FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH vs ABB IRB 1520ID: Handling vs Welding Robot
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH and the ABB IRB 1520ID are both rated for 4 kg, but they do very different jobs. The LR Mate 4SH is a 5-axis, high-speed handler for tight cells at well under half the price. The IRB 1520ID is a 6-axis, 1500 mm arc welding robot with an integrated hose package.
Quick verdict. The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH is the better choice for fast pick-and-place and machine loading, with joint speeds up to 1500°/s, ±0.01 mm repeatability and a listed price about 58% lower. The ABB IRB 1520ID is the better choice for arc welding, with 1500 mm reach and its hose package routed through the upper arm.
LR Mate 200iD/4SH and IRB 1520ID at a glance
The FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH carries 4 kg over 550 mm with 5 axes, repeats to ±0.01 mm, weighs 19 kg and runs on the R-30iB Plus series controller.
The ABB IRB 1520ID carries 4 kg over 1500 mm with 6 axes, repeats to ±0.05 mm and runs on IRC5 or OmniCore.
Main specification comparison
Specification | FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH | ABB IRB 1520ID |
Brand | FANUC | ABB |
Listed price | $16,000 | $38,000 |
Payload | 4 kg | 4 kg |
Reach | 550 mm | 1500 mm |
Repeatability | ±0.01 mm | ±0.05 mm |
Axes | 5 | 6 |
Speed | J1 460°/s; J2 460°/s; J3 520°/s; J4 560°/s; J5 1500°/s | Not specified |
Arm weight | 19 kg | Not specified |
Controller | R-30iB Plus series | ABB IRC5 or OmniCore |
Price comparison
FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH: listed from $16,000
ABB IRB 1520ID: listed from $38,000
Difference: $22,000
The LR Mate 4SH costs roughly 58% less
Purpose and axes
The IRB 1520ID is a dedicated arc welding robot with 6 axes for torch orientation and its hose package routed through the upper arm. The LR Mate 4SH has 5 axes and is built for high-speed handling, with joint speeds of 460°/s on J1 and J2, 520°/s on J3, 560°/s on J4 and 1500°/s on J5.
Reach and precision
Both are rated for 4 kg. The IRB 1520ID reaches 1500 mm, against 550 mm for the LR Mate 4SH. FANUC publishes ±0.01 mm repeatability for the LR Mate 4SH, against ±0.05 mm for the IRB 1520ID.
Controllers and mounting
The LR Mate 4SH weighs 19 kg and mounts on the floor, at an angle or inverted, running on FANUC's R-30iB Plus series controller. ABB runs the IRB 1520ID on IRC5 or OmniCore with its welding software.
Best applications for the LR Mate 200iD/4SH
High-speed pick-and-place
Machine loading in confined spaces
Light handling up to 4 kg
Best applications for the ABB IRB 1520ID
Arc welding
Welding cells with offline programming
Larger welded parts
LR Mate 200iD/4SH advantages
Joint speeds up to 1500°/s
±0.01 mm repeatability
About 58% lower listed price
LR Mate 200iD/4SH limitations
5 axes and 550 mm reach
ABB IRB 1520ID advantages
1500 mm reach
Integrated welding hose package
ABB IRB 1520ID limitations
About $22,000 higher listed price
Final verdict
Choose the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH for fast handling. Choose the ABB IRB 1520ID for arc welding.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the FANUC LR Mate 200iD/4SH or the ABB IRB 1520ID?
The LR Mate 4SH is listed from $16,000 and the IRB 1520ID from $38,000, a difference of $22,000.
How many axes do they have?
The LR Mate 4SH has 5 axes and the IRB 1520ID 6.
Which robot has the longer reach?
The IRB 1520ID reaches 1500 mm and the LR Mate 4SH 550 mm.
Which robot is more precise?
The LR Mate 4SH publishes ±0.01 mm and the IRB 1520ID ±0.05 mm.
What is the IRB 1520ID designed for?
Arc welding, with the hose package routed through the upper arm.
Which robot should I buy?
Choose the LR Mate 4SH for handling. Choose the IRB 1520ID for welding.
