Sodick Sodick K3BL

$100,000 - $140,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Y Travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

work table size

600 x 300 mm (23.6 x 11.8 in)

max workpiece weight

300 kg (661 lb)

drive system

Linear motor on Z-axis (high-speed, high-response)

Overview

The Sodick K3BL is a CNC very-small-hole EDM drilling machine featuring linear motor Z-axis drive technology, designed for continuous high-precision drilling of micro-holes and fine through-holes in hardened materials. With 300 x 200 x 300 mm (11.8 x 7.9 x 11.8 in) X/Y/Z travel, a 600 x 300 mm (23.6 x 11.8 in) work table, and 300 kg (661 lb) maximum workpiece capacity, the K3BL occupies the middle ground between Sodick's compact K1BL and the larger K4HL.

The defining feature of the K3BL is its high-speed, high-response linear motor on the Z-axis drilling axis. In very-small-hole EDM, the electrode tube is extremely fragile — at diameters below 0.3 mm, even millisecond-scale delays in gap control response can result in electrode breakage. The K3BL's linear motor Z-axis responds to gap condition changes instantaneously, retracting the electrode before short-circuit conditions develop and re-engaging at the optimal feed rate without mechanical delay.

The K3BL is equipped with the LK20 CNC power unit, providing discharge control for both very small and medium-sized hole drilling applications. Optional automatic tool changer (ATC) capability enables the machine to switch between electrode sizes during production runs.

At 1,130 x 1,645 x 2,360 mm (44.5 x 64.8 x 92.9 in) overall dimensions, the K3BL maintains a moderate footprint while providing significantly more work table area (600 x 300 mm) than the K1BL's 200 x 250 mm table. The 300 kg workpiece capacity handles medium die inserts and mold plates. Pricing typically ranges from $100,000 to $140,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Work Table Size	600 x 300 mm (23.6 x 11.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Drive System	Linear motor on Z-axis (high-speed, high-response)
Power Unit	LK20 CNC power unit
Machine Dimensions	1,130 x 1,645 x 2,360 mm (44.5 x 64.8 x 92.9 in)
Automatic Features	Optional ATC (automatic tool changer)
Dielectric	Deionized water
Axis Stroke Xyz	300 x 200 x 300
Table Size W X D	600 x 300
Max Workpiece Weightkg	300
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	1130 x 1645 x 2360
Linear Motor Provided 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.
Lk20 Cnc Power Unit	K3BL is equipped with a CNC power unit, "LK20", which extracts the performance of the linear motor to a maximum extent, realizing improved machining performance and easy operation.
Automatic Tool 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 gap response — essential for preventing micro-electrode breakage during very-small-hole drilling
600 x 300 mm work table handles medium mold plates and die inserts — 3x the table area of the compact K1BL
300 kg workpiece capacity accommodates parts too heavy for the K1BL's 50 kg limit
300 x 200 mm X/Y travel covers more of the workpiece in a single setup than the K1BL's 120 x 150 mm
LK20 CNC power unit provides stable discharge control for both micro-hole and medium-diameter hole drilling
Optional ATC enables automatic electrode changes for multi-diameter holes and extended production runs

Limitations

300 x 200 mm travel is still relatively compact — larger mold bases require the K3HS or K4HL
Linear motor only on Z-axis — X and Y axes use conventional servo drives
Premium pricing at $100,000-$140,000 is higher than conventional small-hole EDM machines without linear motors
DI water dielectric system adds complexity through conductivity monitoring and water quality management

Best For

Aerospace turbine blade manufacturers drilling micro-cooling holes in nickel superalloy blades and vanes Medical device tooling shops creating precision micro-holes in surgical instrument molds and implant tooling Mold and die shops needing linear motor precision for wire EDM start holes in medium-sized mold plates Production environments drilling high volumes of very small holes where electrode breakage rates affect throughput Shops processing multiple hole sizes per workpiece that benefit from ATC capability

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the K3BL compare to the K1BL?

The K3BL provides significantly more work envelope: 300 x 200 x 300 mm travel versus the K1BL's 120 x 150 x 300 mm, a 600 x 300 mm table versus 200 x 250 mm, and 300 kg versus 50 kg workpiece capacity. Both share linear motor Z-axis technology.

02 What electrode diameters does the K3BL handle?

The K3BL typically handles electrode tubes from 0.07 mm to 0.5 mm for micro-hole work, and up to approximately 3.0 mm with appropriate electrode guides for medium-diameter holes.

03 What is the LK20 power unit?

The LK20 is Sodick's CNC power unit for the K-series drilling EDMs. It provides controlled discharge energy tuned for hole drilling applications, with gap monitoring and adaptive discharge parameters.

04 How does the optional ATC benefit production drilling?

The ATC enables the K3BL to automatically change between electrode sizes during a production run — drilling pilot holes with a fine electrode and opening them with a larger one, or replacing consumed electrodes during long multi-hole runs.