Makino EDGE2i
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Weight
Overview
The Makino EDGE2i is a mid-range sinker EDM built for mold and die shops that need solid performance without stepping up to the premium EDAF or EDNC lines. It occupies a practical middle ground in Makino's EDM lineup, delivering reliable cavity burning for shops running a mix of production and tool room work.
Axis travel measures 350 x 250 x 250 mm (13.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 in) on X/Y/Z, which covers the majority of small-to-medium mold cavities and die inserts encountered in general mold making. The worktable accommodates workpieces up to 500 kg (1,102 lb), handling most standard mold plates without issue.
The EDGE2i uses Makino's proven spark generator technology to balance roughing speed with finishing capability. The generator delivers up to 30A peak current, giving it enough muscle to rough cavities at reasonable rates while still producing quality surface finishes down to VDI 12 on finishing passes. ArcFree technology monitors the gap in real time and eliminates destructive DC arcs that would otherwise damage finished surfaces during unattended operation.
The programmable three-sided drop tank measures approximately 650 x 450 x 300 mm internally, providing good workpiece access and adequate dielectric volume for thermal stability. A 16-position automatic tool changer comes standard, supporting multi-electrode strategies essential for unattended overnight burning.
The Hyper-i touchscreen control simplifies programming and setup with its intuitive interface and guided workflows. Operators can go from setup to burning faster than with older menu-driven controls. Rapid traverse rates hit 5,000 mm/min (197 ipm) across all axes. Machine weight is approximately 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). New EDGE2i machines typically price between $120,000 and $180,000 depending on configuration, with used units from 2016-2022 available between $50,000 and $90,000.
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 | 110 lbs |
| Tank Internal Dimensions | 650 x 450 x 300 mm (25.6 x 17.7 x 11.8 in) |
| Dielectric Fluid Volume | 350 liters (92 gal) |
| Generator Current | 30A peak |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 197 ipm |
| Atc Capacity | 16 positions |
| Best Surface Finish | VDI 12 (Ra 0.4 µm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
| Machine Dimensions | 1,450 x 2,300 x 2,400 mm (57.1 x 90.6 x 94.5 in) |
| Machine Weight | ~4,200 kg (9,259 lb) |
| CNC Control | Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen) |
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| Metric | English |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 1,100 lbs |
| Tool Capacity | 4,8,16 |
| Tank Size | 25.6” x 17.7” x 11.8” |
| Drop Tank | Yes |
| Max Available Amperage | 40A (80A Option) |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 350 x 250 mm X/Y travel handles the majority of small-to-medium mold cavities without needing to step up to larger, more expensive EDNC machines
- 30A generator provides a solid balance between roughing speed and finishing capability for general mold and die work
- ArcFree technology enables confident unattended overnight burning without risk of surface-damaging DC arcs
- Hyper-i touchscreen control reduces setup time and lowers the learning curve for operators transitioning from older EDM platforms
- 16-position ATC supports multi-electrode strategies for complex cavity work and automated electrode sequencing
- 500 kg workpiece capacity accommodates standard mold plates used in most small-to-medium mold shops
- Competitive price point makes Makino EDM technology accessible to shops that find EDNC machines beyond budget
Limitations
- 30A peak current limits roughing speed compared to EDNC machines with 50A+ generators for large-volume stock removal
- Travel envelope still restricts the machine to smaller work — shops with large die cavities will outgrow it quickly
- Drop tank size limits the height of workpieces that can be fully submerged during deep cavity burning
- Lacks the advanced thermal compensation features found in higher-end Makino sinker EDMs
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Makino EDGE2i machines typically price between $120,000 and $180,000 depending on options and configuration. Base machines with standard ATC and Hyper-i control start around $120,000, while fully optioned machines with C-axis, additional ATC positions, and fire suppression approach $180,000. Used EDGE2i units from 2016-2022 sell between $50,000 and $90,000 depending on condition and hours.
02
The EDGE2i is a step up from the EDAC1 in every dimension. It offers larger travel (350/250/250 mm vs 250/200/200 mm), more workpiece capacity (500 kg vs 350 kg), and a more powerful 30A generator vs the EDAC1's 20A unit. The EDGE2i handles medium-sized mold cavities the EDAC1 simply cannot reach. Choose the EDAC1 for small precision detail work; choose the EDGE2i when you need more envelope and power.
03
Yes, the EDGE2i is well-suited for unattended operation. The 16-position ATC allows multi-electrode strategies to run sequentially without operator intervention. ArcFree technology protects finished surfaces from DC arcs. Adding fire suppression and dielectric temperature control makes extended unattended runs safe and reliable.
04
The EDGE2i achieves surface finishes down to approximately VDI 12 (Ra 0.4 µm) with proper electrode material selection and finishing parameters. Graphite electrodes typically produce finishes in the VDI 14-18 range, while copper electrodes with fine-finish settings can push into VDI 12 territory. Actual results depend on electrode geometry, cavity depth, and flushing conditions.
05
The EDGE2i handles both graphite and copper electrodes effectively. Graphite is the most common choice for general mold work due to lower electrode cost and faster machining of electrode shapes. Copper is preferred when the lowest possible electrode wear is critical or when burning carbide workpieces. The Hyper-i control includes optimized settings for both materials.
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