Sodick Sodick AD55L

$200,000 - $280,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

max workpiece weight

1,000 kg (2,205 lb)

max electrode weight

50 kg (110 lb)

drive system

Linear motors with linear scales (screw-less)

Overview

The Sodick AD55L is a mid-range linear motor die-sinker EDM from Sodick's AD series, offering 600 x 400 x 400 mm (23.6 x 15.7 x 15.7 in) X/Y/Z travel and a 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) maximum workpiece capacity. The AD55L bridges the gap between Sodick's compact AD35L and the larger AG series, providing a work envelope that handles medium-sized injection mold cavities, stamping die inserts, and precision tooling applications.

Sodick's screw-less linear motor drive system powers all three axes, delivering sub-micron positioning resolution and zero-backlash performance throughout the machine's service life. The linear motor drives also enable the high-speed axis response that supports Sodick's servo-jump electrode cycling — rapid retraction and re-engagement that creates natural dielectric flushing in the spark gap.

The AD55L is powered by the LN3 power supply with Sodick's TMM3 circuit, the same advanced generator technology found in the AD35L. The TMM3 circuit delivers near-zero electrode wear on finishing passes, while the Arcless 4 discharge stabilization system prevents sustained arcing. Together, these technologies reduce per-cavity electrode costs and improve surface quality consistency.

Optional shuttle ATC (automatic tool changer) and large electrode ATC configurations support unattended multi-electrode burn sequences. At 2,335 x 2,435 x 2,635 mm (91.9 x 95.9 x 103.7 in) overall dimensions, the AD55L maintains a moderate footprint. Pricing typically ranges from $200,000 to $280,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	1,000 kg (2,205 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	2,335 x 2,435 x 2,635 mm (91.9 x 95.9 x 103.7 in) incl. power supply/dielectric tank
Positioning Resolution	0.1 um
Surface Finish	Ra 0.1 um achievable with fine-pulse finishing
Atc Options	Shuttle ATC and large electrode ATC available
Axis Stroke Xyz	600 x 400 x 400
Max Weight Of Electrodekg	50
Max Weight Of Workpiecekg	1000
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	2335 x 2435 x 2635*1

Specifications sourced from sodick.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

600 x 400 x 400 mm travel covers medium-sized injection mold cavities and stamping die inserts without the cost of a full AG-series machine
LN3 power supply with TMM3 zero-wear circuit minimizes electrode consumption on finishing passes
Linear motor screw-less drives deliver sub-micron positioning with zero backlash throughout the machine's service life
Arcless 4 discharge stabilization prevents arc-related surface damage across all machining conditions
1,000 kg workpiece capacity handles medium die blocks and mold bases with standard workholding
Shuttle ATC and large electrode ATC options enable unattended multi-electrode burn sequences

Limitations

600 x 400 mm travel may be limiting for larger mold bases — shops exceeding this range need the AG60L or larger
50 kg maximum electrode weight constrains electrode size for deep-cavity applications
Premium pricing at $200,000-$280,000 is significantly higher than ball-screw alternatives in this size class
Hydrocarbon oil dielectric requires proper ventilation, fire suppression, and fluid management

Best For

Injection mold shops sinking medium cavities in P20, H13, and S7 tool steels for consumer products and automotive components Stamping die manufacturers producing die inserts, trim steels, and forming punches in hardened tool steel Medical device tooling shops where linear motor accuracy and TMM3 surface finish quality meet regulatory requirements Precision job shops needing a versatile mid-range sinker EDM for diverse cavity sizes and materials Production environments requiring ATC-equipped unattended operation to maximize machine utilization

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the AD55L compare to the Sodick AG60L?

Both machines share similar travel ranges — the AG60L offers 600 x 420 x 350 mm versus the AD55L's 600 x 400 x 400 mm. The AD55L uses the newer LN3/TMM3 generator with Arcless 4 and offers 50 mm more Z travel, while the AG60L has the older LN2W generator but slightly wider Y-axis at 420 mm.

02 What ATC options are available?

The AD55L supports two ATC configurations: a shuttle ATC for quick electrode swaps in a compact format, and a large electrode ATC for heavier or bulkier electrode assemblies. Both enable unattended multi-electrode burn sequences.

03 What is the TMM3 zero-wear circuit?

The TMM3 circuit controls discharge energy during finishing passes to achieve near-zero electrode consumption. In sinker EDM, electrode wear on finishing passes is problematic because a worn electrode produces a cavity that differs from the programmed geometry. The TMM3 reduces electrode consumption to negligible levels during final finishing stages.

04 What surface finishes can the AD55L achieve?

The AD55L achieves Ra 0.1 um mirror-class finishes through multi-stage orbiting sequences. Standard roughing produces VDI 12-18. Semi-finish and finish passes reach VDI 4-8 for optical mold and medical device tooling.