Sodick Sodick K3HS

$80,000 - $120,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

300 mm (11.8 in)

work table size

480 x 790 mm (18.9 x 31.1 in)

max workpiece weight

300 kg (661 lb)

electrode types

Copper (CU) pipe and brass (BS) pipe electrodes

Overview

The Sodick K3HS is a high-speed small-hole EDM drilling machine designed for production-volume hole drilling in automotive, medical, and electronics manufacturing. With 300 x 400 x 300 mm (11.8 x 15.7 x 11.8 in) X/Y/Z travel, a 480 x 790 mm (18.9 x 31.1 in) work table, and 300 kg (661 lb) maximum workpiece capacity, the K3HS is a significant step up from Sodick's compact K1C.

The K3HS is built around ultra-high-speed small hole machining capability. Sodick's LK2 electric discharge power supply drives the electrode with discharge parameters optimized specifically for hole drilling. The machine uses copper (CU) pipe and brass (BS) pipe electrodes, with electrode type selected based on workpiece material and hole diameter requirements.

Sodick's K-SMC (Sodick Motion Controller) provides intelligent axis control with gap condition monitoring and adaptive feed rates. The K-SMC adjusts electrode advance speed based on real-time gap voltage and discharge stability, preventing short circuits and maximizing drilling speed. Automatic electrode feeder (AEF) capability is standard, continuously feeding electrode tube from a spool as the electrode is consumed.

The K3HS includes automatic programming software (LN Assist) as standard equipment. The machine is available in standard height and high-column configurations. Deionized water is used as the dielectric fluid. Pricing for a new Sodick K3HS typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000. The K3HS competes with the Makino Edge3 and Mitsubishi Electric SH-14.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	300 mm (11.8 in)
Work Table Size	480 x 790 mm (18.9 x 31.1 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Electrode Types	Copper (CU) pipe and brass (BS) pipe electrodes
Power Supply	LK2 electric discharge power supply
Dielectric	Deionized water
CNC Control	K-SMC (Sodick Motion Controller)
Programming	LN Assist automatic programming software (standard)
Machine Dimensions	1,495 x 1,290 x 2,150 mm (58.9 x 50.8 x 84.6 in) standard
Machine Dimensions High Column	1,495 x 1,289 x 2,350 mm (58.9 x 50.7 x 92.5 in)
Automatic Features	AEF (automatic electrode feeder), through-hole detection
Axis Stroke Xyz	300 x 400 x 300
Table Size W X D	480 x 790
Max Workpiece Weightkg	300
Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H	1495 x 1290 x 2150*1

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Ultra-high-speed hole drilling with LK2 power supply optimized specifically for small-hole EDM — significantly faster than general-purpose sinker EDMs
K-SMC adaptive controller adjusts feed rates based on real-time gap conditions, preventing short circuits and maximizing drilling speed
Automatic electrode feeder (AEF) enables continuous drilling from spooled electrode tube without manual loading
Through-hole detection automatically stops electrode advance on breakthrough, enabling multi-hole sequences
480 x 790 mm work table and 300 kg capacity handle larger mold plates and die blocks
LN Assist automatic programming simplifies setup for operators without deep EDM process knowledge

Limitations

300 x 400 mm travel may limit X/Y reach on larger mold bases — the K4HL provides greater travel
No linear motor drives — uses the K-SMC controller with conventional servo drives
Copper and brass pipe electrodes are consumables that represent ongoing operating costs
Deionized water dielectric requires a DI water system with conductivity monitoring

Best For

Automotive production shops drilling cooling holes, wire start holes, and through-holes in stamping dies and injection molds Medical device manufacturers EDM-drilling micro-holes in stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chrome Electronics and semiconductor tooling shops drilling precision holes in hardened die components Aerospace manufacturers drilling cooling holes in turbine blades, vanes, and combustor liners Production toolrooms that need a dedicated high-speed hole popper to support wire EDM operations

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between copper and brass electrode tubes?

Copper electrode tubes provide faster material removal and lower wear ratios in most materials. Brass electrode tubes are more rigid and less prone to deflection in deep holes, making them better for maintaining hole straightness in thick workpieces.

02 How does through-hole detection work?

The K3HS monitors electrical discharge conditions during drilling. When the electrode breaks through the workpiece, the gap voltage and discharge characteristics change abruptly. The control detects this change and stops electrode advance, preventing overtravel.

03 What is the LN Assist programming system?

LN Assist is Sodick's automatic programming software that simplifies job setup. The operator inputs workpiece material, thickness, electrode diameter, and hole quantity, and LN Assist generates the drilling program including discharge conditions, feed rates, and flushing parameters.

04 Can the K3HS drill angled holes?

The standard K3HS drills vertical holes. For angled holes, an optional tilting rotary table or tilting electrode head can be configured. Contact Sodick for available angle drilling options.