Machine Comparison
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB vs FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB
FANUC vs FANUC · Wire EDM
Summary
The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB and FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB are both from FANUC's wire edm lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the FANUC ecosystem. The FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB leads in x travel (800 mm (31.5 in) vs 400 mm (15.75 in)). The FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB shows specification advantages in 8 categories, though the FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a wire edm.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB | FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) | 800 mm (31.5 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.81 in) | 600 mm (23.6 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 255 mm (10.04 in) | 310 mm (12.2 in) ▲ |
| Control | FANUC Series 31i-WB | FANUC Series 31i-WB |
| Travel U | 80 mm (3.15 in) ▲ | ±60 mm |
| Travel V | 80 mm (3.15 in) ▲ | ±60 mm |
| Max Workpiece Size | 730 x 550 x 255 mm (28.7 x 21.7 x 10 in) | 1,250 x 970 x 310 mm (49.2 x 38.2 x 12.2 in) ▲ |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) ▲ |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.15 µm (achievable with skim passes) | Ra 0.18 µm (with skim passes) ▲ |
| Max Taper Angle | ±30° at 80 mm height ▲ | ±15° / 310 mm height |
| Auto Wire Threading | Yes (AWT with broken-wire recovery) | AWF2 (Automatic Wire Feed) ▲ |
| Machine Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) ▲ |
| Price Range | $120,000 - $180,000 ▲ | $250,000 - $320,000 |
Advantages
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB
- Superior travel u at 80 mm (3.15 in) vs ±60 mm
- Superior travel v at 80 mm (3.15 in) vs ±60 mm
- Superior max taper angle at ±30° at 80 mm height vs ±15° / 310 mm height
- More competitive pricing at $120,000 - $180,000 compared to $250,000 - $320,000
FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB
- Greater x travel of 800 mm (31.5 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of 600 mm (23.6 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 310 mm (12.2 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Superior max workpiece size at 1,250 x 970 x 310 mm (49.2 x 38.2 x 12.2 in) vs 730 x 550 x 255 mm (28.7 x 21.7 x 10 in)
- Superior max workpiece weight at 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) vs 500 kg (1,102 lb)
Verdict
The FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in X Travel and Y Travel. However, the FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.