EDM Hole Drilling Machines

Guidance from Steve Brown, EDM Specialist, Iron Machine Tool

EDM Hole Drilling Machines

Precision EDM Hole Drilling Machines for Minnesota Manufacturers

Iron Machine Tool distributes Mitsubishi Electric EDM hole drilling machines, also known as hole poppers, to manufacturers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. These machines burn precise, small diameter holes through hardened metals and tool steel without mechanical stress, making them essential for mold venting, cooling channels, and micro hole applications where conventional drilling fails. Our lineup spans manual to fully automated CNC and submerged models, suited to shops ranging from prototype work to high volume production.

Close-up of an EDM hole drilling machine burning a small diameter hole through a hardened steel workpiece, showing the brass electrode and drilled holes on the plate

How an EDM Hole Popper Works

An EDM hole drilling machine, commonly called a hole popper, uses a rotating tubular electrode and controlled electrical discharge to erode material and burn holes through hardened steel, carbide, and other conductive materials regardless of hardness. Coolant flushes debris from the hole as it forms, and submerged models fully immerse the workpiece for cleaner results on deep or small diameter holes. This process is standard for mold makers needing cooling channels and vent holes that conventional drilling cannot reliably produce.

Need Help Choosing an EDM Hole Drilling Machine?

Talk to Steve Brown about matching the right hole popper to your production volume and hole size requirements.

Choosing the Right EDM Hole Drilling Machine

  • H32Z (Manual): Best for low volume shops and simple through hole work.
  • SD-530 / SD-750 (CNC): Automatic electrode and guide changers for repeat production runs.
  • AD6L (CNC Submerged): Full submersion for the highest precision on deep or micro hole drilling.

Mitsubishi H32Z manual EDM hole drilling machine distributed by Iron Machine Tool in Minnesota

H32Z (Manual)

  • Worktable Size (W x D)
    23.6” x 11.8”
  • Travels (X,Y)
    13.8” x 9.8”
  • Electrode Stroke (W-Axis)
    13.4”

H32Z (Manual)

  • Worktable Size (W x D)
    23.6” x 11.8”
  • Travels (X,Y)
    13.8” x 9.8”
  • Electrode Stroke (W-Axis)
    13.4”
  • Electrode Diameter Range
    .008” ~ 0.124” (optional 0.236”)

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Mitsubishi SD-530 CNC EDM hole drilling machine with automatic electrode changer

SD-530 (CNC)

  • Travels (XY)
    21.6” x 11.8”
  • Electrode Travel (W-Axis)
    23.6”
  • Guide Travel (Z-Axis)
    14.2”

SD-530 (CNC)

  • Travels (XY)
    21.6” x 11.8”
  • Electrode Travel (W-Axis)
    23.6”
  • Guide Travel (Z-Axis)
    14.2”
  • Distance from Table to Guide
    3.6” ~ 17.8”
  • Electrode Diameter Range
    0.012” ~ 0.124” (0.236” optional)
  • 10 Position Automatic Electrode Changer is Standard
  • 4 Position Automation Guide Changer is Standard

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Mitsubishi SD-750 CNC EDM hole drilling machine for high volume hole popping

SD-750 (CNC)

  • Travels (XY)
    27.5” x 17.7”
  • Electrode Travel (W-Axis)
    27.6”
  • Guide Travel (Z-Axis)
    14.2”

SD-750 (CNC)

  • Travels (XY)
    27.5” x 17.7”
  • Electrode Travel (W-Axis)
    27.6”
  • Guide Travel (Z-Axis)
    14.2”
  • Distance from Table to Guide
    3.6” ~ 17.8”
  • Electrode Diameter Range
    0.012” ~ 0.124” (0.236” optional)
  • 15 Position Automatic Electrode Changer is Standard
  • 4 Position Automation Guide Changer is Standard

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Mitsubishi AD6L submerged CNC EDM hole drilling machine for micro hole precision

AD6L (CNC) Submerged

  • Travels (XY)
    23.6” x 15.7”
  • Electrode Travel (W-Axis)
    19.7”
  • Guide Travel (Z-Axis)
    13.8”

AD6L (CNC) Submerged

  • Travels (XY)
    23.6” x 15.7”
  • Electrode Travel (W-Axis)
    19.7”
  • Guide Travel (Z-Axis)
    13.8”
  • Distance from Table to Guide
    1.2” ~ 15”
  • Electrode Diameter Range
    0.008” ~ 0.124”
  • 10 or 20 Position Automatic Electrode Changer
  • 5 - 20 Position Automation Guide Changer
  • Optional 5th or 6th Axis Rotatory or Tilt-Turn Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, comments, feedback? We’re here to help.

Iron Machine Tool’s mission is to provide manufactures with the most Advanced Machine Tool Technology that is backed by one of the largest and most experienced service and support network built by Mitsubishi Machinery Systems.

The sole focus of Iron Machine Tool is to provide quality machine tools with the best possible customer service. Our goal has always been to create lasting customer relationships built on trust and accountability.

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