FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB

$250,000 - $320,000 Updated 2026-03-15

Key Specifications

X Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Y Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Z Travel

310 mm (12.2 in)

Accuracy

±0.002 mm

Repeatability

±0.001 mm

travel u

±60 mm

Overview

The FANUC ROBOCUT C800iB is a large-format wire EDM machine designed for cutting workpieces requiring extended travel ranges. As part of FANUC's ROBOCUT lineup, the C800iB brings the same reliability and integrated CNC-generator architecture that has made FANUC one of the top wire EDM manufacturers globally, but with axis travels scaled up for larger tooling, mold components, and aerospace parts that exceed the capacity of standard wire EDM machines.

The C800iB provides X, Y, and Z axis travels of 800 x 600 x 310 mm (31.5 x 23.6 x 12.2 in), making it one of the larger machines in FANUC's ROBOCUT range. Maximum workpiece dimensions reach 1,250 x 970 x 310 mm (49.2 x 38.2 x 12.2 in) with a table load capacity of 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). This accommodates large die plates, progressive die sections, and aerospace structural components that smaller wire EDMs cannot handle. The U and V axes provide ±60 mm of independent wire guide movement for taper cutting up to ±15 degrees over the full Z height.

FANUC's integrated approach is the key differentiator: the CNC control, servo drives, and power generator are all designed and manufactured by FANUC, eliminating the compatibility issues that can occur with multi-vendor wire EDM architectures. The C800iB uses FANUC's Series 31i-WB CNC with the latest AWF2 (Automatic Wire Feed) system for reliable automatic wire threading, even through previously machined start holes. The Core Stitch function automatically tabs cut cores to prevent them from falling and damaging the workpiece or wire guide.

Cutting performance on the C800iB delivers surface finishes down to Ra 0.18 micrometers with multiple skim passes and cutting speeds of approximately 300 mm²/min on 60 mm thick D2 tool steel in roughing mode. FANUC's AI Pulse Control technology optimizes discharge parameters in real-time for consistent cutting speed and surface quality. Pricing for the ROBOCUT C800iB starts around $250,000 to $320,000, positioning it as a premium large-format wire EDM. Direct competitors include the Sodick ALC600G, Makino U6 HEAT, GF Machining Solutions CUT E 600, and Mitsubishi Electric MV2400S. FANUC's advantage is the fully integrated platform and the company's global service infrastructure.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Y-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	310 mm (12.2 in)
Travel U	±60 mm
Travel V	±60 mm
Max Workpiece Size	1,250 x 970 x 310 mm (49.2 x 38.2 x 12.2 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
Max Taper Angle	±15° / 310 mm height
Surface Finish	Ra 0.18 µm (with skim passes)
Wire Diameter	0.10 - 0.30 mm
Cutting Speed	~300 mm²/min (roughing, 60mm D2)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.002 mm
Repeatability	±0.001 mm
Auto Wire Threading	AWF2 (Automatic Wire Feed)
CNC Control	FANUC Series 31i-WB
Machine Weight	6,500 kg (14,330 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Fully integrated FANUC CNC, servos, and generator eliminate multi-vendor compatibility issues and simplify maintenance with a single source for all components
800 x 600 mm X/Y travel handles large die plates and aerospace components that exceed the capacity of standard 400-500 mm wire EDMs
AWF2 automatic wire threading system provides reliable threading through previously machined start holes, enabling unattended multi-cavity cutting
AI Pulse Control automatically optimizes discharge parameters for consistent cutting speed and surface quality across varying workpiece geometries
2,000 kg table load capacity accommodates heavy die blocks and large tooling without concerns about table deflection
Core Stitch function prevents cut cores from falling during unattended operation, reducing scrap risk on expensive workpieces

Limitations

FANUC's wire EDM technology, while reliable, is not considered the performance leader in cutting speed — Mitsubishi and Sodick typically achieve faster rough cutting rates
$250K+ pricing puts the C800iB at the upper end of large-format wire EDMs; shops with lighter duty cycles should consider the smaller C600iB
6,500 kg machine weight and 1,250 x 970 mm workpiece capacity require significant floor space and potentially crane access for loading heavy workpieces
FANUC's proprietary control interface has a steeper learning curve for operators coming from Mitsubishi or Sodick wire EDMs

Best For

Mold and die shops cutting large progressive die plates, plastic injection mold cavities, and die inserts that exceed 500 mm in any dimension Aerospace manufacturers wire-cutting large structural components, turbine discs, and specialty alloy parts requiring precision profiles Shops requiring unattended overnight wire EDM operation where AWF2 automatic threading and Core Stitch functions minimize operator intervention Facilities already running FANUC ROBOCUT machines that want to scale up to larger capacity while maintaining programming and operational consistency Tool and die makers producing large extrusion dies, stamping dies, and forging dies from hardened tool steels

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the C800iB compare to the Makino U6 HEAT?

The Makino U6 HEAT is a direct competitor with 650 x 450 mm travel. The C800iB has significantly more X and Y travel (800 x 600 mm), making it the better choice for larger workpieces. The Makino counters with its HyperCut technology for faster cutting speeds and superior surface finish in skim passes. For maximum workpiece capacity, the FANUC wins. For cutting performance on parts that fit within the Makino's travel, the U6 HEAT is competitive.

02 What wire types can the C800iB use?

The C800iB supports wire diameters from 0.10 to 0.30 mm. Standard brass wire (0.25 mm) is used for general cutting. Coated wires (zinc-coated, diffusion-annealed) improve cutting speed and surface finish. Molybdenum and tungsten wires are supported for specialized applications. Most shops run 0.25 mm brass wire for routine work and switch to 0.20 mm coated wire for fine-detail cuts and better surface finish.

03 What is the AWF2 automatic wire threading system?

AWF2 is FANUC's second-generation automatic wire feed system that threads wire through start holes automatically without operator intervention. It works with start holes as small as 1.0 mm diameter and can re-thread after wire breaks. The system uses a water jet to guide the wire through the hole and is designed to thread through previously machined cavities, which is critical for multi-cavity unattended cutting operations.

04 What dielectric fluid does the C800iB use?

The C800iB uses deionized water as the dielectric fluid, which is standard for wire EDM. An integrated deionization system maintains water resistivity at the optimal level for consistent cutting performance. The water tank capacity is approximately 800 liters. Regular filter replacement and deionization resin changes are the primary consumable maintenance items, typically costing $500-$1,000 per year.

05 Can the C800iB cut carbide and PCD?

Yes. Wire EDM is one of the primary methods for cutting tungsten carbide and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) tooling. The C800iB's generator technology handles the different spark characteristics of carbide and PCD with dedicated cutting parameter sets. Cutting speed in carbide is approximately 40-60% of the rate in tool steel. PCD cutting requires specific wire and parameter combinations that FANUC provides in their cutting technology database.

06 What is the maximum taper angle on the C800iB?

The C800iB cuts taper angles up to ±15 degrees over the full 310 mm Z-axis height using the U/V axis wire guides. Taper capability depends on workpiece thickness — thinner parts allow steeper taper angles. For mold applications requiring draft angles and complex 3D ruled surfaces, the ±15 degree capability covers most practical requirements. The FANUC control includes automatic taper compensation to maintain dimensional accuracy on tapered cuts.