Machine Comparison
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB vs Sodick ALC400G Premium
FANUC vs Sodick · Wire EDM
Summary
The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB from FANUC and Sodick ALC400G Premium from Sodick 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 | Sodick ALC400G Premium |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.81 in) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 255 mm (10.04 in) | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Control | FANUC Series 31i-WB | Sodick LN Professional |
| Travel U | 80 mm (3.15 in) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Travel V | 80 mm (3.15 in) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 730 x 550 x 255 mm (28.7 x 21.7 x 10 in) | 770 x 590 x 250 mm (30.3 x 23.2 x 9.8 in) ▲ |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (1,102 lb) | 500 kg (1,102 lb) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.15 µm (achievable with skim passes) ▲ | Ra 0.08 µm (multi-pass) |
| Max Taper Angle | ±30° at 80 mm height | 30° (at 100 mm thickness) |
| Auto Wire Threading | Yes (AWT with broken-wire recovery) | Yes (99%+ success rate) ▲ |
| Machine Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) | 3,800 kg (8,378 lb) ▲ |
| Price Range | $120,000 - $180,000 ▲ | $180,000 - $250,000 |
Advantages
FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB
- Superior surface finish at Ra 0.15 µm (achievable with skim passes) vs Ra 0.08 µm (multi-pass)
- More competitive pricing at $120,000 - $180,000 compared to $180,000 - $250,000
- 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
Sodick ALC400G Premium
- Superior max workpiece size at 770 x 590 x 250 mm (30.3 x 23.2 x 9.8 in) vs 730 x 550 x 255 mm (28.7 x 21.7 x 10 in)
- Superior auto wire threading at Yes (99%+ success rate) vs Yes (AWT with broken-wire recovery)
- Superior machine weight at 3,800 kg (8,378 lb) vs 3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The FANUC ROBOCUT C400iB and Sodick ALC400G Premium 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.