What to Look for When Buying a Used Fanuc
Fanuc machines are engineered for extreme reliability and high-volume production. The Robodrill is known for running 20+ years with minimal maintenance. Here's what to inspect on used units.
On Robodrill VMCs, check spindle, ATC, and linear guideways. Robodrill spindles run at high RPM (10,000 to 24,000 depending on model) and should be tested across the full speed range. Listen for bearing noise and verify thermal stability after warm-up. Cycle the ATC through every pocket; chip-to-chip times under 1 second are factory spec, and any hesitation indicates wear. Inspect linear guideways on X, Y, and Z for scoring, and verify rapid traverse rates match factory specs.
On Robocut wire EDMs, verify wire path, power supply, and filtration. Inspect upper and lower wire guides for wear, since worn guides degrade accuracy. Check the dielectric filtration system and plan to replace filters on intake. Test the auto wire threader through a full cut cycle. Verify the power supply generates clean discharge pulses across all conditions. On taper-cutting models, verify U and V axis accuracy.
Identify the control version. Current Robodrill machines typically use Fanuc 31i-B5 or 30i-B; older machines may use 16i, 18i, or 21i. Robocut uses 31i-WB or 30i-WB. Control generation affects features, networking, and CAM compatibility.
Verify option packages. Robodrills are highly configurable. Common options include high-pressure coolant, chip conveyor, 4th axis rotary, additional memory, and advanced machining packages. Confirm which options are enabled, as enabling them later often requires factory parameters.
Fanuc Robodrill Series
α-D14 (14-Tool ATC)
The α-D14 is the most compact Robodrill, a small-footprint VMC with BT30 spindle and 14-tool turret-style ATC. Ideal for small parts, drilling and tapping, and high-volume cellular manufacturing. Available in S and L variants.
α-D21 (21-Tool ATC)
The α-D21 is the workhorse Robodrill, balancing compact footprint with expanded work envelope. Travels of 700mm x 400mm x 330mm on the S variant accommodate a wide range of parts. Available in S, M, L, XL, and Plus configurations with 10,000 to 24,000 RPM spindle options.
α-D28 (Extended Travel)
The α-D28 is the largest Robodrill, with 800mm X-axis travel and heavier-duty construction for larger workpieces while keeping Robodrill rapid-cycle DNA. Available in S, M, L, XL, and Plus configurations.
Robodrill Plus Generation
Current Plus variants add higher-rigidity construction, improved thermal compensation, upgraded Fanuc 31i-B5 control with AI thermal displacement compensation, and faster rapid traverse. Plus models command a premium used.
Fanuc Robocut & Robonano
Robocut α-Ci Series (Wire EDM)
The Robocut α-C400i, α-C600i, and α-C800i offer production-grade wire EDM with AI discharge control, automatic wire threading, and submerged cutting. The α-C600i is the most commonly traded, with a 600mm x 400mm x 310mm work envelope. Fanuc 31i-WB control.
Robonano α-NMi (Ultra-Precision)
The Robonano α-NMi is among the world's most accurate commercial machine tools, achieving 0.1 nanometer positioning resolution. Used in semiconductor photomask production, optical mold manufacturing, and advanced research. Rarely traded used.
Fanuc CNC Controls & Retrofits
Fanuc CNC controls (0i, 30i, 31i, and 32i series) are the world's most widely installed machine tool controls. Used Fanuc control packages, spindle drives, servo amplifiers, and retrofit kits trade actively on the secondary market.
How to Sell Your Used Fanuc
Fanuc machines hold exceptional resale value thanks to the brand's global reputation, massive installed base, and near-universal parts availability. Robodrills in particular maintain strong demand across medical, electronics, and automotive sectors.
Resell CNC buys used Fanuc machines, every model and generation, nationwide.
- Contact us, call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer and we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Fanuc Machines
Are used Fanuc Robodrills reliable?
Yes. The Robodrill is famous for 20+ year service lives in demanding production environments. With more than 500,000 units sold since 1983, it has one of the longest track records of any VMC platform, and parts and service support are excellent.
What CNC control does Fanuc use?
Fanuc machines run Fanuc's own controls (the company invented them). Current Robodrill and Robocut models use Fanuc 31i-B5 or 30i-B. Older machines may have 16i, 18i, or 21i. Fanuc is the most widely installed CNC platform worldwide, so operator skills transfer easily across brands.
What is the difference between Robodrill α-D14, α-D21, and α-D28?
The number refers to work envelope size. α-D14 is the smallest with a 14-tool ATC and BT30 spindle. α-D21 is the mid-size workhorse with 21-tool ATC. α-D28 has the largest envelope with 800mm X-axis travel. All share Robodrill's high-speed DNA.
What industries use Fanuc Robodrills?
Robodrills dominate medical device machining (bone screws, implants, surgical instruments), electronics (smartphone housings, connectors), watch and jewelry, and automotive precision parts, anywhere speed and reliability matter on small parts.
What Fanuc models hold their value best?
Robodrill α-D21 and α-D28 in Plus configurations with newer Fanuc 31i-B5 controls command the strongest resale values. Robocut α-C600i and α-C800i wire EDMs also hold value well. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
Is a "Fanuc machine" the same as a machine with a Fanuc control?
Not necessarily. Fanuc makes the world's most widely used CNC controls, installed on machines from hundreds of OEMs. Fanuc also builds its own machine tools (Robodrill, Robocut, Robonano). A "Fanuc machine" on the used market typically refers to one of these factory-built platforms.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used Fanuc machines?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options. Contact us at (844) 478-8181.
How do I sell my used Fanuc?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy every Fanuc Robodrill, Robocut, and Robonano model, nationwide. Free appraisal within 24 hours.