FANUC ARC Mate 100iD vs ABB IRB 2600: 12 kg Robot Comparison
The FANUC ARC Mate 100iD and the ABB IRB 2600 both carry 12 kg and both are used for arc welding. The ARC Mate 100iD is a slim, dedicated welder that repeats twice as tightly and costs about a quarter less. The IRB 2600 reaches further and offers a 20 kg version.
Quick verdict. The FANUC ARC Mate 100iD is the better choice for arc welding, with a slim arm, internal torch cabling, ±0.02 mm repeatability and a listed price about 24% lower. The ABB IRB 2600 is the better choice for mixed handling, machine tending and welding with up to 20 kg and 1850 mm reach.
ARC Mate 100iD and IRB 2600 at a glance
The FANUC ARC Mate 100iD carries 12 kg over 1441 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm, weighs 145 kg and runs on the R-30iB Plus or R-30iB Mate Plus controller.
The ABB IRB 2600 carries 12 or 20 kg over 1650 or 1850 mm, repeats to ±0.04 mm and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC ARC Mate 100iD | ABB IRB 2600 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $38,000 | $50,000 |
Payload | 12 kg | 12–20 kg |
Reach | 1441 mm | 1650–1850 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.02 mm | ±0.04 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 145 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) or R-30iB Mate Plus | ABB IRC5 or OmniCore |
Price comparison
FANUC ARC Mate 100iD: listed from $38,000
ABB IRB 2600: listed from $50,000
Difference: $12,000
The ARC Mate 100iD costs roughly 24% less
Welding design
ARC Mate arms are slim, route the torch cable inside the arm and connect to a range of welding power supplies. That reduces cable wear and interference with fixtures in welding cells. The IRB 2600 is a general mid-size robot used for welding as well as handling and machine tending.
Payload, reach and precision
Both carry 12 kg in their base versions; the IRB 2600 also comes in a 20 kg version. The IRB 2600 reaches 1650 or 1850 mm, against 1441 mm for the ARC Mate 100iD. FANUC publishes ±0.02 mm repeatability, against ±0.04 mm for the IRB 2600.
Installation and controllers
The ARC Mate 100iD weighs 145 kg, mounts on the floor, upside-down or at an angle, and runs on the R-30iB Plus (A- or B-cabinet) or R-30iB Mate Plus. ABB runs the IRB 2600 on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Best applications for the ARC Mate 100iD
Arc welding
Welding cells with tight fixtures
Plants standardized on FANUC
Best applications for the ABB IRB 2600
Machine tending up to 20 kg
Material handling
Mixed welding and handling cells
ARC Mate 100iD advantages
About 24% lower listed price
±0.02 mm repeatability
Slim arm with internal torch cabling
ARC Mate 100iD limitations
1441 mm reach
ABB IRB 2600 advantages
12 or 20 kg versions
1650 or 1850 mm reach
ABB IRB 2600 limitations
±0.04 mm repeatability
About $12,000 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC ARC Mate 100iD for dedicated arc welding. Choose the ABB IRB 2600 for mixed handling and heavier parts.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC ARC Mate 100iD or the ABB IRB 2600?
The ARC Mate 100iD is listed from $38,000 and the IRB 2600 from $50,000, a difference of $12,000.
Do both robots carry 12 kg?
Yes, and the IRB 2600 also comes in a 20 kg version.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 2600 reaches 1650 or 1850 mm; the ARC Mate 100iD 1441 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The ARC Mate 100iD publishes ±0.02 mm and the IRB 2600 ±0.04 mm.
Which robot is built for welding?
The ARC Mate 100iD, with a slim arm and internal torch cabling.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the ARC Mate 100iD for welding. Choose the IRB 2600 for mixed handling.
