Makino EDAF2-FH

$130,000 - $185,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

X Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Y Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Z Travel

250 mm (9.8 in)

Table Size

500 x 350 mm (19.7 x 13.8 in)

Weight

~4,500 kg (9,921 lb)

Rapid Traverse

5,000 mm/min (197 ipm)

Overview

The Makino EDAF2-FH (Fine Hole) is a dual-purpose sinker EDM that combines full sinker burning capability with precision EDM hole drilling on a single platform. The 'FH' designation adds a removable W-axis die guide arm that enables high-precision start holes and cooling holes directly on the sinker EDM, eliminating the need for a separate EDM hole-drilling machine in many shops.

The base platform is identical to the standard EDAF2: 350 x 250 x 250 mm (13.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 in) travel on X/Y/Z, a 500 x 350 mm (19.7 x 13.8 in) worktable rated for 500 kg (1,102 lb), and a three-sided programmable drop tank. The key addition is the W-axis die guide arm, which installs and removes quickly, converting the machine between sinker and drilling modes without removing the workpiece.

In drilling mode, the EDAF2-FH can produce EDM-drilled holes from 0.1 mm (0.004 in) diameter up to approximately 3 mm (0.118 in). Unlike conventional mechanical drilling, EDM hole drilling works in hardened materials regardless of hardness, produces burr-free holes, and can drill at angles that twist drills cannot reach. The die guide arm provides precise electrode guidance for maintaining hole straightness and positional accuracy.

A significant advantage of the FH variant is that it uses the same EDM dielectric oil as the sinker mode, rather than the deionized water used in dedicated hole-drilling machines. Makino states this improves drilling accuracy and edge quality. The Hyper-i control includes dedicated hole-drilling cycles and technology settings alongside the full sinker EDM functionality.

All standard EDAF2 features are retained: SuperSpark IV, ArcFree technology, HyperCut, 16-position ATC, optional C-axis MA head, and the MGH5 power supply (30A peak). The machine operates as a full-capability sinker EDM when the die guide arm is removed. New pricing typically ranges from $130,000 to $185,000, reflecting the additional W-axis hardware and drilling technology.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Y-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Z-Axis Travel	250 mm (9.8 in)
Table Size	500 x 350 mm (19.7 x 13.8 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	500 kg (1,102 lb)
Max Electrode Weight	50 kg (110 lb)
Tank Internal Dimensions	650 x 500 x 350 mm (25.6 x 19.7 x 13.8 in)
Hole Drilling Range	0.1 - 3.0 mm (0.004 - 0.118 in)
Nc Power Supply	MGH5 (30A peak)
Rapid Traverse Rate	5,000 mm/min (197 ipm)
Atc Capacity	16 positions
C Axis Speed	1,000 RPM (MA Head, optional)
Machine Weight	~4,500 kg (9,921 lb)
CNC Control	Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen)
Additional Axis	W-axis (removable die guide arm)
Eventscontent Librarywebinar Archiveownersmakino Expertisesafety Data Sheetsnewsroomfinancing	Financing OptionsMakino makes it easy to upgrade with flexible financing optionsLearn More
Metricenglish	X: 350 mm Y: 250 mm Z: 350 mmMaximum Workpiece Weight500 kgTable: 21.7" x 13.8"X: 13.8" Y: 9.8" Z: 13.8"Maximum Workpiece:1,100 lbsMaximum Workpiece Weight:1,100 lbs
Metric	English
Maximum Workpiece Weight500 Kg	Maximum Workpiece:1,100 lbsMaximum Workpiece Weight:1,100 lbs
Maximum Workpiece Weight	1,100 lbs
Maximum Workpiece1100 Lbs	Maximum Workpiece Weight:1,100 lbs
Maximum Workpiece	1,100 lbs

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Dual sinker/drilling capability eliminates the need for a separate EDM hole-drilling machine, saving capital and floor space
Removable W-axis die guide arm converts between modes quickly without removing the workpiece, maintaining positional accuracy
Holes drilled in EDM dielectric oil rather than water improve hole edge quality and accuracy over dedicated water-based drill machines
Full EDAF2 sinker capability retained — ArcFree, SuperSpark IV, HyperCut, 16-tool ATC all function normally
0.1 mm minimum hole diameter enables precision start holes for wire EDM and cooling channels in hardened mold inserts
Single-setup drilling and burning eliminates workpiece repositioning errors between separate machines

Limitations

30A peak current limits sinker EDM roughing power compared to the larger EDAF3 with 40A
FH option adds approximately $30,000-$40,000 to the base EDAF2 price, which may not be justified for shops that rarely need hole drilling
Maximum 3 mm hole diameter limits drilling capability for larger cooling channel applications
Switching between sinker and drilling modes, while fast, still requires manual installation/removal of the die guide arm
Hole drilling speed is slower than dedicated high-speed EDM hole poppers for production drilling volumes

Best For

Die/mold shops that need both sinker EDM and precision hole drilling but can't justify the floor space and cost of separate machines Injection mold manufacturers drilling precision cooling channels and vent holes in hardened mold inserts before or after cavity burning Wire EDM shops that need precision start holes drilled in hardened workpieces before wire threading Small-to-medium mold shops where a single versatile EDM platform reduces capital investment and operator cross-training requirements Shops producing dies with both sinker-burned cavities and EDM-drilled holes where single-setup accuracy is critical

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Makino EDAF2-FH cost?

New EDAF2-FH machines typically price between $130,000 and $185,000. The FH option adds approximately $30,000-$40,000 over the base EDAF2 price for the W-axis die guide arm and drilling technology package. Used EDAF2-FH machines from 2014-2020 trade between $50,000 and $90,000 when available.

02 How long does it take to switch between sinker and drilling modes?

The W-axis die guide arm installs and removes in approximately 5-10 minutes. The arm locates on precision reference surfaces that maintain positional accuracy between installations. The Hyper-i control automatically switches between sinker and drilling technology settings based on the operating mode selected.

03 What is the advantage of drilling in oil vs water?

Dedicated EDM hole-drilling machines typically use deionized water as the dielectric. The EDAF2-FH drills in EDM dielectric oil, which Makino says provides better hole edge quality, less recast layer formation, and improved accuracy. Oil-based drilling also avoids the corrosion risk that water-based drilling presents on some workpiece materials.

04 Can I buy a standard EDAF2 and add the FH option later?

The FH option is typically factory-installed, as it requires specific mounting provisions and control software. Retrofitting a standard EDAF2 with the FH package after delivery may be possible through Makino but is more expensive than ordering it configured from the factory. Check with your Makino dealer for retrofit availability and pricing.

05 What is the difference between the EDAF2-FH and EDAF3-FH?

The EDAF3-FH offers all the same drilling capability but on the larger EDAF3 platform with 450 x 350 x 350 mm travel, a larger table (700 x 500 mm), higher workpiece capacity (800 kg), and a more powerful 40A MGH6 power supply. Choose the EDAF2-FH for smaller work where its travel is sufficient; choose the EDAF3-FH when you need the additional stroke and power for larger mold inserts.