Sodick Sodick K4HL
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
travel w
work table size
max workpiece weight
Overview
The Sodick K4HL is the largest machine in Sodick's K-series of small-hole EDM drilling machines, featuring 400 x 300 x 500 mm (15.7 x 11.8 x 19.7 in) X/Y/Z travel with an additional 400 mm W-axis, a 750 x 650 mm (29.5 x 25.6 in) work table, and 500 kg (1,102 lb) maximum workpiece capacity. The K4HL is engineered for high-volume production drilling of cooling holes, wire EDM start holes, and through-holes in the largest die and mold plates, turbine engine components, and heavy industrial tooling.
The K4HL features an ultra-high-speed linear motor drive system that delivers electrode advance and retraction response needed for aggressive drilling parameters. Combined with the newly developed SPK power supply — a discharge generator specialized for small-hole EDM drilling with an electrolysis-free circuit — the K4HL achieves drilling speeds that significantly exceed conventional hole poppers.
The SPK power supply's electrolysis-free circuit eliminates the electrochemical material removal at the electrode-workpiece interface that degrades hole accuracy and surface quality in conventional EDM drilling with deionized water dielectric. This produces cleaner, more dimensionally consistent holes — particularly important in precision applications like turbine blade cooling holes.
The K4HL's 500 mm Z-axis travel and 400 mm W-axis provide exceptional depth reach. Automatic through-hole detection and optional automatic electrode feeders support continuous drilling production. Difficult-to-machine materials including titanium alloy, nickel alloy, steel, cemented carbide, copper, aluminum, and brass are all within capability. Pricing typically ranges from $120,000 to $170,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Travel W | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Work Table Size | 750 x 650 mm (29.5 x 25.6 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Drive System | Linear motor drive (ultra-high-speed) |
| Power Supply | SPK (specialized for small-hole drilling, electrolysis-free circuit) |
| Compatible Materials | Titanium alloy, nickel alloy, steel, cemented carbide, copper, aluminum, brass |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,500 x 2,300 x 3,000 mm (59.1 x 90.6 x 118.1 in) |
| Automatic Features | Through-hole detection, optional automatic electrode feeders and rotary tables |
| Dielectric | Deionized water |
| Axis Stroke Xyz | 400 x 300 x 500 |
| W Axis Strokemm | 400 |
| Table Size W X D | 750 x 650 |
| Max Workpiece Weightkg | 500 |
| Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H | 1500 x 2300 x 3000 |
Specifications sourced from sodick.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Largest work envelope in Sodick's K-series: 400 x 300 x 500 mm travel plus 400 mm W-axis handles the biggest mold plates and turbine components
- SPK power supply with electrolysis-free circuit produces cleaner, more dimensionally consistent holes than conventional EDM drilling
- Linear motor drive delivers ultra-high-speed electrode response for aggressive drilling parameters and maximum productivity
- 750 x 650 mm work table and 500 kg capacity accommodate larger workpieces than any other Sodick hole popper
- 500 mm Z-axis travel plus 400 mm W-axis provides exceptional depth reach for thick workpieces
- Handles the full range of difficult-to-machine materials including titanium, nickel alloys, and cemented carbide
Limitations
- 1,500 x 2,300 mm footprint is large for a hole popper — significantly more floor space than the compact K1C or K1BL
- Price range of $120,000-$170,000 is at the top of the small-hole EDM market
- The specialized SPK power supply may have limited service and parts availability compared to mainstream generators
- DI water dielectric system requires conductivity monitoring, filtering, and periodic water quality maintenance
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
When EDM drilling with deionized water, electrolysis can occur at the electrode-workpiece interface — an electrochemical reaction that removes material uncontrollably and degrades hole roundness, diameter accuracy, and surface quality. The SPK circuit shapes the discharge pulse to eliminate this effect.
02
The W-axis is an additional linear axis providing 400 mm of vertical motion independent of the Z-axis drilling stroke. This gives the K4HL the ability to position the electrode at different heights on complex 3D workpieces without using Z-axis travel for non-drilling positioning.
03
The K4HL handles electrode tubes ranging from approximately 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm diameter depending on electrode guide and feeder configuration. For ultra-fine holes below 0.2 mm, Sodick's K1BL or K3BL are more appropriate.
04
With optional rotary table configurations, the K4HL can drill holes at various angles by tilting the workpiece. This is the standard approach for turbine blade cooling holes where holes must be drilled at compound angles.
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