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How to Buy a Fanuc Controller: Things You Must Know

AUG. 21, 2025

In the use of Fanuc system of CNC machine tools, Fanuc controller is like a brain, managing the entire machine action, to ensure accuracy and efficiency. But once broken, change or repair is quite a headache. Many people's first reaction is: report a model, such as A02B-0309-B520, you can buy the exact same replacement. As a result, when you install it, you find that it doesn't match at all, and it either reports an error or just won't start.

We have been in this industry for so many years, encountered a lot of customers ate this loss. On the surface of the same model number, in fact, the circuit board configuration, prefix code (like 0i-MC / 0i-TC) may be completely different. Even if the model number is the same, the function and adaptability are not necessarily right.

How to Buy a Fanuc Controller: Things You Must Know
So today we will talk to you: buy Fanuc controller, just report the model number why is not enough, you need to prepare what information, in order to avoid the toss and waste.

Fanuc Controller in the End Is What?
Fanuc controller is the brain of the machine tool, all instructions have to go through it: the operator under the command, system logic, Fanuc servo drive execution, all rely on it scheduling.

Take A02B-0309-B520 for example. You may think, "just match the model number,” but it's not that simple:

* The same model, may be installed in different machines (such as milling machines, lathes), the logic is not the same.
* The combination of circuit boards (PCB) inside the controller will also be different, difference of a board, the whole machine will not run.

Why Is It Not Enough to Just Report the Model Number?
Take A02B-0309-B520 for example:

* Fanuc will use the same model number for both milling and lathe systems.
* The combination of boards in it may have been changed depending on the functional requirements.
* If the one you bought is not the same as the one in your machine tool, it may appear:

  * Cannot plug into the system;
  * Errors at start-up;
  * Wasted time, returns and production delays.

Board Configuration Pitfalls - Real Life Examples
For a real world example, still the model A02B-0309-B520:

* Configuration A might be loaded with:

  * A20B-8200-0392
  * A20B-8101-0430
  * A20B-8200-0360
  * A20B-8002-0633
  * A20B-3900-0163

* Configuration B is:

  * A20B-8200-0391
  * a20b-3900-0283
  * A20B-8200-0360
  * a20b-8002-0633
  * A20B-8101-0430

At first glance, the differences don't look like much, but there are actually a few boards that are different, and that's enough to make a machine tool unrecognizable. In other words, same model ≠ same configuration.

Importance of Prefixes: 0i-MC and 0i-TC
In addition to the model number, the prefixes must be noted.

* 0i-MC→ for milling machine.
* 0i-TC→ for lathe.

The main thing to look for inside are the letters M and T. M is for a milling machine and T is for a lathe. Let's take A02B-0309-B520 as an example:

* 0i-MC A02B-0309-B520 is the milling version.
* If it says 0i-TC A02B-0309-B520, it is the lathe version.

Although it looks exactly the same in appearance, it won't work if the prefix is wrong.

What Information Should I Prepare When Buying a Fanuc Controller?
In order to avoid repeated folding, you'd better give the following information to the supplier at once:

1. The complete controller model number, for example: A02B-0309-B520.
2. The prefix code, 0i-MC (milling machine), 0i-TC (lathe), or others.
3. Board list or photo, open the controller and take a clear picture of each board model (like A20B-8200-0392, A20B-8101-0430).
4. Some Fanuc controllers come with a screen, and the screen is divided into horizontal and vertical, you need to tell the supplier what kind of screen you need.
5. Machine model + system version, e.g. Fanuc 0i, 30i, 31i.
6. The cause of the failure, tell the supplier whether it is "dead, error, or just does not power on”, so that it is easier to help you to confirm the compatibility.

What Can Songwei Do for You?
We specialize in Fanuc spare parts, especially Fanuc controllers:

* Have new and used Fanuc controllers that can be shipped worldwide.
* Provide testing and repair services for controllers and circuit boards.
* Have professional Fanuc test bench, can simulate the machine tool environment test, to ensure that you get the controller can be used directly.
* The engineering team can help you confirm the configuration to avoid delaying the production.

You only need to send the Fanuc host model + prefix + board list or photos, we can help you accurately match.

Summary

Buying a Fanuc controller is not a matter of "just quoting a model number”. Confirmation is required:

* Prefix (0i-MC / 0i-TC).
* Internal board configuration.

If you don't know these things clearly, you may buy the wrong one, which will cause delay and cost you more money. Therefore, before placing an order, be sure to have the model number, prefix, and board configuration ready, and find a knowledgeable supplier to confirm. This will avoid detours, the machine can be restored to normal as soon as possible. If you are now stuck in Fanuc controller problems, you can directly contact Songwei, we can help you detect, repair, replace, ensure that the machine tool as soon as possible to return to production.

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