FANUC ARC Mate 50iD vs ABB IRB 1200: Compact 7 kg Robot Comparison
The FANUC ARC Mate 50iD and the ABB IRB 1200 are compact six-axis robots in the 7 kg class, built for different jobs. The ARC Mate 50iD is a small arc welding robot and costs about 29% less. The IRB 1200 is a handling and machine-tending robot that is still in production, with a longer-reach version.
Quick verdict. The FANUC ARC Mate 50iD suits arc welding of small parts in tight cells, with 7 kg payload, ±0.018 mm repeatability and a listed price about 29% lower, but it is no longer part of the current FANUC range. The ABB IRB 1200 is the better choice for material handling and machine tending, with 700 mm or 900 mm reach and current product support.
ARC Mate 50iD and IRB 1200 at a glance
The FANUC ARC Mate 50iD carries 7 kg over 717 mm, repeats to ±0.018 mm, weighs 25 kg and runs on the R-30iB Plus series controller.
The ABB IRB 1200 comes as the 7 kg / 700 mm version or the 5 kg / 900 mm version, repeats to ±0.02–0.025 mm and runs on OmniCore or IRC5.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC ARC Mate 50iD | ABB IRB 1200 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $18,500 | $26,000 |
Payload | 7 kg | 5–7 kg |
Reach | 717 mm | 700–900 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.018 mm | ±0.02–0.025 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 25 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Plus series | ABB OmniCore or IRC5 |
Price comparison
FANUC ARC Mate 50iD: listed from $18,500
ABB IRB 1200: listed from $26,000
Difference: $7,500
The ARC Mate 50iD costs roughly 29% less
Purpose
The ARC Mate 50iD is FANUC's compact arc welding robot, designed to weld small parts in tight cells with FANUC's welding packages. The IRB 1200 is built for material handling and machine tending in small cells. Buyers should start from the process: welding or handling.
Payload, reach and precision
The ARC Mate 50iD carries 7 kg over 717 mm, matching the IRB 1200-7/0.7 at 7 kg and 700 mm. The IRB 1200-5/0.9 trades 2 kg of payload for 900 mm reach. FANUC publishes ±0.018 mm repeatability, against ±0.02 mm and ±0.025 mm for the two IRB 1200 versions.
Availability and mounting
The ARC Mate 50iD is no longer part of the current FANUC product range, so spare parts and support should be checked before buying. It weighs 25 kg and mounts on the floor, at an angle or inverted. The IRB 1200 is a current ABB model.
Best applications for the ARC Mate 50iD
Arc welding of small parts
Compact welding cells
Plants standardized on FANUC
Best applications for the ABB IRB 1200
Material handling in small cells
Machine tending
Plants standardized on ABB
ARC Mate 50iD advantages
About 29% lower listed price
±0.018 mm repeatability
Built for arc welding
ARC Mate 50iD limitations
No longer in the current FANUC range
ABB IRB 1200 advantages
700 mm or 900 mm reach versions
Current ABB model
OmniCore or IRC5 controller
ABB IRB 1200 limitations
About $7,500 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC ARC Mate 50iD for compact arc welding on a budget where availability is not critical. Choose the ABB IRB 1200 for handling and machine tending with current product support.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC ARC Mate 50iD or the ABB IRB 1200?
The ARC Mate 50iD is listed from $18,500 and the IRB 1200 from $26,000, a difference of $7,500.
Which robot carries more?
The ARC Mate 50iD carries 7 kg; the IRB 1200 carries 7 kg in its 700 mm version and 5 kg in its 900 mm version.
Which robot is more precise?
The ARC Mate 50iD publishes ±0.018 mm and the IRB 1200 ±0.02 to ±0.025 mm.
Is the ARC Mate 50iD still in production?
It is no longer part of the current FANUC product range.
What is each robot designed for?
The ARC Mate 50iD for arc welding; the IRB 1200 for handling and machine tending.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the ARC Mate 50iD for compact welding. Choose the IRB 1200 for handling.
