Makino U86
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Table Size
Accuracy
u axis
Overview
The Makino U86 is the largest standard wire EDM in Makino's lineup, built for shops that cut oversized die plates, large mold components, and structural aerospace parts that exceed the capacity of 600-class machines. With an 800 x 600 mm travel envelope and a table that handles workpieces over 1,200 kg, the U86 addresses the big-work segment where only a handful of competitors play.
Axis travel measures 800 x 600 x 500 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 19.7 in) on X/Y/Z — a massive envelope by wire EDM standards. U and V axes provide +/-100 mm (+/-3.9 in) for taper cutting on the tallest workpieces. The worktable spans 1,100 x 800 mm (43.3 x 31.5 in) and accommodates workpieces up to 1,100 x 800 x 500 mm (43.3 x 31.5 x 19.7 in) at a maximum weight of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb).
The U86 uses Makino's high-performance digital AC generator engineered for efficient cutting in thick cross-sections. Surface finish capability reaches 0.15 um Ra (6 uin Ra) with multi-pass skim cuts. Wire diameter range covers 0.15 to 0.30 mm (0.006 to 0.012 in), and positioning accuracy is rated at +/-0.003 mm (+/-0.00012 in). On a machine this large, maintaining +/-3 micron accuracy across the full 800 x 600 mm envelope is a significant engineering achievement backed by precision glass scales and thermal compensation.
Taper cutting handles angles up to +/-25 degrees at reduced height, with the +/-100 mm U/V offset providing substantial independent wire guide travel for steep tapers on tall workpieces. Makino's Hyper-i touchscreen control drives the machine with comprehensive technology databases sized for the thick-workpiece applications the U86 targets.
The large submerged cutting tank with temperature-controlled dielectric is critical — on a machine with 500 mm Z travel and 1,500 kg workpieces, thermal management is essential for holding tolerance through programs that may run for days. Automatic wire threading with broken wire recovery keeps unattended operation running reliably.
The U86 competes with the Sodick ALN1200G, Mitsubishi BA24, and GF Machining Solutions CUT 1000 in the extra-large wire EDM segment. New pricing typically ranges from $320,000 to $440,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| U Axis | ±3.98" |
| V Axis | ±3.98" |
| Table Size | 1,100 x 800 mm (43.3 x 31.5 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 1,100 x 800 x 500 mm (43.3 x 31.5 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.15 - 0.30 mm (0.006 - 0.012 in) |
| Taper Angle | +/-25 degrees (at reduced height) |
| Surface Finish | 0.15 um Ra (6 uin Ra) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/-0.003 mm (+/-0.00012 in) |
| CNC Control | Makino Hyper-i (touchscreen) |
| Generator | Makino high-performance digital AC generator |
| Tank Size | 55.1" x 38.9" |
| Machine Weight | 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) |
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| Metric | English |
| U Axis101 Mmv Axis101 Mmtank Size1400 X 910 Mmavailable Wire Size020 025 030 Mm | U-Axis:±3.98"V-Axis:±3.98"Maximum Workpiece Size:48.0" x 35.8" x 19.7"Maximum Workpiece Weight:6,600 lbsTank Size:55.1" x 38.9"Available Wire Size:0.008", 0.010", 0.012" |
| Available Wire Size | 0.008", 0.010", 0.012" |
| Maximum Workpiece Size | 48.0" x 35.8" x 19.7" |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 6,600 lbs |
Specifications sourced from makino.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Largest standard travel (800 x 600 x 500 mm) in Makino's wire EDM lineup handles oversized die plates and mold components
- 1,500 kg workpiece capacity supports the heaviest die steel sections and large mold base plates
- 500 mm Z-axis travel enables cutting the tallest workpieces and deep extrusion die blocks
- +/-100 mm U/V offset provides the wire guide range needed for steep taper on tall workpieces
- +/-0.003 mm accuracy across the full 800 x 600 mm envelope is a genuine engineering achievement at this scale
- Temperature-controlled dielectric maintains accuracy through multi-day programs on large workpieces
Limitations
- Very large footprint — approximately 4.2 x 3.5 m plus clearances — requires substantial floor space
- 8,500 kg machine weight demands reinforced concrete foundations engineered for the load
- Premium pricing ($320K-$440K) limits the U86 to shops with consistent large-workpiece demand
- Longer dielectric fill and thermal stabilization time at startup compared to smaller machines
- +/-0.003 mm accuracy is wider than mid-size machines — not suited for sub-micron precision work
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New U86 machines typically price between $320,000 and $440,000 depending on configuration and options. The large-format platform commands a significant premium over mid-size machines due to the scale of the mechanical components, tank, and precision systems required. Used U86 machines are rare — when available, expect $160,000-$260,000 for units from 2015-2020.
02
At 8,500 kg, the U86 requires a reinforced concrete foundation specifically engineered for the load. A typical foundation pad is 300-400 mm thick with rebar mesh, isolated from shop floor vibration. Consult Makino's installation specifications and a structural engineer before installation. Foundation problems are the number one cause of accuracy issues on large wire EDMs.
03
The U86 is substantially larger in every dimension — 800 x 600 x 500 mm travel vs 650 x 450 x 420 mm, and 1,500 kg capacity vs 1,000 kg. The UX6 offers tighter accuracy (+/-0.002 mm vs +/-0.003 mm) due to its more compact structure. Choose the U86 when workpiece size demands it; the UX6 when you can fit your work in its envelope and want tighter tolerance.
04
Yes. Automatic wire threading with broken wire recovery enables lights-out operation. Given that programs on the U86 routinely run 24-72 hours on large workpieces, unattended capability is essential. The temperature-controlled dielectric system and submerged cutting tank maintain consistent conditions throughout extended programs without operator intervention.
05
On 300-500 mm tall D2 tool steel with 0.25 mm brass wire, expect roughing speeds in the 150-250 mm2/min range. Thick workpieces inherently cut slower due to flushing limitations and debris evacuation. The U86's generator and flushing system are optimized for these conditions, maintaining stable cutting where smaller machines would struggle with wire breaks.
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