Makino U1 Wire EDM

The Makino U1 is a micro-precision wire EDM machine purpose-built for applications where part features are measured in tenths of a micron. Targeting the electronics, semiconductor tooling, micro-stamping die, and medical microcomponent sectors, the U1 offers wire diameter capability down to 0.02 mm — a level of fineness that opens geometries impossible on standard wire EDM platforms.

The U1's machine structure is designed from the ground up for micro-scale work. The ultra-rigid cast iron base, precision-ground linear guides, and vibration-isolation system combine with Makino's Hyper-i micro control to hold positioning repeatability within ±0.5 µm. At these tolerances, thermal effects are the primary enemy, and the U1 addresses this with a closed-loop thermal compensation system that corrects for ambient and internal temperature variation continuously during the cut.

Despite its micro-precision focus, the U1 retains practical work capacity with X/Y/Z travels of 200 x 160 x 110 mm and a 30 kg maximum workpiece weight. Maximum cutting speed reaches 80 mm²/min — modest by large-machine standards, but appropriate for the thin sections and complex micro-geometry typical of semiconductor lead frame tooling and precision watch-component dies.

The U1's submerged cutting capability, combined with its ultra-fine wire guide system, delivers surface finishes in the Ra 0.05 µm range on finishing passes. This exceptional surface quality eliminates hand polishing operations that would otherwise introduce form error — a critical advantage in precision optics tooling and micro-mold manufacture.