Sodick Sodick K1BL

$90,000 - $130,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

120 mm (4.7 in)

Y Travel

150 mm (5.9 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

work table size

200 x 250 mm (7.9 x 9.8 in)

max workpiece weight

50 kg (110 lb)

drive system

Linear motor on main Z-axis, high-speed/high-response

Overview

The Sodick K1BL is a CNC very-small-hole EDM drilling machine designed for micro-hole applications that demand the precision and speed of linear motor drive technology. With 120 x 150 x 300 mm (4.7 x 5.9 x 11.8 in) X/Y/Z travel, a 200 x 250 mm (7.9 x 9.8 in) work table, and 50 kg (110 lb) maximum workpiece capacity, the K1BL targets the finest end of the EDM drilling spectrum: micro-cooling holes in turbine blades, micro-through holes in medical device components, and very small wire EDM start holes.

The K1BL is distinguished from Sodick's other small-hole drilling machines by its linear motor drive on the main Z-axis. Linear motor technology on the drilling axis provides high-speed, high-response electrode advance and retraction that is critical for very small hole diameters — where electrode deflection, breakage, and process instability are constant challenges. The linear motor's instantaneous response to gap condition changes enables the K1BL to retract the electrode before a short circuit can damage the micro-electrode.

The K1BL features a double-column structure for rigidity, ensuring that high-speed Z-axis motion does not induce vibration in the machine frame. On micro-hole applications where electrode diameters may be 0.1 mm or smaller, even minor frame vibration can cause electrode breakage and hole inaccuracy. Automatic electrode changer (AEC) capability supports continuous drilling operations.

At 1,600 x 1,530 x 2,305 mm (63.0 x 60.2 x 90.7 in) overall dimensions, the K1BL maintains a compact footprint appropriate for production cells. Pricing typically ranges from $90,000 to $130,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	120 mm (4.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	150 mm (5.9 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Work Table Size	200 x 250 mm (7.9 x 9.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	50 kg (110 lb)
Drive System	Linear motor on main Z-axis, high-speed/high-response
Construction	Double-column structure
Machine Dimensions	1,600 x 1,530 x 2,305 mm (63.0 x 60.2 x 90.7 in)
Automatic Features	AEC (automatic electrode changer)
Dielectric	Deionized water
Axis Stroke Xyz	120 x 150 x 300
Table Size W X D	200 x 250
Max Workpiece Weightkg	50*1
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	1600 x 1530 x 2305
Linear Motor Provied On Main Axis	A high-speed, high-response linear motor provided on Z axis expands the machining range, stabilizes the operation and reduces the electrode wear.
Automatic Electrode Changer	An AEC provided for this model changes electrodes reliably to facilitate long and continuous drilling EDM of many holes.

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Linear motor Z-axis provides instantaneous response to gap conditions — critical for preventing micro-electrode breakage
Double-column structure provides rigidity needed for vibration-free micro-hole EDM at high electrode advance rates
300 mm Z-axis travel provides generous depth capacity for drilling through thick workpieces
Automatic electrode changer enables continuous multi-hole drilling production without manual replacement
Compact 1,600 x 1,530 mm footprint fits in production cells and clean-room adjacent environments
Sodick's proven EDM drilling technology applied to the most demanding micro-hole segment

Limitations

120 x 150 mm X/Y travel severely limits workpiece size — larger parts require repositioning or a bigger machine
50 kg maximum workpiece weight restricts the K1BL to small components and thin plates
Premium pricing at $90,000-$130,000 reflects linear motor technology — conventional servo micro-hole machines cost less
Linear motor on Z-axis only — X and Y use conventional drives

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers drilling micro-cooling holes in turbine blades, vanes, and combustor liners in nickel superalloys Medical device manufacturers creating micro-holes in surgical instruments, implant components, and micro-fluidic devices Electronics and semiconductor tooling shops drilling very small through-holes in hardened die components Wire EDM shops needing a precision micro-hole machine for the smallest start hole requirements (sub-0.3 mm) R&D and prototype shops working on micro-featured components requiring extremely precise hole placement

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Why does the K1BL use a linear motor on the Z-axis?

In micro-hole EDM drilling, the electrode is extremely fragile — diameters of 0.1 mm and below are common. When the gap monitoring system detects an approaching short circuit, the Z-axis must retract the electrode instantly to prevent breakage. A ball screw Z-axis has mechanical inertia and compliance that delay the retraction response by milliseconds — enough time for the short circuit to snap the micro-electrode.

02 What electrode diameters does the K1BL handle?

The K1BL is designed for very-small-hole applications, typically handling electrode tubes from 0.07 mm to 0.5 mm diameter. For standard hole sizes above 0.5 mm, Sodick's K3HS or K1C may be more appropriate.

03 Why is the double-column structure important?

At micro-hole scales, any vibration in the machine structure causes the electrode to oscillate relative to the workpiece, leading to oversized holes, irregular shapes, or electrode breakage. The double-column design provides symmetric rigidity around the Z-axis.

04 How does the K1BL compare to the K3BL?

The K3BL has larger travel (300 x 200 x 300 mm versus 120 x 150 x 300 mm), a bigger table (600 x 300 mm versus 200 x 250 mm), and higher workpiece capacity (300 kg versus 50 kg). Both feature linear motor Z-axis drives. The K1BL is for the smallest workpieces and finest holes.