Sodick Sodick AQ20L
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
max workpiece weight
max electrode weight
drive system
Overview
The Sodick AQ20L is the largest machine in Sodick's AQ series of linear motor die-sinker EDMs, delivering a massive 1,200 x 2,000 x 600 mm (47.2 x 78.7 x 23.6 in) X/Y/Z travel and 10,000 kg (22,046 lb) maximum workpiece capacity. The AQ20L's defining feature is its 2,000 mm Y-axis travel — a reach capability that makes it uniquely suited for the longest progressive stamping dies, tandem press die sets, and elongated forming tools in the automotive and heavy industrial sectors.
Like its smaller sibling the AQ15L, the AQ20L uses a symmetrical gantry construction where the workpiece setup table is completely separated from the drive mechanism. This isolation is critical at the AQ20L's scale: with 2,000 mm of Y-axis travel and a 10,000 kg workpiece, the mechanical forces generated by electrode positioning and jump cycles must not transmit to the workpiece as vibration or positional disturbance.
Direct-drive linear motors with linear scales power all axes, providing 1.2G maximum acceleration for high-speed servo-jump electrode cycling. The 1.2G acceleration across 600 mm of Z-axis travel creates the rapid electrode retraction that enables Sodick's no-flush EDM capability — natural dielectric pumping from electrode jump cycles that clears debris from the spark gap.
At 3,550 x 5,785 x 4,220 mm (140 x 228 x 166 in) overall dimensions, the AQ20L is among the largest footprint sinker EDMs available. Pricing for a new AQ20L typically ranges from $550,000 to $750,000 depending on automation, electrode changer capacity, and dielectric management configuration.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 2,000 mm (78.7 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 | 3,550 x 5,785 x 4,220 mm (140 x 228 x 166 in) incl. power supply/dielectric tank |
| Positioning Resolution | 0.1 um |
| Axis Stroke Xyz | 1200 x 2000 x 600 |
| Max Weight Of Electrodekg | 100 |
| Max Weight Of Workpiecekg | 10000 |
| Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H | 3550 x 5785 x 4220*1 |
Specifications sourced from sodick.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 2,000 mm Y-axis travel is among the longest available in any sinker EDM worldwide — covers the full length of large progressive and tandem press stamping dies
- 1,200 mm X-axis travel provides generous width coverage for wide die cavities and multi-station die sets
- 10,000 kg workpiece capacity accommodates the heaviest die blocks in the automotive and forging industries
- Symmetrical gantry construction with isolated workpiece table prevents drive-induced vibration from degrading surface finish
- 1.2G linear motor acceleration enables effective no-flush EDM through high-speed servo-jump cycles
- 600 mm Z-axis travel accommodates deep cavity features in large stamping and forging dies
Limitations
- 3,550 x 5,785 mm footprint is enormous — requires dedicated high-bay space with reinforced foundations and heavy crane access
- Price range of $550,000-$750,000 is among the highest in the global sinker EDM market
- The 2,000 mm Y-axis travel is highly specialized — shops with predominantly square or compact die geometries may not utilize the full envelope
- Dielectric fluid volume and thermal management at this scale represent significant ongoing operational costs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The AQ20L extends Y-axis travel from the AQ15L's 1,500 mm to 2,000 mm and increases X-axis travel from 900 mm to 1,200 mm, while maintaining the same 600 mm Z-axis and 10,000 kg workpiece capacity. Both share the symmetrical gantry construction, 1.2G linear motor drives, and isolated workpiece table design.
02
Progressive stamping dies are characteristically long and narrow — stations are arranged in sequence along the die length. The AQ20L's 2,000 mm Y-axis travel can reach across the full length of dies that would require repositioning on machines with shorter Y-axis reach.
03
The machine itself weighs an estimated 25,000+ kg. Combined with a 10,000 kg maximum workpiece, the facility crane must handle loads in the 15,000-20,000 kg range for workpiece handling alone. Consult Sodick's installation specifications for exact crane requirements.
04
Yes, with the optional automatic tool changer and appropriate safety systems. The machine's linear motor drives, adaptive gap control, and ATC capability enable multi-electrode burn sequences spanning 24+ hours without operator intervention.
Videos
CPWS Workholding _sara
