FANUC ARC Mate 50iD vs ABB IRB 1600: Compact Welder vs General-Purpose Robot
Updated: 9 hours ago
IN A NUTSHELL
🔎 THE KEY DIFFERENCE This comparison includes family-level ranges: FANUC ARC Mate 50iD lists 7 kg and 717 mm, while ABB IRB 1600 lists 6–10 kg and 1200–1450 mm. Select an exact variant; maximum payload and maximum reach from different versions cannot be combined. |
→ CONSIDER FANUC ARC Mate 50iD Consider it when its named configuration already meets the actual load and workspace requirements. This article compares 7 kg with a published reach of 717 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
→ CONSIDER ABB IRB 1600 Consider it when an exact variant in this family meets the complete tool load and required workspace. This article compares 6–10 kg with a published reach of 1200–1450 mm; include the gripper and part in the load. |
💡 THE TAKEAWAY Choose exact order codes before comparing capacity or price. Confirm the selected variant’s payload and reach together, then validate the real tool, movement path and controls against the same acceptance test. |
The FANUC ARC Mate 50iD and the ABB IRB 1600 serve different scales of work. The ARC Mate 50iD is a compact arc welder for small parts that costs less than half as much. The IRB 1600 is a general-purpose robot with 6 or 10 kg payload and up to 1450 mm reach.
Quick verdict. The FANUC ARC Mate 50iD suits arc welding of small parts in tight cells, with ±0.018 mm repeatability and a listed price about 56% lower, but it is no longer part of the current FANUC range. The ABB IRB 1600 is the better choice for machine tending, material handling and process work with heavier parts and larger cells.
ARC Mate 50iD and IRB 1600 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 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg over 1200 or 1450 mm, repeats to ±0.02 mm (±0.05 mm for the 10 kg long-reach version) and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC ARC Mate 50iD | ABB IRB 1600 |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $18,500 | $42,000 |
Payload | 7 kg | 6–10 kg |
Reach | 717 mm | 1200–1450 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.018 mm | ±0.02–0.05 mm |
Axes | 6 | 6 |
Arm weight | 25 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Plus series | ABB IRC5 or OmniCore |
Price comparison
FANUC ARC Mate 50iD: listed from $18,500
ABB IRB 1600: listed from $42,000
Difference: $23,500
The ARC Mate 50iD costs roughly 56% less
Payload and reach
The IRB 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg and reaches 1200 or 1450 mm, against 7 kg and 717 mm for the ARC Mate 50iD. Larger parts and wider cells need the IRB 1600.
Purpose
The ARC Mate 50iD is FANUC's compact arc welding robot for small parts. ABB uses the IRB 1600 as a general-purpose robot for machine tending, material handling and process applications. The job usually decides between them.
Precision and availability
FANUC publishes ±0.018 mm repeatability for the ARC Mate 50iD; the IRB 1600 publishes ±0.02 mm, or ±0.05 mm for the 10 kg long-reach version. The ARC Mate 50iD is no longer part of the current FANUC product range, so spare parts and support should be checked before buying.
Best applications for the ARC Mate 50iD
Arc welding of small parts
Compact welding cells
Budget welding projects
Best applications for the ABB IRB 1600
Machine tending up to 10 kg
Material handling across 1450 mm
Process applications
ARC Mate 50iD advantages
About 56% lower listed price
±0.018 mm repeatability
Built for arc welding
ARC Mate 50iD limitations
No longer in the current FANUC range
717 mm reach
ABB IRB 1600 advantages
6 or 10 kg payload
1200 or 1450 mm reach
Current ABB model
ABB IRB 1600 limitations
About $23,500 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC ARC Mate 50iD for compact welding on a budget. Choose the ABB IRB 1600 for general-purpose work with heavier parts.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC ARC Mate 50iD or the ABB IRB 1600?
The ARC Mate 50iD is listed from $18,500 and the IRB 1600 from $42,000, a difference of $23,500.
Which robot carries more?
The IRB 1600 carries 6 or 10 kg; the ARC Mate 50iD 7 kg.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 1600 reaches 1200 or 1450 mm; the ARC Mate 50iD 717 mm.
Is the ARC Mate 50iD still in production?
It is no longer part of the current FANUC product range.
What is the IRB 1600 used for?
Machine tending, material handling and process applications.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the ARC Mate 50iD for compact welding. Choose the IRB 1600 for general-purpose work.
