FANUC RoboCut a-CiC

$90,000 - $140,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

370 mm (14.6 in)

Y Travel

270 mm (10.6 in)

Z Travel

255 mm (10.0 in)

Accuracy

±.000004 in (.0001 mm)

travel u

±60 mm (±2.36 in)

travel v

±60 mm (±2.36 in)

Overview

The FANUC RoboCut a-CiC is the entry-level model in FANUC's latest-generation iC wire EDM lineup, designed for shops that need FANUC wire EDM quality and reliability in the most compact and affordable package available. With X/Y/Z travels of 370 x 270 x 255 mm, the a-CiC handles the bread-and-butter work of small tool and die shops, medical device manufacturers, and job shops that don't need the extended travel ranges of the C600iC or C800iC but absolutely need the precision and unattended capability that FANUC's wire EDM technology delivers.

Despite being the entry model, the a-CiC doesn't cut corners on cutting technology. It runs on the same Series 31i-WB Plus control and AI Pulse Control II as the larger iC models, delivering identical discharge optimization and wire break prevention. The AWF3 automatic wire threading system provides the same reliable threading through start holes as small as 2 mm diameter. Surface finish capability reaches Ra 0.10 micrometers with skim passes, and cutting accuracy is ±0.002 mm — matching the larger machines spec-for-spec on precision.

The compact footprint is the a-CiC's practical advantage for many shops. At approximately 1,900 x 2,200 mm, it fits into floor space that cannot accommodate a C400 or C600. Maximum workpiece weight is 300 kg with table dimensions of 550 x 400 mm. Wire diameter range is 0.05 to 0.25 mm, slightly narrower than the larger models but covering the vast majority of wire EDM applications. The U/V axes provide ±60 mm of independent wire guide movement for taper cuts up to ±15 degrees.

New a-CiC machines price between $90,000 and $140,000, making them the most affordable way to get into FANUC's wire EDM ecosystem. This pricing puts the a-CiC in direct competition with entry-level wire EDMs from Sodick, Mitsubishi, and Makino, but with the full backing of FANUC's global service network and the same cutting technology used in their larger machines. For shops adding their first wire EDM or supplementing larger machines with a second unit for small parts, the a-CiC delivers genuine FANUC capability at a starter price.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	370 mm (14.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	270 mm (10.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	255 mm (10.0 in)
Travel U	±60 mm (±2.36 in)
Travel V	±60 mm (±2.36 in)
Max Workpiece Size	550 x 400 x 255 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 10.0 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Wire Diameter Range	0.05 - 0.25 mm
Surface Finish	Ra 0.10 µm (achievable with skim passes)
Cutting Accuracy	±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in)
Max Taper Angle	±15° at 255 mm height
Auto Wire Threading	AWF3 (3rd gen, submerged threading capable)
CNC Control	FANUC Series 31i-WB Plus
Ai Pulse	AI Pulse Control II
Dielectric	Deionized water
Machine Weight	4840 (2200) lbs (kg)
Floor Space Required	1,900 x 2,200 mm (74.8 x 86.6 in)
Maximum Workpiece Size	28.7 x 24.8 x 10 (730x630x255) in (mm)
Maximum Workpiece Weight	1100 (500) lbs (kg)
Machine Capacity	28.74” x 23.00” x 9.84”
U V Travels	4.72 (119.8) in (mm)
X Y Axis Travels	15.7 x 11.8 (400 x 300) in (mm)
Z Axis Travel	10.0 (255) in (mm)
Maximum Cutting Speed	31 (788)
Auto Wire Feed	Standard-
Wire Diameter	ø 0.004-0.012 (0.21-0.31) in (mm)
Maximum Wire Weight	66 (30) lbs (kg)
Positioning Accuracy	±.000004 in (.0001 mm)
Tank Capacity	145 (550) gal (L)
Paper Filter	2 quantity
Inverter Chiller	Standard
Digital Power Supply	Standard

Specifications sourced from methodsmachine.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Most affordable entry into FANUC's wire EDM ecosystem while retaining the same AI Pulse Control II and AWF3 technology as the larger C600iC and C800iC models
Compact footprint of 1,900 x 2,200 mm fits into shop spaces that cannot accommodate larger wire EDMs — ideal for shops adding their first or second wire EDM
Ra 0.10 µm surface finish and ±0.002 mm accuracy match the larger FANUC models spec-for-spec — no precision compromise for the smaller envelope
AWF3 automatic wire threading with 2 mm start hole capability enables reliable unattended operation, even on this entry-level model
FANUC's global service and parts network provides the same support as their larger and more expensive wire EDM machines
At $90K-$140K, competitive with entry-level wire EDMs from Sodick and Mitsubishi while offering FANUC's integrated platform advantages

Limitations

370 x 270 mm X/Y travel is restrictive — any work beyond small components, punches, and die inserts will require a larger machine
255 mm Z-travel limits maximum workpiece thickness, ruling out thick die plates and tall components
Maximum wire diameter of 0.25 mm (vs 0.30 mm on larger models) slightly limits rough cutting speed on thicker materials
300 kg maximum workpiece weight constrains table loading compared to the 500 kg+ capacity of larger wire EDMs
Taper cutting limited to ±15 degrees — shops cutting steep tapers for extrusion dies or similar applications need the ±30 degree capability of larger models

Best For

Small tool and die shops adding their first wire EDM for cutting punches, die inserts, small die blocks, and precision tooling components Medical device manufacturers wire-cutting small implants, surgical instrument blanks, and micro-mold inserts in a compact machine footprint Job shops that occasionally need wire EDM capability but cannot justify the $180K+ investment in a larger model Production shops supplementing a larger wire EDM with a second machine dedicated to small parts and overflow work Shops upgrading from older or lesser-brand wire EDMs who want FANUC reliability and AI Pulse technology at the most accessible price point

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the a-CiC a stripped-down version of the larger RoboCut models?

No. The a-CiC uses the same 31i-WB Plus control, AI Pulse Control II discharge technology, and AWF3 automatic wire threading as the C600iC and C800iC. The only differences are the smaller travel range, reduced workpiece weight capacity, and slightly narrower wire diameter range (max 0.25 mm vs 0.30 mm). Cutting accuracy and surface finish capability are identical to the larger machines.

02 How does the a-CiC compare to entry-level Sodick wire EDMs?

Sodick's entry-level machines (VL400Q, ALC400G) offer linear motor drives for faster acceleration, which provides a speed advantage on jobs with many short cuts. The FANUC a-CiC counters with AI Pulse Control II for adaptive cutting optimization and AWF3 for superior automatic wire threading reliability. FANUC's global service network is also significantly larger than Sodick's. Pricing is comparable at $90K-$140K. The best choice depends on application priorities and local dealer support.

03 Can the a-CiC run unattended?

Yes. The a-CiC includes all of FANUC's unattended operation features: AWF3 automatic wire threading with broken-wire recovery, AI Pulse Control II for wire break prevention, and Core Stitch for slug retention. Many shops run the a-CiC overnight on small-part jobs. The limiting factor for unattended run time is typically wire spool capacity and dielectric water quality, not machine capability.