FANUC RoboCut C600iC
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
travel u
travel v
max workpiece size
Overview
The FANUC RoboCut C600iC is the mid-range model in FANUC's latest-generation iC series wire EDM lineup, sitting between the C400iC and C800iC. With X/Y/Z travels of 600 x 400 x 310 mm, it fills the gap for shops that have outgrown the C400 but don't need the full C800 envelope. The C600iC handles large progressive die sections, mid-size mold components, and aerospace parts that the C400 simply can't reach, while maintaining a more manageable footprint and price point than the C800.
The iC generation represents FANUC's latest wire EDM technology. The Series 31i-WB Plus control brings updated AI Pulse Control II with enhanced real-time discharge optimization — FANUC claims a 15% improvement in cutting speed over the iB generation on standard materials while maintaining the same surface finish quality. The AWF3 automatic wire feeding system is the third generation of FANUC's renowned automatic wire threading technology, with improved threading success rate in submerged conditions and through small start holes down to 2 mm diameter.
The C600iC achieves surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.10 micrometers with multi-pass skim cutting and cutting accuracy of ±0.002 mm on standard applications. The wire diameter range of 0.05 to 0.30 mm is broader than the previous iB generation, adding capability for ultra-fine wire work in micro-mold and medical applications. The U/V axis range of ±100 mm enables taper cutting up to ±30 degrees on tall workpieces. Maximum workpiece weight capacity is 1,200 kg, accommodating substantial die plates and mold bases.
New C600iC machines price between $180,000 and $250,000, positioning them in the mid-premium segment of the wire EDM market. Direct competitors include the Sodick ALC600G Premium, Mitsubishi MV2400S, Makino U6 H.E.A.T., and GF Machining Solutions CUT E 600. FANUC's integrated platform advantage — CNC, servos, and generator all designed in-house — provides reliability and serviceability that multi-vendor architectures cannot match. The same global service network supporting FANUC's CNC controls and robots backs every RoboCut installation.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 310 mm (12.2 in) |
| Travel U | ±100 mm (±3.94 in) |
| Travel V | ±100 mm (±3.94 in) |
| Max Workpiece Size | 1,050 x 820 x 310 mm (41.3 x 32.3 x 12.2 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Wire Diameter Range | 0.05 - 0.30 mm |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.10 µm (achievable with skim passes) |
| Cutting Accuracy | ±0.002 mm (±0.00008 in) |
| Max Taper Angle | ±30° at full Z height |
| Auto Wire Threading | AWF3 (3rd gen, submerged threading, 2mm min start hole) |
| CNC Control | FANUC Series 31i-WB Plus |
| Ai Pulse | AI Pulse Control II (enhanced real-time adaptive discharge) |
| Dielectric | Deionized water |
| Machine Weight | 4,800 kg (10,582 lb) |
Specifications sourced from emastercam.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 600 x 400 mm X/Y travel bridges the gap between compact and large-format wire EDMs — handles progressive die sections and mid-size mold components without paying for oversized capacity
- AI Pulse Control II delivers approximately 15% faster cutting speed than the previous iB generation while maintaining surface finish quality and wire break prevention
- AWF3 automatic wire threading achieves reliable threading through start holes as small as 2 mm diameter, even in submerged cutting conditions
- Extended wire diameter range down to 0.05 mm enables ultra-fine wire work for micro-mold features and medical device components that thicker wires cannot achieve
- FANUC's fully integrated CNC/servo/generator architecture eliminates compatibility issues and simplifies troubleshooting compared to multi-vendor wire EDM platforms
- Ra 0.10 µm surface finish capability approaches mirror-quality levels, reducing or eliminating post-EDM polishing in many mold and die applications
Limitations
- Price point of $180K-$250K is higher than competing mid-range wire EDMs from Sodick and Mitsubishi with comparable travel ranges
- 310 mm Z-travel may be insufficient for very tall workpieces — shops cutting thick forging dies or large aerospace components may need the C800iC
- FANUC's wire EDM cutting speed, while improved in the iC generation, is still generally considered slightly slower than Sodick's linear motor machines on very thick materials
- The deionized water system requires consistent maintenance of resin beds and filters — neglecting this directly impacts cutting performance and surface quality
- FANUC wire EDMs have a smaller installed base than Sodick or Mitsubishi in some markets, meaning fewer used machines available and potentially fewer experienced operators
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The iC is FANUC's latest generation, replacing the iB series. Key improvements include AI Pulse Control II (faster cutting speed), AWF3 automatic wire threading (improved reliability), expanded wire diameter range down to 0.05 mm, the 31i-WB Plus control with enhanced processing, and improved surface finish capability (Ra 0.10 µm vs Ra 0.15 µm). The mechanical platform dimensions are similar, but the iC generation delivers measurably better performance across all parameters.
02
The Sodick ALC600G uses linear motors for faster axis acceleration and cutting speed on thick materials. The FANUC C600iC uses ball screw drives with AI Pulse Control II for adaptive cutting optimization. FANUC generally offers superior automatic wire threading reliability and a stronger global service network. Sodick wins on raw cutting speed in thick stock. Pricing is comparable. The choice typically comes down to application requirements and local dealer support quality.
03
Yes, unattended operation is a core design goal. The AWF3 system automatically re-threads broken wire and threads through pre-drilled start holes. AI Pulse Control II actively prevents wire breaks by adapting discharge parameters in real time. The Core Stitch function tabs cut slugs to prevent them from falling. Combined, these features enable reliable lights-out production. Many shops run the C600iC overnight and through weekends with confidence.
04
Regular maintenance includes deionized water system upkeep (resin bed replacement every 3-6 months, filter changes monthly), wire guide replacement based on wear (typically every 200-400 hours), power feed contact inspection, and standard mechanical maintenance (way lubrication, coolant system cleaning). FANUC provides detailed maintenance schedules and most consumables are readily available through their parts network.
Videos
MTDCNC
MTDCNC
Helmut Niedermann
Methods Machine Tools, Inc
MTDCNC
Community Discussions
Community discussion — Fanuc Robocut - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — Fanuc EDM questions - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — New Fanuc robocut post example?? - Practical Machinist
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Fanuc robocut Wire Edm Machine low-V and Reverse Alarm
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Cutting taper with Fanuc Robocut - CNCzone
Community discussion — Search Results - CNCzone.com- Largest Forums for CNC ...
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Need Help! FANUC 16-W Robocut Reference Return After Servo ...
Community discussion — Fanuc - CNCzone
Community discussion — New machine, looking for tips and tricks : r/Machinists - Reddit
Owner experience and review — We've just installed our first wire EDM machine (FANUC ...
Community discussion — Wire EDM Cutting Conditions : r/Machinists - Reddit
Pricing and buying discussion — Fanuc Robocut α-C600iA? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




