FANUC Robodrill α-D28MiB5ADV Plus
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Overview
The FANUC Robodrill α-D28MiB5ADV Plus is the medium-bed variant with 500 x 400 mm X/Y travel, balancing work envelope and compactness 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 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 28-position servo-driven turret magazine is the largest capacity available in the RoboDrill lineup, providing extra tool positions that reduce the need for manual tool swaps on complex parts.
Running on the FANUC 31i-B5 Plus control, this machine supports simultaneous 5-axis machining with FANUC’s DDR (Direct Drive Rotary) table option. The B5 designation indicates the 5-axis-ready control platform with tool center point control (TCP), tilted working plane programming, and enhanced look-ahead processing for complex simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths.
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-D28MiB5ADV Plus typically ranges from $120,000 - $170,000 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 | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 330 mm (13.0 in) |
| Table Size | 650 x 400 mm (25.6 x 15.7 in) |
| Max Table Load | 200 kg (441 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 | 28-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 | 3 kg (6.6 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-B5 Plus |
| Machine Weight | 3,900 kg (8,598 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,050 x 1,750 mm (80.7 x 68.9 in) |
| Ddr 5axis Option | Available (A-axis: -120°/+30°, C-axis: 360° continuous) |
| 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
- 28-position turret is the highest tool capacity in the RoboDrill family, reducing manual tool changes on complex multi-feature parts
- 31i-B5 Plus control with native 5-axis functions including TCP and tilted working plane makes simultaneous 5-axis programming straightforward
- 500 x 400 mm work envelope balances part size capability with compact footprint, fitting the widest range of small-to-medium production parts
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
- 500 mm X-travel may be insufficient for longer parts that would fit on the L-body variant with 700 mm reach
- 200 kg table load can be limiting with heavy steel tombstones or multi-vise production fixtures
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
The 28-position turret provides seven additional tool stations compared to the 21-tool models. This is valuable for complex parts requiring many different tool types without requiring manual tool swaps between operations. The turret mechanism maintains the same fast change times regardless of tool count.
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.
