Sodick Sodick AD35L
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
max workpiece weight
max electrode weight
drive system
Overview
The Sodick AD35L is a compact linear motor die-sinker EDM from Sodick's AD series, offering 350 x 250 x 270 mm (13.8 x 9.8 x 10.6 in) X/Y/Z travel and a 550 kg (1,213 lb) maximum workpiece capacity. The AD35L is engineered for precision toolrooms and mold shops that need Sodick's linear motor accuracy in a small-footprint machine suited for die inserts, mold components, precision cavity work, and medical device tooling.
The AD35L uses Sodick's screw-less drive system with linear motors and linear scales on all axes, delivering the same zero-backlash, zero-wear drive technology that powers Sodick's larger sinker EDMs. On a compact machine like the AD35L, the linear motor advantage manifests primarily in positioning accuracy and surface finish consistency: sub-micron positioning resolution from day one, maintained indefinitely without progressive accuracy degradation.
Powered by the LN3 power supply with Sodick's TMM3 circuit, the AD35L delivers Sodick's latest generator technology in the compact AD format. The TMM3 circuit incorporates zero-wear electrode technology on finishing passes, minimizing electrode consumption during precision finishing stages. The Arcless 4 discharge stabilization system is standard equipment, controlling discharge energy to prevent arc formation and associated surface damage.
At 2,025 x 2,040 x 2,350 mm (79.7 x 80.3 x 92.5 in) overall dimensions including power supply and dielectric tank, the AD35L occupies minimal floor space. Maximum electrode weight of 50 kg (110 lb) accommodates standard graphite and copper electrodes. Pricing for a new AD35L typically ranges from $140,000 to $200,000. The AD35L competes with the Makino EDNC3, Mitsubishi Electric EA8, and GF AgieCharmilles Form 20.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 550 kg (1,213 lb) |
| Max Electrode Weight | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Drive System | Linear motors with linear scales (screw-less) |
| Power Supply | LN3 with TMM3 circuit |
| Discharge System | Arcless 4 (standard) |
| Electrode Wear | Near-zero on finishing (TMM3 zero-wear circuit) |
| Machine Dimensions | 2,025 x 2,040 x 2,350 mm (79.7 x 80.3 x 92.5 in) incl. power supply/dielectric tank |
| Positioning Resolution | 0.1 um |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.1 um achievable with fine-pulse finishing |
| Axis Stroke Xyz | 350 x 250 x 270 |
| Max Weight Of Electrodekg | 50 |
| Max Weight Of Workpiecekg | 550 |
| Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H | 2025 x 2040 x 2350*1 |
Specifications sourced from sodick.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Linear motor screw-less drives deliver sub-micron positioning accuracy with zero backlash — same technology as Sodick's largest sinker EDMs
- LN3 power supply with TMM3 zero-wear circuit minimizes electrode consumption on finishing passes
- Arcless 4 discharge stabilization prevents arc-related surface damage and excessive electrode wear
- Compact 2,025 x 2,040 mm footprint fits in small toolrooms without consuming valuable floor space
- 550 kg workpiece capacity handles typical mold inserts, die components, and small die blocks
- 270 mm Z-axis travel provides sufficient depth for most small-to-medium cavity sinking applications
Limitations
- 350 x 250 mm travel limits the AD35L to small and medium cavities — larger work requires the AD55L or AG series
- 50 kg maximum electrode weight constrains electrode size for deep cavity applications
- Premium pricing at $140,000-$200,000 is significantly higher than ball-screw compact sinker EDMs
- Hydrocarbon oil dielectric requires ventilation, fire suppression compliance, and careful fluid management
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both are compact Sodick sinker EDMs with linear motor drives and similar travel ranges. The AD35L features the newer LN3 power supply with TMM3 zero-wear circuit and Arcless 4 discharge system. The K3L-C uses the older LN1W generator. The AD35L also offers slightly larger travel (350x250x270 vs 350x250x250 mm) and higher workpiece capacity (550 vs 300 kg).
02
Arcless 4 is Sodick's latest discharge stabilization technology that controls discharge pulse shape and duration to prevent sustained arc formation. Arcing causes deep recast layers, excessive electrode wear, and surface damage. Arcless 4 monitors gap conditions in real time and adjusts discharge parameters to maintain stable, controlled sparking.
03
With the TMM3 generator and proper electrode material selection, the AD35L achieves Ra 0.1 um mirror-class finishes through multi-stage finishing sequences. Standard roughing yields VDI 12-18 (Ra 0.4-1.0 um). Fine finishing reaches VDI 4-8 (Ra 0.10-0.25 um) for optical mold and medical device tooling.
04
Sodick offers AEC options for the AD series, though the compact machine format may limit magazine capacity compared to larger AG and AL series machines. For toolrooms running multi-electrode finishing sequences, the AEC enables unattended operation.
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