Mitsubishi MV1200R
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Table Size
u axis
v axis
Overview
The Mitsubishi MV1200R is the precision-focused model in Mitsubishi's MV-R wire EDM series, engineered for shops where accuracy and surface finish quality take priority over raw cutting speed. With 400 x 300 x 220 mm (15.75 x 11.81 x 8.66 inch) X/Y/Z travel, a 500 kg (1,102 lb) workpiece capacity, and Mitsubishi's non-contact cylindrical drive system on all cutting axes, the MV1200R is the go-to mid-range wire EDM for mold shops, die makers, and precision component manufacturers across North America — backed by MC Machinery's extensive service network.
The non-contact cylindrical drive system is Mitsubishi's answer to linear motors. It uses a tubular linear motor design on X, Y, U, and V axes that eliminates backlash and mechanical wear, similar in principle to Sodick's flat linear motors but with a cylindrical geometry that Mitsubishi claims provides better thermal stability. The result is consistent positioning accuracy that doesn't degrade over time, and the machine can produce surface finishes down to Ra 0.20 um (4 Ra) with standard multi-pass cutting sequences.
The M800 series control is one of the MV1200R's strongest selling points. It features a 19-inch touchscreen with a smartphone-like interface that makes job setup, programming, and monitoring genuinely intuitive. Mitsubishi's Advance Plus technology package includes automatic threading down to 0.10 mm (0.004 inch) wire with intelligent retry, D-CUBES automatic optimization of cutting conditions, and remote monitoring capability. For shops running lights-out or unattended shifts, the reliable auto-threading and cutting condition optimization reduce the need for operator intervention.
The machine handles wire diameters from 0.10 to 0.30 mm (0.004 to 0.012 inch), with the taper cutting capability reaching 15 degrees at 200 mm plate thickness — adequate for most angular work. With optional taper guides, the machine can handle up to 45 degrees at reduced thickness. Table size is 640 x 540 mm (25.2 x 21.3 inch), and the 145-gallon filter tank provides sufficient dielectric capacity for continuous operation.
Pricing for a new Mitsubishi MV1200R Advance Plus typically falls in the $110,000-$160,000 range. Used machines from 2014-2020 trade between $40,000 and $90,000. The MV1200R competes directly with the Sodick ALN400G, GF AgieCharmilles CUT E 350, and Makino U3 in the mid-range precision wire EDM segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.81 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 220 mm (8.66 in) |
| U Axis | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) |
| V Axis | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | +/-15° at 200 mm height; +/-45° with optional guides |
| Max Workpiece Size | 800 x 600 x 215 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 8.5 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Table Size | 640 x 540 mm (25.2 x 21.3 in) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.10 - 0.30 mm (0.004 - 0.012 in) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.20 um (4 Ra) |
| Drive System | Non-contact cylindrical drive (X, Y, U, V) |
| CNC Control | M800 series (19-inch touchscreen) |
| Auto Threading | Intelligent auto-threader (0.10 - 0.25 mm wire) |
| Filter Tank Capacity | 549 L (145 gal) |
| Machine Dimensions | 2,032 x 2,718 x 2,032 mm (80 x 107 x 80 in) |
| Machine Weight | 2,700 kg (5,952 lb) |
| Power Requirements | 200-230V 3-phase |
Specifications sourced from mitsubishielectric-edm.eu — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- MC Machinery's North American service network is the largest among wire EDM brands — faster response times and better applications support than most competitors
- M800 touchscreen control with D-CUBES automatic optimization makes job setup faster and reduces the skill barrier for operators new to wire EDM
- Non-contact cylindrical drive system eliminates backlash and mechanical wear for long-term accuracy retention without periodic ball-screw adjustments
- Intelligent auto-threading with retry logic provides reliable unattended operation down to 0.10 mm wire — critical for lights-out and weekend runs
- Surface finish capability of Ra 0.20 um (4 Ra) meets the requirements of most precision mold and die applications
- Established resale market with strong value retention — the MV1200R is one of the most liquid wire EDMs on the used market
Limitations
- Z-axis travel of 220 mm (8.66 in) is the shortest in its competitive set — the Sodick ALN400G offers 250 mm and the GF CUT E 350 offers 256 mm
- Standard taper capability of 15 degrees at 200 mm is adequate but not exceptional — shops with heavy taper work should compare against machines with 30+ degree standard capability
- Cutting speed is optimized for finish rather than throughput — the MV-S series is the better choice for shops where raw cutting speed matters more than fine finish
- 500 kg workpiece capacity is limiting for larger die plates — shops regularly handling heavier workpieces should look at the MV2400R or MV2400S
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The MV1200R (R = Refined) is the precision-focused model optimized for surface finish and accuracy, while the MV1200S (S = Speed) prioritizes cutting throughput for production environments. Both share the same travel envelope and M800 control, but the R uses the non-contact cylindrical drive for better accuracy while the S uses a conventional drive with a more powerful generator for faster rough cutting. Choose the R for mold/die work and the S for production cutting.
02
Both are excellent mid-range wire EDMs with similar accuracy and finish specs. The MV1200R's main advantages are the M800 touchscreen interface (more intuitive than Sodick's SPM) and MC Machinery's superior North American service network. The ALN400G counters with 30 mm more Z-travel (250 vs. 220 mm) and Sodick's 10-year accuracy guarantee. For most shops, the deciding factor is dealer relationship and service availability in their region.
03
Used MV1200R machines from 2014-2020 typically trade between $40,000 and $90,000 depending on hours, condition, and generation (M700 vs. M800 control). The MV1200R is one of the most commonly traded wire EDMs on the used market, so availability is generally good. Machines with the newer M800 control command a premium of $10,000-$20,000 over equivalent M700 units.
04
Yes, the MV1200R cuts PCD (polycrystalline diamond), carbide, and other hard conductive materials. The non-contact drive system and M800 control have specific technology packages for these materials. Cutting PCD is slower than steel and requires specific wire types and cutting parameters, but the MV1200R handles it routinely. Many PCD tool manufacturers use Mitsubishi wire EDMs for profile grinding and edge preparation.
05
The machine runs standard brass wire from 0.10 to 0.30 mm, with 0.20 and 0.25 mm being the most common for general work. Coated wires (zinc-coated, diffusion-annealed) improve cutting speed and finish quality. The intelligent auto-threader handles wire sizes from 0.10 to 0.25 mm reliably. Most shops keep multiple wire sizes on hand and swap based on the accuracy and finish requirements of each job.
Videos
HK Ltd
KD Machinery
John T
JS PRECISION CO
HK Ltd
Community Discussions
Community discussion — Mitsubishi MV Series Quirks, Tips and Tricks
Community discussion — Mitsubishi Dirty Water MV1200R - Practical Machinist
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Mitsubishi Wire EDM problems - Practical Machinist
Maintenance and service — Mitsubishi wire edm low fluid alarm - Practical Machinist
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
