Sodick AQ327L

$150,000 - $200,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

X Travel

327 mm (12.9 in)

Y Travel

220 mm (8.66 in)

Z Travel

220 mm (8.66 in)

Accuracy

±0.001 mm

uv taper range

±15° / 80 mm height

work table size

570 x 420 mm (22.4 x 16.5 in)

Overview

The Sodick AQ327L is a compact, high-precision wire EDM designed for toolrooms, medical device manufacturers, and precision job shops where floor space is limited but accuracy requirements are uncompromising. With 327 x 220 mm X/Y travel and Sodick's hallmark linear motor drive system on all positioning axes, the AQ327L delivers performance that punches well above its physical size — producing ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy in a machine that occupies substantially less floor space than mid-range competitors.

The AQ327L is built on the same foundational architecture as Sodick's larger AQ-series machines: direct-drive linear motors on the X, Y, U, and V axes eliminate the ball screw wear, backlash, and thermal expansion effects that progressively degrade accuracy on conventional wire EDMs. Sodick's 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee applies to the AQ327L as to all linear motor models, meaning the machine retains its precision characteristics throughout its production life without ball screw replacement cycles. This is a particularly meaningful specification for shops where long-term process stability matters.

The SP33A power supply with e-pak discharge technology provides the same adaptive discharge management found in Sodick's larger platforms. The generator's real-time response to gap conditions maintains consistent cutting speed and surface finish while minimizing wire breaks — essential for unattended operation on small, complex parts. Wire diameters from 0.10 to 0.25 mm are supported, enabling fine-wire cutting for intricate detail work in medical components, watch parts, and small punch/die sets. Surface finish to Ra 0.18 um is achievable on multiple skim passes.

The AQ327L is priced in the $150,000–$200,000 range new. It competes with the Fanuc ROBOCUT α-C200iB, Mitsubishi Electric MV1200S, and GF AgieCharmilles CUT C 350 in the compact precision wire EDM segment. For shops whose work is predominantly small-format but demands the same linear motor accuracy that Sodick's large-format machines provide, the AQ327L represents the optimal entry into the Sodick linear motor ecosystem.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	327 mm (12.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	220 mm (8.66 in)
Z-Axis Travel	220 mm (8.66 in)
Uv Taper Range	±15° / 80 mm height
Work Table Size	570 x 420 mm (22.4 x 16.5 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Max Workpiece Height	220 mm (8.66 in)
Wire Diameter Range	0.10 - 0.25 mm
Drive System	Linear motors (X, Y, U, V axes)
Generator	SP33A with e-pak discharge circuit
Surface Finish	Ra 0.18 µm achievable
Positioning Accuracy	±0.001 mm
CNC Control	Sodick LQ controller
Awt	Automatic wire threading with in-cut re-threading
Machine Weight	approx. 2,900 kg (6,393 lb)
Accuracy Guarantee	10-year positioning accuracy guarantee

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Linear motor drives on all four positioning axes deliver ±0.001 mm accuracy in a compact footprint — performance typically associated with larger, more expensive machines
Fine wire capability down to 0.10 mm enables intricate detail cutting for medical components, watch parts, and small punch/die sets not achievable on ball-screw machines
10-year Sodick accuracy guarantee ensures long-term process stability without ball screw replacement cycles — critical for shops with tight tolerancing requirements
SP33A e-pak generator provides adaptive discharge control that minimizes wire breaks during unattended operation on complex small-format parts
Compact footprint makes the AQ327L viable for small toolrooms and medical shops where a larger-format machine cannot be accommodated

Limitations

327 x 220 mm travel limits the machine to small-format work — shops with any regular work above 300 mm should consider the AQ55L or larger AQ-series models
0.25 mm maximum wire diameter is smaller than AQ55L and larger AQ-series machines — shops needing aggressive rough cutting with 0.30 mm wire must use a different model
At $150,000–$200,000, the AQ327L carries a premium over ball-screw alternatives in the same travel class — the linear motor advantage must be justified by accuracy requirements

Best For

Medical device manufacturers cutting small precision components from stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chrome where ±0.001 mm accuracy and fine wire capability are production requirements Watch and micro-precision component makers needing tight tolerances on intricate profiles in hardened steel and specialized alloys at small scale Toolrooms producing small punch/die sets, forming tools, and precision gauging fixtures where accuracy demands exceed what ball-screw machines can reliably deliver Job shops specializing in high-tolerance small-format EDM work that need linear motor performance without the floor space or capital cost of a larger Sodick AQ-series machine

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the AQ327L compare to the Sodick AG35L?

Both machines target small-format precision work, but they differ in drive architecture. The AQ327L uses Sodick's linear motor system on all axes, delivering ±0.001 mm positioning accuracy with Sodick's 10-year guarantee. The AG35L uses a conventional drive system at a lower price point. The AQ327L is the right choice when accuracy below ±0.002 mm is required or when the shop values the long-term stability that comes from eliminating ball screw wear. For shops whose accuracy requirements are satisfied by ±0.002 mm, the AG35L offers similar travel at lower acquisition cost.

02 Can the AQ327L cut 0.10 mm fine wire?

Yes. The AQ327L supports wire diameters from 0.10 to 0.25 mm. Fine wire cutting at 0.10 mm enables corner radii as small as 0.06–0.07 mm and slot widths below 0.12 mm, which are requirements in medical component, watch, and micro-mold work. Fine wire cutting requires clean dielectric, well-maintained wire guides, and careful parameter selection. Sodick's SP33A generator includes technology tables optimized for 0.10 mm wire to simplify setup.

03 What is the maximum taper angle on the AQ327L?

The AQ327L supports ±15° taper over 80 mm workpiece height — the same UV taper specification as comparable compact-format wire EDMs. For most punch/die and forming tool applications, ±15° is more than sufficient. Shops with specialized taper cutting requirements above ±15° should verify the specific part geometry with Sodick's application engineers.

04 How does Sodick's 10-year accuracy guarantee work on the AQ327L?

Sodick's 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee is a formal commitment that the linear motor positioning axes on the AQ327L will maintain their specified accuracy for ten years under normal operating conditions. Because there are no ball screws to wear, the accuracy degradation mechanism present in conventional wire EDMs is absent. The guarantee covers the positioning system itself; overall machine accuracy is also subject to proper maintenance of the dielectric system, wire guides, and power contacts, which are the operator's responsibility.

05 Is the AQ327L suitable for lights-out production?

Yes. The AQ327L's automatic wire threading system includes in-cut re-threading capability — if the wire breaks mid-cut, the machine automatically re-threads and resumes from the break point without operator intervention. This capability, combined with the SP33A generator's adaptive wire break prevention, makes the AQ327L well-suited to unattended overnight production on small, complex parts. Shops running lights-out should ensure adequate wire supply on the spool and verify that the dielectric system and filters are serviced before leaving the machine unattended.