Fanuc Robodrill α-T14iFa
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Fanuc Robodrill α-T14iFa is Fanuc's pallet-equipped Robodrill variant, designed for unmanned or lightly attended production where an automatic pallet changer (APC) is required to keep spindle utilization high. The 'T' designation in the Robodrill naming scheme indicates that this model includes a two-pallet APC as standard — pallets load and unload outside the machining envelope while cutting continues uninterrupted. It addresses the primary productivity limitation of single-pallet compact VMCs: the operator must wait for the cut to finish before loading the next part.
The T14iFa is built on the standard Robodrill platform — BT30 spindle, 21-tool turret magazine, 0.7-second tool-to-tool change, 54 m/min rapids, and Fanuc 31i control — but the two-pallet APC fundamentally changes its production economics. For parts with cycle times between 3 and 15 minutes, a well-run T14iFa with one operator managing multiple machines can approach spindle utilization rates more typical of horizontal machining centers. The APC adds roughly 400 mm to the machine's footprint depth compared to a standard Robodrill but remains compact relative to full-size HMCs with pallet changers.
The iA-generation designation (31i-A control) indicates this is the previous control generation, though many T14iFa machines remain in active production service globally. Current Fanuc Robodrill production has largely transitioned to iB5-generation controls. The T14iFa variant with APC competes with the Brother Speedio M140X1 and Matsuura MAM72-25V as pallet-equipped compact machining centers. It is particularly popular in electronics manufacturing in Japan and Southeast Asia, where it is used in automated cells producing small precision parts around the clock.
New pricing for the T14iFa or equivalent current-generation APC-equipped Robodrill starts around $110,000-$160,000. Used T14iFa machines from 2014-2020 trade in the $40,000-$80,000 range depending on hours and condition.
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) |
| Pallet Size | 300 x 300 mm (11.8 x 11.8 in) — 2 pallets standard |
| Pallet Change Time | ~7 sec |
| Table Load Capacity | 150 kg per pallet (331 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM (24,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Taper | BT30 / BBT30 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (15 hp) continuous |
| Tool Capacity | 21-position turret |
| Tool To Tool | 0.7 sec |
| Chip To Chip | 1.3 sec |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 54 m/min (2,126 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-A (iA generation) |
| Machine Weight | ~4,500 kg (9,921 lb) |
Specifications sourced from emastercam.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Two-pallet APC enables operator to load the next part while the spindle cuts, dramatically improving spindle utilization versus single-table compact VMCs
- Retains all Robodrill core advantages — 0.7-second tool change, 54 m/min rapids, Fanuc 31i control — while adding pallet automation
- Compact pallet changer footprint keeps the machine practical for shops that cannot accommodate full-size HMC pallet systems
- Fanuc-native automation integration enables easy connection to Fanuc robots and cell controllers for fully automated lights-out production
- Large global installed base means experienced operators, used parts, and integration knowledge are widely available
Limitations
- 300 x 300 mm pallet size limits workpiece and fixture dimensions — larger parts require the machine's standard table mode or a different platform
- 150 kg per-pallet load limit restricts fixture weight; heavy steel tombstones or multiple-vise setups may exceed capacity
- iA-generation control (31i-A) is the previous generation — newer iB5 Robodrills offer improved servo performance and updated software features
- BT30 taper remains the constraint: not suited for heavy-duty roughing regardless of pallet configuration
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The 'T' in the Robodrill naming scheme indicates that the machine includes a factory-installed two-pallet automatic pallet changer (APC). The 'i' is Fanuc's current-generation designation, 'A' refers to the 31i-A control generation, '14' is the legacy model number (not a tool count), and 'F' indicates the standard body size. So the T14iFa is a factory-pallet-equipped, iA-generation Robodrill on the standard F-body.
02
The T14iFa has two pallets — one inside the machining envelope (on the table) and one on an external load station. When a cycle completes, the APC swaps the pallets in approximately 7 seconds: the finished pallet moves to the load station for unloading and the pre-loaded pallet moves into the spindle area. The operator loads and unloads parts at the external station while machining continues. This cycle repeats continuously, keeping the spindle cutting rather than waiting for manual loading.
03
A pallet HMC like the Makino a51nx (400 mm pallet) or Mazak HCN-4000 offers a larger work envelope, higher torque, 4-side tombstone machining via B-axis indexing, and pallet pool expansion to 10-40+ pallets. The T14iFa is drastically less expensive ($110K-$160K vs $250K-$400K+ for an HMC), has a much smaller footprint, and is optimized for small parts. The HMC wins on productivity for medium-to-large prismatic parts; the T14iFa wins for small parts in shops that don't need the full HMC capability.
04
Yes. The T14iFa is commonly used in automated cells where a Fanuc robot handles part loading and unloading at the pallet station rather than a human operator. The native Fanuc control makes integration with Fanuc LR Mate or M-series robots straightforward. For high-volume production of small parts, a robot-Robodrill cell can run lights-out for multiple shifts, with the robot managing multiple T14iFa machines simultaneously.
05
New T14iFa machines — or current-generation equivalents with APC — typically price between $110,000 and $160,000 depending on spindle option and options. Used T14iFa machines from 2014-2020 trade in the $40,000-$80,000 range. The APC configuration adds roughly $20,000-$30,000 over a comparable single-table Robodrill on the used market.
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