Nachi Robotics SC400 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Nachi Robotics |
|---|---|
| Model | SC400 |
| Year | 2016 |
| Category | Industrial Lite |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 12 kg |
| Country of origin | JP |
Key features
- 4 kg payload
- 400 mm reach
- ±0.01 mm repeatability
- 4-axis SCARA architecture
- Extended-reach SC-series
- Precision assembly rated
- FD controller platform
- High-speed insertion capable
What is it?
The Nachi SC400 is a SCARA robot with 4 kg payload, 400 mm reach, and ±0.01 mm repeatability. The extended-reach model in the SC-series, the SC400 covers a larger horizontal working area than the SC300 while retaining the same precision specification. The SCARA architecture provides fast horizontal cycle times and high vertical rigidity, making it more efficient than a 6-axis arm for horizontal assembly tasks.
Who is it for?
- Electronics manufacturers assembling components across wider PCB panels or dual-position fixtures requiring 400 mm reach
- Medical device producers performing precision insertion, screwdriving, or dispensing across larger workstation footprints
- Automotive electronics suppliers running high-volume connector insertion and assembly tasks requiring wider reach
- Precision manufacturing plants upgrading from bench-top manual assembly to automated SCARA cells
Key specs
- Payload: 4 kg
- Reach: 400 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.01 mm
- Axes: 4 (SCARA)
- Weight (arm): 12 kg
- Controller: Nachi FD
- Cycle time: 0.32 s (standard SCARA test path)
- Z-stroke: 150 mm
How it compares
The Epson T6 (6 kg, 450 mm, ±0.01 mm) has higher payload and slightly longer reach. The Yamaha YK400X (4 kg, 400 mm) directly matches the SC400 specifications. The SC400 is preferred in Japanese Nachi-incumbent plants; the Epson T6 is preferred when higher payload capacity is needed; the Yamaha YK400X is the closest functional equivalent.
Limitations
- 4-axis SCARA cannot perform angled insertion or complex 3D path tasks that a 6-axis arm handles
- 400 mm reach limits use to compact cells; cannot service wide conveyor belts or multi-station layouts
- Nachi SC-series accessory ecosystem is smaller than Epson's or Yamaha's SCARA libraries
- Not collaborative; safety guarding required for all deployments
FAQ
What is the difference between the SC300 and SC400?
The SC400 has a 400 mm reach versus the SC300's 300 mm, and 4 kg payload versus 3 kg. Both achieve ±0.01 mm repeatability. The SC400 is chosen when the working envelope of the fixture or conveyor exceeds 300 mm or when payload is borderline at 3 kg.
What is the SC400 payload and reach?
The SC400 has a 4 kg payload and 400 mm reach. With a typical gripper weighing 0.5–1 kg, effective part capacity is 3–3.5 kg.
What repeatability does the SC400 achieve?
The SC400 achieves ±0.01 mm repeatability, the same as the SC300 and the best specification in the Nachi range. This enables precision insertion, screwdriving, and dispensing at high cycle rates.
What applications is the SC400 best suited to?
The SC400 is best for electronics assembly across wider PCB panels, dual-fixture precision insertion, medical device screwdriving, and dispensing tasks where the SC300's 300 mm reach is insufficient.
How does the SC400 compare to the Epson T6?
The Epson T6 has 6 kg payload and 450 mm reach at ±0.01 mm. The SC400 has 4 kg at 400 mm. The Epson T6 is preferable when payload above 4 kg is needed; the SC400 is preferred in Nachi-incumbent plants for service and parts continuity.