 83.27” x 98.43” x 87.80” (2,115 x 2,500 x 2,230 mm) |
Specifications sourced from sodick.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Linear motor drives on all axes deliver ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy with no ball-screw wear — maintained under Sodick's 10-year accuracy guarantee
- SP43A e-pak discharge circuit adapts spark energy in real time to material and flushing conditions, reducing wire breaks and maintaining consistent cut quality
- 300+ pre-loaded technology tables in the LQ controller make setup fast and accessible for operators without deep EDM expertise
- Full submerged cutting capability provides excellent thermal stability for long fine-finish cuts where temperature variation would otherwise cause dimensional drift
- 400 x 300 mm travel handles the majority of precision toolmaking, punch and die, and medical component work without moving to a larger-platform machine
- Wire diameter range of 0.10-0.30 mm gives full flexibility from production cutting to fine-detail precision work
Limitations
- Z-axis travel of 220 mm limits maximum workpiece height — shops regularly cutting parts taller than 200 mm should evaluate the ALC600G or ALC800G
- The ALC400G Premium variant adds enhanced accuracy features and automation options; shops with the highest precision requirements should evaluate both configurations before ordering
- Sodick's LQ controller, while capable, has a steeper learning curve than newer touchscreen-dominated interfaces from competitors
- 500 kg workpiece capacity is adequate for most toolmaking but limits use with very large, heavy fixtures common in aerospace tooling
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both machines share the same 400 x 300 mm travel envelope and linear motor drive system. The ALC400G Premium adds enhanced accuracy features, more refined axis calibration protocols, and typically includes additional automation options as standard. The standard ALC400G is the better value for shops that need precision toolmaking capability without the full complement of premium options. If your work requires the absolute finest surface finishes below Ra 0.10 um or the tightest achievable tolerances, evaluate the Premium variant before ordering.
02
The SP43A e-pak generator is well-suited for carbide cutting, which requires lower energy per discharge to avoid micro-cracking on the cut surface. Sodick's pre-loaded carbide technology tables set appropriate parameters automatically. Surface finishes on carbide are typically in the Ra 0.20-0.30 um range on standard passes, with better finishes achievable using extended multi-pass programs. The linear motor drives maintain precise positioning through the slower carbide cutting speeds without the dithering that can occur in ball-screw machines at reduced feed rates.
03
The ALC400G can be integrated with workpiece loading automation through Sodick's automation partners. The LQ controller supports external communication for job queuing and status monitoring. For shops considering automated cell integration, discuss the interface requirements with Sodick or your regional distributor during machine specification — some automation options require factory-installed preparation.
04
Sodick's 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee covers the linear motor drive system's inherent accuracy. Because linear motors have no mechanical contact between stator and forcer, there is no friction wear that would degrade positioning accuracy over time. The guarantee covers the drive system's ability to achieve factory-specified positioning accuracy throughout the guarantee period, subject to proper maintenance of the linear encoder scale and thermal management. It does not cover crash damage or improper maintenance.
05
Both machines target mid-size precision wire EDM work. The ALC400G's linear motor technology provides the Sodick zero-backlash advantage and 10-year accuracy guarantee. The MV1200S offers Mitsubishi's AI pulse control technology and is backed by MC Machinery Systems' established North American service infrastructure. The ALC400G is the stronger choice for shops that prioritize mechanical precision and long-term accuracy stability; the MV1200S is competitive for shops that weight service network access and AI-driven process optimization.
Videos
Syracuse Supply | APT
GINDUMAC GmbH
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EDM-TECH
EDM-TECH
Community Discussions
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Sodick ALC400G short circuiting? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — Wire EDM and lack of information online. : r/Machinists - Reddit
Owner experience and review — Wire edm thoughts needed : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — True costs of running wire EDM? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
