FANUC Robodrill α-D21LiBADV Plus Y500
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Overview
The FANUC Robodrill α-D21LiBADV Plus Y500 is the long-bed variant with 700 x 500 mm X/Y travel with the extended Y500 configuration, built for longer workpieces and multi-part fixturing in FANUC’s latest-generation RoboDrill α-DiB Plus lineup. The RoboDrill has been the industry benchmark for high-speed compact machining since the 1970s, and this Plus-generation model represents the most refined iteration of the platform to date. The Y500 designation indicates an extended Y-axis travel of 500 mm versus the standard 400 mm on other L-body models, providing a wider work envelope for parts requiring greater depth-of-cut reach or wider fixture layouts.
The ADV (Advanced) designation means this machine ships with FANUC’s highest-performance servo tuning, delivering faster acceleration and deceleration profiles than the Standard version. Tool-to-tool changes happen in 0.7 seconds with chip-to-chip time of 1.3 seconds. The 24,000 RPM spindle is standard equipment, not optional, delivering 26 kW (35 hp) peak power through the BT30/BBT30 interface. Rapid traverse hits 54 m/min (2,125 ipm) across all axes, ensuring minimal positioning time between features. The 21-position servo-driven turret magazine provides rapid tool indexing that is fundamental to the RoboDrill’s cycle time advantage over conventional VMCs.
The FANUC 31i-B Plus control delivers reliable CNC operation with high-speed look-ahead, AI contour control, and nano interpolation for superior surface finish quality. While this model uses the 3-axis-optimized control, rotary table options are available for 4th-axis work.
The Plus designation marks the latest generation of the RoboDrill platform, incorporating updated servo drive technology, improved thermal stability, and enhanced control features over the previous iB generation. With over 500,000 RoboDrills installed worldwide, this platform has the deepest production track record of any compact machining center, and the Plus generation builds on that foundation with measurable improvements in acceleration, surface finish quality, and energy efficiency.
New pricing for the FANUC Robodrill α-D21LiBADV Plus Y500 typically ranges from $105,000 - $155,000 depending on spindle configuration, automation packages, and options. Methods Machine Tools is the primary North American distributor, providing sales, service, applications engineering, and turnkey automation cell integration. The RoboDrill competes directly with the Brother Speedio series and Haas DT/DM series, and remains the first choice for production shops where cycle time and uptime drive profitability.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 700 mm (27.5 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 330 mm (13.0 in) |
| Table Size | 850 x 510 mm (33.5 x 20.1 in) |
| Max Table Load | 300 kg (660 lb) |
| Spindle Speed | 24,000 RPM (ADV Plus standard) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 26 kW (35 hp) peak |
| Spindle Torque | 12 Nm continuous; 100 Nm max (high-torque option) |
| Spindle Taper | BT30 / BBT30 |
| Tool Capacity | 21-position turret |
| Tool Change Time | 0.7 sec (tool-to-tool), 1.3 sec (chip-to-chip) |
| Max Tool Length | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Max Tool Diameter | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Max Tool Weight | 4 kg (8.8 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 54 m/min (2,125 ipm) all axes |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B Plus |
| Machine Weight | 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,350 x 1,750 mm (92.5 x 68.9 in) |
| 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
- 24,000 RPM spindle is standard on the ADV Plus, eliminating the need to spec and pay extra for high-speed capability that most production shops require
- 0.7-second tool-to-tool and 1.3-second chip-to-chip changes are among the fastest in any VMC class, saving 15-20 minutes per shift on multi-tool jobs
- 54 m/min rapid traverse on all axes minimizes non-cutting time, compounding with fast tool changes for industry-leading cycle times
- 21-position servo-driven turret provides ample tool capacity for most production parts without the complexity of a side-mount magazine
- 31i-B Plus control delivers proven reliability with AI contour control and nano interpolation for excellent surface finish quality
- Extended 500 mm Y-axis travel provides 25% more depth reach than standard L-body models, enabling wider fixtures and deeper part features
Limitations
- BT30 taper limits rigidity for aggressive roughing in steel and hardened materials — this platform excels at speed, not heavy metal removal
- FANUC 31i control has a steeper learning curve than Haas NGC or Mazak SmoothG, requiring dedicated training for shops transitioning from those platforms
- Larger footprint and higher machine weight compared to S and M body variants reduce floor space efficiency
- Premium pricing over medium-bed models may not be justified for shops that rarely need the extended X-axis travel
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
ADV Plus (Advanced Plus) is FANUC’s highest-specification package for the RoboDrill. It includes the 24,000 RPM high-speed spindle as standard, enhanced servo tuning for faster acceleration, AI contour control, fine surface finish mode, and faster tool change times (0.7 sec tool-to-tool versus 0.9 sec on Standard models). The Plus suffix indicates the latest generation with updated servo drives and control enhancements over the previous iB generation.
02
Y500 indicates an extended Y-axis travel of 500 mm versus the standard 400 mm on other L-body RoboDrill models. This provides 25% more depth reach for parts requiring greater width or for fixture layouts that benefit from the additional Y-axis envelope. The table width is correspondingly wider to utilize the extended travel.
03
The RoboDrill’s key advantage is its servo-driven turret with sub-1-second tool changes, compared to 1.4 seconds on the Brother Speedio and 2.2 seconds on the Haas DT-2. Rapids are also faster at 54 m/min versus 50 m/min (Brother) and 30.5 m/min (Haas). The Haas wins on price (~$50K) and Z-travel (508 mm).
04
Yes, but with appropriate expectations. The BT30 taper limits cutting forces compared to 40-taper machines. Production shops regularly cut mild steel, 4140, stainless steel, and even titanium on RoboDrills using lighter depths of cut at higher speeds. For heavy stock removal in hardened steels, a 40-taper VMC is more appropriate.
