FANUC Robodrill α-D14LiB5ADV Plus Y500
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The FANUC Robodrill α-D14LiB5ADV Plus Y500 is the long-bed, five-axis-ready, extended Y-axis variant in FANUC’s latest-generation DiB Plus Advanced Robodrill lineup. The Li designation identifies it as the long-bed platform with 700 mm X-travel, the B5 denotes five-axis readiness with the 31i-B5 Plus control, and the Y500 specifies the expanded 500 mm Y-axis stroke. This combination creates the largest work envelope in the Robodrill family, targeting shops that need production-speed drill-tap capability on wider or longer parts than the standard models can accommodate.
The Plus generation represents FANUC’s incremental refinement of the proven DiB platform. The 31i-B5 Plus control brings enhanced high-speed look-ahead processing, improved AI contour control for better surface finish on 3D contouring, and nano interpolation as standard. The five-axis-ready B5 designation means the control and servo architecture support DDR (Direct Drive Rotary) table integration for simultaneous 5-axis machining without aftermarket modifications or control upgrades.
With 700 x 500 x 400 mm of travel, the D14LiB5ADV Plus Y500 offers roughly 40% more X-travel and 25% more Y-travel than the standard D14MiB models. The 14-tool turret changes tools in 0.7 seconds tool-to-tool with 1.3 seconds chip-to-chip on the Advanced variant. Spindle options include the standard 10,000 RPM unit with approximately 100 Nm of high-torque capability, a 24,000 RPM high-speed spindle for aluminum work, and a 12,000 RPM tapping-optimized spindle. All use the BT30 taper that defines the Robodrill’s lightweight, high-speed character.
Rapid traverse rates hit 54 m/min across all linear axes. Positioning accuracy is typically ±0.003 mm with repeatability of ±0.002 mm. The machine weighs approximately 3,200 kg in this long-bed configuration. New D14LiB5ADV Plus Y500 machines typically price between $100,000 and $150,000 depending on spindle selection, 5-axis table, and automation options. Methods Machine Tools handles North American distribution.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 700 mm (27.6 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM (24,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | BT30 / BBT30 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (14.7 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Torque | 100 Nm (73.7 ft-lbf) high-torque option |
| Tool Capacity | 14 turret |
| Tool To Tool Time | 0.7 sec |
| Chip To Chip Time | 1.3 sec |
| Table Size | 850 x 500 mm (33.5 x 19.7 in) |
| Max Table Load | 500 kg (1,100 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 54 m/min (2,125 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
| Machine Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B5 Plus |
| Number Of Tools | 14 |
| X Axis | 300 |
| Y Axis | 300+100 |
| Z Axis | 400 |
| Tool Storage Capacity | 28 tools |
| 14 Tools | α-D14SiBADVPlus |
| 21 Tools | α-D21SiBADVPlus |
| Spindle Spec | Max. speed |
| Standard | 10000 min-1 |
| High Torque | Heavy machining of steel parts (Max. 100N·m) |
| High Acceleration | High speed and high efficiency machining of aluminum parts |
| Tapping | 12000 min-1 |
| High Speed | 24000 min-1 |
Specifications sourced from fanuc.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 700 x 500 mm X/Y travel is the largest in the Robodrill family, handling parts that would require a 40-taper VMC on competing platforms
- 0.7-second tool-to-tool change time saves 15-20 minutes per shift versus conventional VMCs with 4-6 second tool changes
- 54 m/min rapid traverse across all axes eliminates positioning dead time over thousands of parts per shift
- 31i-B5 Plus control with five-axis readiness supports DDR rotary table integration for simultaneous 5-axis machining
- High-torque 100 Nm spindle option enables steel machining unusual for BT30-taper machines
- Compact footprint relative to travel envelope fits into production cells alongside FANUC robots
Limitations
- BT30 taper inherently limits rigidity for heavy roughing in hard materials compared to 40-taper VMCs
- 14-tool turret capacity is modest for complex parts; the D21 series offers 21 tools in smaller envelopes
- New pricing above $100K enters territory where 40-taper machines with more rigidity become alternatives
- FANUC 31i control has a steeper learning curve than Haas NGC or Mazak SmoothG
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Y500 indicates an extended Y-axis stroke of 500 mm, compared to the standard 400 mm. Combined with the long-bed 700 mm X-travel, this gives the largest Robodrill work envelope at 700 x 500 x 400 mm.
02
The D14 has 14 tools; the D21 has 21. Both share the long-bed platform and B5 five-axis-ready control. Choose D14 for simpler parts; D21 for complex multi-tool work.
03
Yes, with a DDR (Direct Drive Rotary) table installed. The B5 control supports simultaneous 5-axis interpolation natively. FANUC offers DDR tables as factory options.
04
For aluminum, the 24,000 RPM spindle maximizes material removal. For steel, the high-torque 100 Nm option provides more cutting force. The 12,000 RPM tapping spindle is for high-volume drill-and-tap.
