The Spark That Started It All
Innovation Continues
Eight decades of Innovation
In 1954, Charmilles unveiled the ELERODA D1, the world's first industrial die-sinking EDM machine. That same year, AGIE was founded with the AGIETRON AZ4. Within years, hundreds of machines were installed worldwide. The ISOPULSE generator (1959) set new standards for discharge energy and surface quality.
AGIE and Charmilles advanced pulse technology with the Agiepuls and Isopulse generators, improving removal rates and process stability. The CHARMILLES D10 became one of the most successful EDM machines ever, with around 7,000 units sold. In 1969, the AGIECUT DEM 15 introduced the first industrially significant NC wire EDM machine — a milestone for digital precision manufacturing.
Charmilles launched the F40 DCNC wire-cutting machine (over 4,000 units sold), while AGIE pioneered a transistor-based generator delivering extremely short, high-amplitude pulses (7,000+ units). ISOCUT technology with 3D orbiting redefined cavity machining. In 1979, the first automatic wire threading system boosted autonomy and productivity.
CNC die-sinking arrived with the Charmilles ROBOCUT. Product families expanded rapidly: ROBOFIL, ROBOFORM, AGIECUT 100/200/300 — featuring on-screen dialogue, taper cutting and automatic threading. The decade closed with extended-capacity models and a clear direction: higher autonomy, superior surface quality and customer-driven engineering.
Digital intelligence and automation began shaping the future of EDM. AGIE introduced EXPERTRON (1990) and patented Fuzzytron (1991), one of the earliest applications of artificial intelligence in EDM. Charmilles launched the ROBOFIL 310 and, later, the ROBOFIL 1030 series with integrated program experts. In 1996, AGIE SA joined Georg Fischer (GF), and AGIEVISION became the first standardized CNC platform for both wire and die-sinking EDM machines. In 1998, the ROBOFORM 2400 QCR introduced integrated robotic automation.
The first Automatic Wire Changer enabled in-process wire diameter changes. The AGIECUT Vertex set new standards for micro-cutting with its Monoblock design. A unified AGIE CHARMILLES platform merged technologies across brands. Near zero-wear die-sinking with Hyperspark iQ redefined electrode efficiency.
Die-sinking reached a record 26 nm surface quality. Cut and Coat technology and the Integrated Vision Unit pushed wire EDM further. The CUT P series introduced the Cableless Generator for improved spark stability. In 2019, ISPS-Spark Track enabled real-time spark position detection along the wire — a world first.
iWire Low Wear technology reduced wire consumption while maintaining quality. The CUT X series combined the Intelligent Power Generator, UNIQUA HMI and advanced automation. FORM eCAM brought new productivity to die-sinking. In 2025, GF Machining Solutions joined UNITED GRINDING Group under UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS. In 2026, the new CUT S series expanded the wire EDM portfolio for next-generation manufacturing.