Sodick Sodick AL400P
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
u axis
v axis
max taper angle
Overview
The Sodick AL400P i Groove+ Edition is a linear motor-driven wire EDM built around Sodick’s proven 400 x 300 x 250 mm (15.75 x 11.81 x 9.84 in) travel platform, positioned as the performance-oriented variant in the AL400 series. The P designation identifies this as the premium model with Sodick’s latest Smart Pulse generator technology, which delivers faster cutting speeds and improved surface finish consistency compared to the standard AL400G. With a 500 kg (1,102 lb) flushing workpiece capacity and wire diameter support from 0.05 to 0.30 mm, the AL400P handles the core wire EDM workload of die inserts, mold components, and precision production parts.
Sodick’s four-axis linear motor drive system (X, Y, U, V) is the engineering foundation that separates the AL400P from conventional ball-screw wire EDMs. The direct-drive design eliminates backlash entirely, removes the mechanical wear path that degrades ball-screw accuracy over time, and enables the sub-micron positioning resolution that precision wire EDM demands. Sodick backs this with a 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee — a commitment that reflects the inherent longevity advantage of contactless linear motor technology.
The i Groove+ technology is the AL400P’s signature feature. This corner control and taper accuracy system uses real-time wire deflection compensation to maintain dimensional accuracy through direction changes, tight inside corners, and taper cuts up to +/-25 degrees at 130 mm plate thickness. For progressive die and mold shops where punch-to-die clearance tolerances are measured in single-digit microns, i Groove+ translates directly into fewer test cuts and faster first-part acceptance.
The three-sided drop tank design provides loading access from three sides without swing doors, making workpiece setup faster and reducing the floor space footprint. The 850 x 610 mm (33.5 x 24.0 in) work tank accommodates workpieces up to 600 x 470 x 240 mm in flushing mode. At 3,400 kg (7,496 lb) installed weight and a 2,190 x 2,605 mm footprint, the AL400P fits into the shop floor space typical for a mid-range wire EDM.
Pricing for a new Sodick AL400P i Groove+ Edition typically falls in the $110,000-$165,000 range depending on options and dealer. The AL400P competes directly with the Mitsubishi MV1200R, Makino U3, and GF AgieCharmilles CUT E 350.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.81 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.84 in) |
| U Axis | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) |
| V Axis | +/-75 mm (+/-2.95 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | ±25°(plate thickness：130mm) |
| Max Workpiece Size Flushing | 600 x 470 x 240 mm (23.6 x 18.5 x 9.45 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size Submerged | 600 x 470 x 230 mm (23.6 x 18.5 x 9.06 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight Flushing | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Max Workpiece Weight Submerged | 350 kg (772 lb) |
| Work Tank Dimensions | 850 x 610 mm (33.5 x 24.0 in) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.05 - 0.30 mm (0.002 - 0.012 in) |
| Wire Tension | 3 ～ 23 |
| Drive System | 4-axis linear motor (X, Y, U, V) |
| CNC Control | Sodick SPW control with i Groove+ |
| Power Input | 3-phase 50/60 Hz, 9 kVA normal / 13 kVA max |
| Machine Dimensions | 2,190 x 2,605 x 2,230 mm (86.2 x 102.6 x 87.8 in) |
| Machine Weight | 3,400 kg (7,496 lb) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee |
| Work Tank Inner Dimensions W X D | 850 x 610 |
| Axis Stroke Xyz | 400 x 300 x 250 |
| U X V Axis Travel | 150 x 150 |
| Max Workpiece Dimensionsduring Flushing Machiningw X D X H | 600 x 470 x 240 |
| Max Workpiece Dimensionsduring Submerged Machiningw X D X H | 600 x 470 x 230 |
| Max Weight Of Workpieceduring Flushing Machiningkg | 500 |
| Max Weight Of Workpieceduring Submerged Machiningkg | 350 |
| Wire Electrode Diameter | 0.05 ～ 0.3*1 |
| Maximum Wire Feed Rate | 420 |
| Distance From Floor Surface To Upper Surface Of Table | 995 |
| Machine Tool Dimensions W X D X H | 2190 x 2605 x 2230 |
| Machine Installation Dimensions W X D | 3425 x 3850 |
| Total Unit Weightkg | 3400 |
| Total Power Input | 3-phase 50/60 Hz Normal Use 9 kVA Maximum Use 13 kVA*2 |
Specifications sourced from sodick.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Linear motor drives on all four cutting axes eliminate backlash and mechanical wear, backed by 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee
- i Groove+ corner control delivers superior dimensional accuracy through direction changes and tight inside corners
- Smart Pulse generator provides faster cutting speeds and improved surface finish consistency over the standard AL400G
- Three-sided rise/fall work tank enables fast workpiece loading from front and both sides
- Wire diameter range from 0.05 to 0.30 mm covers ultra-fine detail through standard production cutting
- 500 kg flushing workpiece capacity handles die plates and mold inserts that smaller wire EDMs cannot accommodate
Limitations
- Z-axis travel limited to 250 mm — shops cutting tall parts should step up to the AL600P with 350 mm Z
- Premium pricing over the AL400G may not be justified if additional cutting speed is not needed
- Wire diameter below 0.10 mm requires optional equipment, adding cost for fine-wire applications
- North American dealer network is smaller than Mitsubishi MC Machinery, affecting response times in some regions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The AL400P is the premium variant with Smart Pulse generator for faster cutting. The AL400G uses the standard Digital HF generator. Both share the same 400 x 300 x 250 mm travel, linear motor drives, and i Groove+ technology.
02
i Groove+ is the wire deflection compensation system that improves dimensional accuracy during direction changes, tight corners, and taper cuts by monitoring and compensating for wire lag in real-time.
03
Sodick guarantees linear motor positioning accuracy for 10 years from installation. Since linear motors have no mechanical contact, there is no mechanism for accuracy degradation.
04
Standard brass wire from 0.10 to 0.30 mm and fine wire down to 0.05 mm with optional kit. Coated wires improve speed and finish. Most shops run 0.20-0.25 mm brass for general work.
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