GF Machining AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 OilTech

$280,000 - $430,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

220 mm (8.7 in)

Y Travel

160 mm (6.3 in)

Z Travel

100 mm (3.9 in)

travel u v

± 40 mm± 1.57 in

max workpiece size

300 x 200 x 80 mm (11.8 x 7.9 x 3.1 in)

max workpiece weight

35 kg77 lbs

Overview

The GF Machining Solutions AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 OilTech is the oil-dielectric variant of the CUT 1000 micro wire EDM, sharing the same precision micro-cutting platform but using inert oil instead of deionized water as the dielectric medium. This fundamental change in dielectric fluid addresses specific material and surface quality requirements that water-based EDM cannot satisfy.

The OilTech designation indicates that the machine cuts in hydrocarbon-based dielectric oil rather than deionized water. Oil dielectric produces no oxidation coloring on cut surfaces — parts emerge with a clean, bright metallic finish rather than the characteristic blue-gray discoloration of water-based wire EDM. This eliminates post-cutting cleaning steps for applications where surface appearance matters, and more importantly, prevents the micro-corrosion that water-based EDM can cause on sensitive materials.

The CUT 1000 OilTech shares identical mechanical specifications with the standard CUT 1000: X/Y/Z travels of 220 x 160 x 100 mm, maximum workpiece dimensions of 300 x 200 x 80 mm, wire diameter range from 0.07 to 0.20 mm with optional 0.02-0.05 mm ultra-fine capability, and surface finish down to Ra 0.05 micrometers. The oil dielectric medium enhances surface quality further by eliminating water-induced micro-damage on sensitive materials.

Oil-dielectric wire EDM is particularly valuable for cutting carbide, PCD (polycrystalline diamond), PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride), and other materials that react adversely with water. The inert oil environment also benefits exotic alloys used in medical implants where any surface contamination from electrolytic effects must be avoided.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	220 mm (8.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	160 mm (6.3 in)
Z-Axis Travel	100 mm (3.9 in)
Travel U V	± 40 mm± 1.57 in
Max Workpiece Size	300 x 200 x 80 mm (11.8 x 7.9 x 3.1 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	35 kg77 lbs
Wire Diameter Standard	0.07 - 0.20 mm
Wire Diameter Optional	0.02 - 0.05 mm
Surface Finish	Ra 0.05 µm (best)
Max Taper Angle	+/-3 deg / 80 mm
Wire Spool Capacity	2 x 8 kg per circuit
Dielectric	Inert hydrocarbon oil (OilTech)
Travel X Y Z	220 x 160 x 100 mm8.66 x 6.3 x 3.93
Min Surface Roughness Ra	0.05 μm
Max Taper Angle Height	± 3°/80 mm± 3°/3.14 in
Max Workpiece Dimensions	300 x 200 x 80 mm11.81 x 7.87 x 3.14 in
Wire Diameters	0.07 - 0.20 (0.02-0.05 optional) mm0.003 - 0.008 (0.0008 - 0.002 optional) in
Max Wire Spool Weight	2x8 kg

Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Oil dielectric eliminates oxidation coloring — parts emerge with clean, bright metallic finish
No water-induced micro-corrosion on sensitive materials like carbide, PCD, PCBN, and exotic alloys
Ra 0.05 micrometers surface finish with oil produces superior surface integrity vs water on reactive materials
Ultra-fine wire capability down to 0.02 mm for micro-features with single-digit micron corner radii
Identical precision platform to the standard CUT 1000 with the added benefit of oil dielectric
Eliminates post-cutting cleaning and surface remediation steps for sensitive applications

Limitations

Oil dielectric cuts slower than water for most materials — reduced productivity on standard applications
At $280K-$430K, carries a premium over the water-based CUT 1000 for the OilTech system
Oil dielectric requires different filtration and maintenance protocols than water systems
Same small work envelope (220 x 160 x 100 mm) and 35 kg weight limit as the standard CUT 1000

Best For

Cutting tool manufacturers wire-cutting PCD and PCBN blanks where water causes material degradation Carbide tooling producers where oxidation-free surfaces eliminate post-processing Medical implant manufacturers requiring corrosion-free cut surfaces on titanium and exotic alloys Watchmaking and luxury component manufacturers where surface appearance is critical Micro-precision applications on water-reactive or corrosion-sensitive materials

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the CUT 1000 and CUT 1000 OilTech?

The only difference is the dielectric medium: the standard CUT 1000 uses deionized water, while the OilTech uses inert hydrocarbon oil. All mechanical specifications (travels, wire range, surface finish, accuracy) are identical. The oil dielectric eliminates oxidation coloring and micro-corrosion on cut surfaces, but cutting speeds are generally slower than water.

02 Why use oil instead of water for wire EDM?

Oil dielectric prevents oxidation and electrolytic corrosion that water causes on cut surfaces. This matters for PCD, PCBN, and carbide (where water degrades the cobalt binder), for medical implant alloys (where surface contamination affects biocompatibility), and for precision components where surface discoloration is unacceptable.

03 Is cutting speed affected by oil dielectric?

Yes. Oil dielectric generally cuts slower than water for most materials because water has higher dielectric strength and better flushing properties. The trade-off is superior surface quality and material compatibility. The CUT 1000 OilTech is selected when surface quality and material compatibility outweigh raw cutting speed.

04 What materials benefit most from oil-dielectric wire EDM?

PCD (polycrystalline diamond), PCBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride), cemented carbide (where water attacks the cobalt binder), titanium alloys for medical implants, and any application where oxidation-free cut surfaces eliminate cleaning or remediation steps.