Sodick Sodick K1C

$45,000 - $70,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

Y Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

work table size

250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 13.8 in)

max workpiece weight

100 kg (220 lb)

electrode diameters

0.25, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mm

Overview

The Sodick K1C is a compact small-hole EDM drilling machine — widely known as a hole popper — designed for fast, reliable production of small holes in hardened materials. With 200 x 300 x 300 mm (7.9 x 11.8 x 11.8 in) X/Y/Z travel and a 250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 13.8 in) work table, the K1C targets the most common small-hole EDM drilling applications: wire EDM start holes, cooling holes in injection molds and turbine blades, and through-holes in hardened tool steel that cannot be conventionally drilled.

Sodick positions the K1C as their best-selling and most reliable small-hole drilling EDM, and the machine's longevity in the product line supports that claim. The K1C handles electrode diameters from 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm, covering the full range of production hole sizes from fine wire EDM start holes through medium-diameter cooling passages. Compatible workpiece materials span the typical EDM drilling spectrum: SKD11 (D2 equivalent), cemented carbide, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and graphite.

The K1C features advanced servo technology that Sodick claims delivers twice the machining speed of previous-generation models. Micro-step axis feed provides the fine positioning control needed for accurate hole placement on precision tooling. The machine processes workpiece thicknesses of 10, 20, 50, and 100 mm, covering the majority of mold plate and die insert thicknesses encountered in production toolroom work.

At 100 kg (220 lb) maximum workpiece weight and a compact 810 x 870 x 2,015 mm (31.9 x 34.3 x 79.3 in) footprint, the K1C fits in the tightest toolroom spaces — it occupies less floor area than a standard workbench. Pricing for a new Sodick K1C typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000. The K1C competes with the Makino Edge2, Mitsubishi Electric SH-12, and Belmont BMDH-21.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Y-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Work Table Size	250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 13.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	100 kg (220 lb)
Electrode Diameters	0.25, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mm
Compatible Materials	SKD11, cemented carbide, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, graphite
Workpiece Thickness	10, 20, 50, 100 mm
Machine Dimensions	810 x 870 x 2,015 mm (31.9 x 34.3 x 79.3 in)
Drive System	Micro-step axis feed with advanced servo technology
Dielectric	Deionized water
Axis Stroke Xyz	200 x 300 x 300
Table Size W X D	250 x 350
Max Workpiece Weightkg	100
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	810 x 870 x 2015
Micro Step Axis Feed	Because axis feed is controlled with micro-level precision, stable and reliable machining is ensured.

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Ultra-compact 810 x 870 mm footprint fits in the smallest toolroom spaces — occupies less floor area than a workbench
Electrode range of 0.25-3.0 mm covers wire EDM start holes through medium-diameter cooling passages
Advanced servo technology delivers twice the machining speed of previous Sodick hole popper models
Micro-step axis feed provides precise hole placement critical for wire EDM start hole positioning
100 mm workpiece thickness capacity covers the majority of mold plates and die inserts
Proven reliability as Sodick's best-selling small-hole drilling EDM — extensive parts and service support

Limitations

200 x 300 mm travel limits the K1C to small workpieces — larger mold plates require the K3HS or K4HL
100 kg maximum workpiece weight constrains the size and weight of workpieces that can be loaded
No linear motor drives — uses conventional servo and micro-step technology rather than Sodick's premium linear motor system
Limited to 100 mm workpiece thickness — thicker die blocks require a machine with greater Z capacity

Best For

Wire EDM shops needing a dedicated hole popper for fast, reliable start hole drilling in hardened tool steel and carbide Injection mold shops drilling cooling channels, ejector pin holes, and wire EDM start holes in mold plates Toolrooms with limited floor space that need small-hole EDM capability without dedicating major floor area Turbine blade and aerospace component manufacturers drilling cooling holes in nickel superalloys Job shops needing a versatile, affordable small-hole EDM drilling machine for diverse materials

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What electrode diameters does the K1C support?

The K1C handles electrode tubes from 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm diameter — specifically 0.25, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mm standard sizes. This range covers fine wire EDM start holes (0.25-0.5 mm) through medium cooling channel holes (2.0-3.0 mm). Electrode tubes are typically brass or copper with center holes for dielectric flushing.

02 How fast does the K1C drill compared to conventional drilling?

On hardened D2 tool steel (HRC 60+), the K1C drills a 1.0 mm hole through 20 mm thickness in approximately 2-4 minutes — a hole that conventional drilling simply cannot make at that hardness. The advanced servo technology delivers twice the speed of previous-generation Sodick models.

03 Can the K1C drill into cemented carbide?

Yes, cemented carbide is one of the K1C's listed compatible materials. EDM drilling is one of the few reliable methods for making holes in cemented carbide, which cannot be conventionally drilled due to extreme hardness.

04 How does the K1C compare to the Sodick K3HS?

The K3HS is a larger machine with 300 x 400 x 300 mm travel, 480 x 790 mm table, and 300 kg workpiece capacity versus the K1C's 200 x 300 x 300 mm travel, 250 x 350 mm table, and 100 kg capacity. The K3HS also features the K-SMC controller and automatic electrode feeder as standard.