Machine Comparison
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB vs GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000
FANUC vs GF Machining Solutions · Wire EDM
Summary
The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB and the GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 are wire EDMs in different size classes, built for different jobs. The C400iB is a compact machine with 400 x 300 x 255 mm of travel and a 500 kg (1,102 lb) load limit. The CUT 1000 is a large-format machine with 1,000 x 550 x 400 mm of travel and a 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) load limit.
The CUT 1000 also runs wire up to 0.33 mm against 0.3 mm, holds its ±30 deg taper at 100 mm height against 80 mm, and lists a finer best finish, Ra 0.10 um against Ra 0.15 µm. The C400iB is the much lighter machine at 3,200 kg against 8,500 kg, and runs a FANUC Series 31i-WB control.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB | GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.81 in) | 550 mm (21.7 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 255 mm (10.04 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) ▲ |
| Max Table / Workpiece Load | 500 kg (1,102 lb) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) ▲ |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.1 - 0.3 mm | 0.10 - 0.33 mm (0.004 - 0.013 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | ±30° at 80 mm height | +/-30 deg at 100 mm height |
| Best Surface Finish | Ra 0.15 µm (achievable with skim passes) | Ra 0.10 um (4 uin Ra) achievable ▲ |
| Control | FANUC Series 31i-WB | UNIQUA HMI (touchscreen) |
| Machine Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) | 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) without dielectric |
Advantages
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB
- Lighter at 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) against 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) without dielectric
- Compact 400 x 300 mm X/Y envelope for punches, inserts and small parts
- FANUC Series 31i-WB control
GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000
- 1,000 x 550 x 400 mm of travel against 400 x 300 x 255 mm
- 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) workpiece load against 500 kg (1,102 lb)
- Ra 0.10 um best finish against Ra 0.15 µm
- Wire up to 0.33 mm for thick-section roughing, and ±30 deg taper at 100 mm height
Verdict
These machines serve different jobs. The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB suits tool and die, medical and aerospace shops cutting small punches, inserts and implant parts within 400 x 300 mm. The GF AgieCharmilles CUT 1000 suits progressive die, extrusion die and automotive tooling shops whose plates need 1,000 mm of X travel and up to 3,000 kg on the table.