Nachi Robotics MZ12 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Nachi Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | MZ12 |
| Year | 2015 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 27 kg |
| Country of origin | JP |
Key features
- 12 kg payload
- 1,400 mm reach
- ±0.03 mm repeatability
- Extended-reach MZ-series
- Dual-station cell capable
- High-speed packaging rated
- FD controller platform
- Automotive assembly proven
What is it?
The Nachi MZ12 is a 6-axis industrial robot with 12 kg payload, 1,400 mm reach, and ±0.03 mm repeatability. The extended-reach mid-range model in the MZ-series, the MZ12 addresses general assembly, packaging, machine tending, and material handling where 7 kg payload is insufficient and extended reach beyond 1,300 mm is required. Widely deployed in Japanese automotive and electronics manufacturing.
Who is it for?
- Automotive manufacturers handling mid-weight components across large machining centre footprints
- Electronics assemblers loading and unloading large PCB panels or rack-mounted assemblies requiring extended reach
- Packaging operations running case erecting, tray loading, and product placement at 8–12 kg payload
- Japanese and East Asian manufacturers extending existing Nachi robot lines to cover mid-payload applications
Key specs
- Payload: 12 kg
- Reach: 1,400 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.03 mm
- Degrees of freedom: 6
- Weight (arm): 27 kg
- Controller: Nachi FD
- Configuration: Floor, inverted, wall
- Applications: Assembly, packaging, machine tending, material handling
How it compares
The Fanuc M-10iA (10 kg, 1,422 mm) is 2 kg lighter at similar reach. The Universal Robots UR10e (12.5 kg, 1,300 mm) is collaborative at 100 mm shorter reach. For guarded cells requiring maximum speed at 12 kg across 1,400 mm, the MZ12 has a cycle time advantage over the collaborative UR10e, at the cost of requiring guarding infrastructure.
Limitations
- Not collaborative; full safety guarding required
- Nachi's global integrator network is smaller than Fanuc's or KUKA's outside Japan and East Asia
- FD controller programming is less widely known than Fanuc's TP or KUKA KRL
- 1,400 mm reach cannot cover full euro-pallet footprints from a single base position
FAQ
What is the Nachi MZ12 payload and reach?
The MZ12 has a 12 kg payload and 1,400 mm reach. It is designed for mid-weight assembly and machine tending across large workstation footprints.
What repeatability does the MZ12 achieve?
The MZ12 achieves ±0.03 mm repeatability, appropriate for assembly, packaging, and machine tending at 12 kg payload.
What applications is the MZ12 best suited to?
The MZ12 is deployed for assembly, packaging, machine tending, and material handling in guarded cells where 12 kg payload and 1,400 mm reach are required simultaneously. It is standard in Japanese automotive and electronics manufacturing.
How does the MZ12 compare to the Universal Robots UR10e?
The UR10e has 12.5 kg payload at 1,300 mm reach and is collaborative (no guarding required). The MZ12 has 12 kg at 1,400 mm reach but requires guarding. For maximum cycle speed in guarded cells, the MZ12 is faster; for flexible collaborative deployment, the UR10e is preferred.
How does the MZ12 compare to the Fanuc M-10iA?
The Fanuc M-10iA has 10 kg payload at 1,422 mm reach. The MZ12 has 12 kg payload at 1,400 mm reach — 2 kg more payload at similar reach. Both are industrial robots requiring guarding; the Fanuc has a broader global integrator network.