Sodick Sodick AP1L

$80,000 - $140,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

Y Travel

120 mm (4.7 in)

Z Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

max electrode weight

5 kg (11 lb)

max workpiece weight

25 kg (55 lb)

drive system

Screw-less linear motor drive (all axes) with linear scale feedback

Overview

The Sodick AP1L is a compact precision sinker EDM from the AP series, offering 200 x 120 x 200 mm X/Y/Z travel in a space-efficient package designed for small die and mold shops, medical device manufacturers, and precision toolmakers working with small electrodes and lightweight workpieces. With a maximum electrode weight of 5 kg and maximum workpiece weight of 25 kg, the AP1L is purpose-built for small cavity work, micro-feature sinking, and fine-detail die finishing.

The AP1L employs Sodick screw-less linear motor drive on all three axes with linear scale feedback, delivering sustained high-speed and responsive performance without the backlash, wear, and thermal expansion issues associated with ball screw systems. The SVC (Smart Voltage Control) circuit enhances finishing speeds and generates uniform discharge pulses between electrodes, resulting in superior surface quality including high-quality pear-skin and mirror finishes.

The compact three-axis automated vertical slide machining tank configuration keeps the AP1L footprint small. The machine dimensions of 1,360 x 1,920 x 2,030 mm (including power supply and dielectric tank) allow placement in tight shop floor areas. The AP1L received the 34th Industrial Machine Design Special Award from Nikkan Kogyo Shimbunsha, recognizing its innovative design.

The AP1L fills the niche for shops that need sinker EDM capability on small, precision workpieces without the capital cost and floor space requirements of full-size sinker EDMs. It competes with other compact sinker EDMs in the precision micro-sinking segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	120 mm (4.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Max Electrode Weight	5 kg (11 lb)
Max Workpiece Weight	25 kg (55 lb)
Drive System	Screw-less linear motor drive (all axes) with linear scale feedback
Generator	SVC (Smart Voltage Control) circuit
Surface Finish	High quality pear-skin or mirror finish
CNC Control	Sodick LQ controller
Machine Dimensions	1,360 x 1,920 x 2,030 mm (53.5 x 75.6 x 79.9 in) including power supply and dielectric tank
Dielectric	Oil dielectric
Axis Stroke Xyz	200 x 120 x 200
Max Weight Of Electrodekg	5
Max Weight Of Workpiecekg	25
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	1360 x 1920 x 2030*1

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact 1,360 x 1,920 mm footprint fits in tight shop floor areas where full-size sinker EDMs cannot
Linear motor drives on all three axes provide zero-backlash positioning for micro-precision sinking
SVC circuit delivers uniform discharge pulses for mirror and pear-skin surface finishes
200 mm Z-axis stroke provides adequate depth for most small cavity and micro-feature work
Award-winning industrial design integrates power supply and dielectric in a space-efficient package
Low entry cost brings sinker EDM capability to small shops and specialized workstations

Limitations

200 x 120 mm X/Y travel restricts to very small workpieces and electrode patterns
5 kg electrode weight limit constrains to small graphite and copper electrodes only
25 kg workpiece weight limit precludes even moderate-size die blocks
No automatic electrode changer available in this compact format

Best For

Medical device toolmakers sinking small cavities in surgical instrument and implant molds Micro-mold shops producing small precision injection mold inserts for electronics and connectors Watch and instrument makers requiring compact sinker EDM for small precision components Small die shops finishing fine details and micro-features on precision tooling R&D and prototyping labs needing sinker EDM capability in limited floor space

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes the AP1L different from larger Sodick sinker EDMs?

The AP1L is purpose-built for compact installation and small workpieces. Its 200 x 120 mm X/Y travel and 25 kg workpiece limit target micro-precision work. Larger models like the AL40G and AL60G offer 400-600 mm X/Y travel and 550-1,500 kg capacity for full-size die and mold production.

02 What electrode materials work with the AP1L?

Graphite and copper electrodes are most common. The 5 kg electrode weight limit accommodates small graphite and copper electrodes used in micro-cavity and fine-detail sinking. Copper-tungsten is used for very fine features.

03 Can the AP1L produce mirror finishes?

Yes. The SVC circuit generates uniform discharge pulses optimized for fine finishing. The AP1L can produce high-quality pear-skin and mirror finishes on hardened steel with appropriate electrode quality and generator settings.

04 What is the SVC circuit?

Smart Voltage Control is a discharge circuit technology that enhances finishing speeds and generates more uniform spark pulses than conventional circuits. The result is more consistent surface texture and better surface quality on finishing passes.