Machine Comparison
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB vs Mitsubishi MP1200
FANUC vs Mitsubishi Electric · Wire EDM
Summary
The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB from FANUC and Mitsubishi MP1200 from Mitsubishi Electric are direct competitors in the wire edm category. These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. 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 | Mitsubishi MP1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | FANUC Series 31i-WB | M800 touchscreen CNC |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.15 µm (achievable with skim passes) ▲ | Under Ra 0.1 microns achievable |
| Auto Wire Threading | Yes (AWT with broken-wire recovery) | Yes |
| Price Range | $120,000 - $180,000 ▲ | $200,000 - $350,000 (new) |
Advantages
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB
- Superior surface finish at Ra 0.15 µm (achievable with skim passes) vs Under Ra 0.1 microns achievable
- More competitive pricing at $120,000 - $180,000 compared to $200,000 - $350,000 (new)
- Backed by FANUC's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Tool and die shops cutting precision punches, die blocks, stripper plates, and insert cavities requiring tight tolerances and fine surface finishes
Mitsubishi MP1200
- Backed by Mitsubishi Electric's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Mold and die shops requiring the finest surface finishes for injection mold cavities and cores
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB and Mitsubishi MP1200 trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.