Sodick ALC600G
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Accuracy
u axis
v axis
Overview
The Sodick ALC600G is the large-format flagship of Sodick's linear motor-driven wire EDM lineup, purpose-built for shops cutting big die plates, large mold components, and heavy production parts that demand both travel and precision. With 600 x 400 x 350 mm (23.62 x 15.75 x 13.78 inch) X/Y/Z travel, a 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) workpiece capacity, and cutting accuracy of +/-3 um, the ALC600G delivers the reach and payload for serious tool and die work without compromising the precision that makes Sodick's linear motor technology compelling.
Like all Sodick wire EDMs, the ALC600G uses flat rigid linear motors on all cutting axes — X, Y, U, and V — coupled with glass scales for direct position feedback. This zero-backlash, zero-wear drive system is the technical foundation that Sodick backs with their 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee. For a large-format machine where thermal growth and mechanical wear are amplified by longer axis travels, the linear motor advantage is even more significant than on smaller platforms.
The Smart Pulse Generator handles power delivery with real-time adaptive control of discharge parameters. Sodick claims a 32% cutting time reduction over previous-generation machines, and surface finishes down to Ra 0.20 um are achievable with multi-pass cutting. The generator also incorporates energy-saving technology that reduces average power consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional EDMs — a meaningful cost reduction for shops running multiple wire EDMs around the clock.
The three-sided rise/fall work tank is especially valuable on a machine this size. Loading 1,000 kg workpieces through a standard swing door would be awkward and potentially dangerous — the drop-down sides provide clear crane access from three directions. The tank's automatic fluid level adjustment adapts to workpiece thickness, and the ability to stop at intermediate positions lets operators monitor cutting progress on thin workpieces without draining the tank.
The ALC600G also features Sodick's thermal wire cutting for straighter wire and a new water-jet function that improves automatic wire threading reliability. Wire compatibility spans 0.10 to 0.30 mm diameter, with the Hayabusa fine-wire option enabling 0.10 mm wire for detail work.
Pricing for a new Sodick ALC600G typically falls in the $150,000-$220,000 range depending on options. Used machines from 2015-2020 trade between $70,000 and $130,000. The ALC600G competes directly with the GF AgieCharmilles CUT E 600, Mitsubishi MV2400S, and Makino U6 in the large-format wire EDM segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.62 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.78 in) |
| U Axis | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) |
| V Axis | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | +/-25° at 130 mm height |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.10 - 0.30 mm (0.004 - 0.012 in); 0.10 mm Hayabusa option |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.20 um (8 uin Ra) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/-3 um |
| Drive System | Flat rigid linear motors (X, Y, U, V) |
| Scales | Glass scales on all axes |
| Generator | Smart Pulse Generator (SPG) |
| CNC Control | Sodick SPM control |
| Machine Dimensions | 2,495 x 2,895 x 2,345 mm (98.2 x 114.0 x 92.3 in) |
| Work Tank | 3-sided rise/fall with automatic fluid level adjustment |
| Accuracy Guarantee | 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee |
| Energy Savings | Up to 60% reduction vs. conventional EDMs |
| X Axis Travel | 23.62" (600 mm) |
| Y Axis Travel | 15.75” (400 mm) |
| Z Axis Travel | 13.78” (350 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 | 41.34” x 27.95” (1,050 x 710 mm) |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 2,204 lbs (1,000 kg) |
| Distance From Floor To Table | 39.17” (995 mm) |
| Machine Tool Dimensions | 98.23” x 113.98” x 92.32” (2,495 x 3,500 x 2,345 mm) |
| Machine Weight | 10,141 lbs (4,600 kg) |
Specifications sourced from sodick.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 600 x 400 x 350 mm travel with 1,000 kg workpiece capacity handles large progressive die plates and mold components that smaller machines can't accommodate
- Linear motor drives on all cutting axes with 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee eliminate wear-related accuracy degradation over the machine's service life
- Three-sided rise/fall work tank provides safe crane access from three directions for loading heavy workpieces — critical at the 1,000 kg capacity level
- Smart Pulse Generator delivers 32% faster cutting with up to 60% energy savings compared to conventional wire EDMs — significant for 24/7 production environments
- Automatic fluid level adjustment and intermediate tank positioning allow operators to monitor cutting progress without draining and refilling the tank
- Thermal wire cutting and improved water-jet threading increase automatic wire threading reliability for unattended operation
Limitations
- At $150,000-$220,000 new, the ALC600G is a significant investment — shops with smaller typical workpieces should consider the ALN400G at roughly 30% less cost
- Surface finish of Ra 0.20 um is solid but not class-leading — Makino U6 H.E.A.T. achieves Ra 0.05 um for ultra-precision mirror finish applications
- Machine footprint at roughly 2.5 x 2.9 meters requires meaningful floor space — factor rigging and service access clearance on top of that
- Sodick's North American service network is smaller than MC Machinery (Mitsubishi) or Makino, which can mean longer wait times for on-site service
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both offer 600 x 400 x 350 mm travel and 1,000 kg capacity. The key differences are drive technology and price. The ALC600G uses linear motors with a 10-year accuracy guarantee, while the CUT E 600 uses conventional ball-screw drives with the ISPG generator. The ALC600G typically costs $20,000-$40,000 more but offers better long-term accuracy retention. The CUT E 600's UNIQUA interface is more user-friendly for operators new to wire EDM.
02
The ALC series is Sodick's CE-certified line with enhanced safety enclosures and fully enclosed designs — it's the standard for European markets and North American shops that prioritize safety compliance. The ALN series offers the same core linear motor technology and SPG generator in a more traditional open-access configuration. Both achieve the same accuracy and surface finish specifications.
03
Used ALC600G machines from 2015-2020 typically trade between $70,000 and $130,000 depending on hours and condition. The linear motor design means these machines hold their accuracy well even with significant run time, making used ALC600G units an excellent value. When buying used, verify the work tank seal condition and automatic wire threader reliability — these are the items most likely to need attention on older machines.
04
Yes, the ALC600G supports full submerged cutting with its rise/fall work tank. The automatic fluid level control adjusts water height based on workpiece thickness, and the tank can be positioned at intermediate heights for monitoring. Submerged cutting is standard practice for most wire EDM work as it improves surface finish, reduces wire breakage, and provides better flushing.
05
The machine itself measures 2,495 x 2,895 x 2,345 mm. Plan for at least 1 meter of clearance on the service side and 0.5 meters on the other sides for operator access, dielectric system maintenance, and wire spool changes. Total floor space allocation should be approximately 4 x 4.5 meters (18 square meters) including all clearances.
Videos
Surplex
Surplex
MTDCNC
Community Discussions
Community discussion — Sodick ALC600G - Practical Machinist
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — ALC600G Wire threading problem - wire eject motor
Community discussion — Sodick EDM Alc600G help with AWT Jet pressure adjustment
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Sodick wire erode ALC600G problem - Practical Machinist
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
Community discussion — Buying a wire edm machine : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
