Sodick Sodick AQ15L

$450,000 - $600,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

900 mm (35.4 in)

Y Travel

1,500 mm (+500 mm service stroke) (59.1 + 19.7 in)

Z Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

max workpiece weight

10,000 kg (22,046 lb)

max electrode weight

100 kg (220 lb)

drive system

Direct-drive linear motors with linear scales

Overview

The Sodick AQ15L is a large-format linear motor die-sinker EDM from Sodick's AQ series, providing 900 x 1,500 (+500 service) x 600 mm (35.4 x 59.1 (+19.7) x 23.6 in) X/Y/Z travel and a 10,000 kg (22,046 lb) maximum workpiece capacity. The AQ15L features an asymmetric travel envelope with the Y-axis at 1,500 mm (plus a 500 mm service stroke), making it particularly suited for automotive progressive stamping die work and elongated mold cavity applications.

The AQ15L uses a symmetrical gantry construction where the workpiece setup table is completely separated from the drive mechanism. This structural approach reduces mechanical displacement transmission from axis motion to the workpiece, maintaining positional accuracy independent of workpiece weight and position on the table. At 10,000 kg maximum load, isolating the workpiece from drive-induced vibration is critical for achieving the surface finishes and dimensional tolerances that large-die work demands.

Linear motors and linear scales power the direct-drive system on all axes, delivering maximum acceleration of 1.2G for high-speed servo-jump electrode cycles. The 1.2G jump capability is particularly valuable on a machine of this size — fast electrode retraction creates the natural dielectric flushing action that Sodick's no-flush EDM capability depends on, even in large cavities where external flushing would require complex fixturing.

Automatic tool changer (ATC) compatibility allows the AQ15L to execute multi-electrode burn sequences unattended. Pricing for a new Sodick AQ15L typically ranges from $450,000 to $600,000 depending on configuration and automation options.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,500 mm (+500 mm service stroke) (59.1 + 19.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	10,000 kg (22,046 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	100 kg (220 lb)
Drive System	Direct-drive linear motors with linear scales
Max Acceleration	1.2G
Construction	Symmetrical gantry, workpiece table isolated from drive mechanism
Machine Dimensions	3,050 x 5,295 x 4,220 mm (120 x 209 x 166 in) incl. power supply/dielectric tank
Positioning Resolution	0.1 um
Atc Compatibility	Optional automatic tool changer (ATC)
Axis Stroke Xyz	900 x 1500(+500) x 600*1
Max Weight Of Electrodekg	100
Max Weight Of Workpiecekg	10000
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	3050 x 5295 x 4220*2

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,500 mm Y-axis travel (plus 500 mm service stroke) provides exceptional reach for long progressive stamping dies and elongated mold cavities
10,000 kg workpiece capacity handles the heaviest die blocks without capacity limitations
Symmetrical gantry construction isolates the workpiece from drive mechanism vibration for superior surface finish on heavy workpieces
1.2G linear motor acceleration enables high-speed servo-jump flushing even in large deep cavities
600 mm Z-axis travel accommodates deep cavity work that shorter-stroke machines cannot reach
ATC compatibility enables lights-out multi-electrode burn sequences across shift boundaries

Limitations

3,050 x 5,295 mm footprint is substantial — the long Y-axis travel drives a machine depth exceeding 5 meters
Price range of $450,000-$600,000 places the AQ15L in the premium capital equipment category
Asymmetric travel envelope (900 x 1,500 mm) may not suit all applications — shops needing balanced X/Y travel should consider the AG200L
Installation requires reinforced foundations engineered for the combined machine, fluid, and 10,000 kg workpiece load

Best For

Automotive die shops producing long progressive stamping dies where 1,500 mm of Y-axis reach is required Large injection mold builders working on elongated cavity molds for automotive fascias, instrument panels, and bumper assemblies Heavy industrial forging die shops where die blocks weigh 5,000-10,000 kg and cavity geometries are elongated Production environments requiring unattended multi-electrode burns with ATC capability across 20+ hour daily operating cycles Aerospace tooling manufacturers building long structural forming dies and composite layup molds

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the 500 mm service stroke on the Y-axis?

The AQ15L provides 1,500 mm of standard Y-axis travel for machining operations, plus an additional 500 mm of service stroke for electrode positioning, workpiece setup, and maintenance access. The service stroke extends the total Y-axis range to 2,000 mm for non-cutting movements.

02 How does the symmetrical gantry construction benefit EDM accuracy?

The symmetrical gantry design separates the workpiece table from the drive mechanism, preventing axis acceleration and deceleration forces from being transmitted to the workpiece as vibration. On a machine handling 10,000 kg workpieces with 1.2G electrode acceleration, the forces involved are substantial.

03 How does the AQ15L compare to the Sodick AG200L?

The AG200L has larger X/Y travel (2,000 x 1,200 mm versus 900 x 1,500 mm) and the same 10,000 kg workpiece capacity. The key difference is travel envelope shape: the AQ15L's 1,500 mm Y-axis suits long, narrow die cavities (progressive dies), while the AG200L's 2,000 mm X-axis covers wider die geometries.

04 What electrode changer options are available?

The AQ15L supports optional automatic tool changers with varying magazine capacities for multi-electrode burn sequences. The ATC allows the machine to switch between rough, semi-finish, and finish electrodes without operator intervention.