Quick Answer: FANUC vs Yaskawa Servo — Which Wins?
Short answer: FANUC Servo is the best Servo brand for machines already running a FANUC CNC — Alpha i, Beta iS, and SVM amplifiers integrate over FSSB fiber with near-zero migration effort — while Yaskawa Servo wins on controller-agnostic flexibility, higher encoder resolution (20-bit absolute on Sigma-V), and lower entry pricing on Sigma-II drives. If your machine has a FANUC control, buy FANUC Servo for drop-in compatibility; if you're building motion on Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff, or MECHATROLINK-II/EtherCAT, Yaskawa is the stronger choice.
This FANUC vs Yaskawa Servo comparison uses verified in-stock model data — real torque, encoder, voltage, and price ranges — so you can decide on specs rather than brand loyalty. Both lines are stocked for engineers sourcing hard-to-find and discontinued automation parts, so availability is rarely the deciding factor: compatibility and integration cost are.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table: FANUC vs Yaskawa Servo Specs
The table below compares real, currently listed models across both brands. Note the pattern: FANUC motors tend to run higher power per frame with 16-bit absolute encoders, while Yaskawa Sigma-V reaches 20-bit absolute resolution on lower-power frames.
| Feature | FANUC A06B-0235-B000 (Alpha iS 8/4000) | Yaskawa SGMJV-08A3A61 (Sigma-V 750W) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand / Series | FANUC Alpha iS | Yaskawa Sigma-V SGMJV |
| Rated Power | 2.5 kW | 750 W |
| Torque | 8 Nm rated | 2.39 N·m rated / 8.36 N·m peak |
| Speed | 4000 rpm | 3000 rpm |
| Encoder | 16-bit absolute | 20-bit absolute |
| Voltage | 200V AC | 200V AC |
| Communication | FSSB (FANUC native) | MECHATROLINK-II / analog / pulse |
| Price Range | $2500-3500 | $600-1000 |
| Stock Status | In Stock | Limited Stock |
| Best For | FANUC CNC mills, lathes, robots needing high power | Precision positioning on non-FANUC or mixed controllers |
On the drive side, the split holds: A06B-6127-H109 - Alpha i 5kW Servo Drive, 20A, 380V, FSSB pairs only with FANUC controls, while SGDV-550A - Sigma-V 7kW Servo Drive, 55A, MECHATROLINK-II accepts commands from virtually any host controller. For lower-power axes, A06B-6079-H304 - Alpha SVM 2.2kW Servo Amplifier competes with SGDV-120A - Sigma-V 1.0kW Drive.
Pricing & Availability: What's In Stock Now
Stock position matters as much as spec when you're keeping a line running. Here's the real picture across both brands.
FANUC in stock now: A06B-0235-B000 - Alpha iS 8/4000 Motor ($2500-3500), A06B-0162-B175 - Beta iS 8/3000 Motor ($1200-2000), A06B-0213-B001 - Alpha iF 12/4000 Motor ($2000-3500), and A06B-6079-H304 - Alpha SVM 2.2kW Amplifier (¥18,000-22,000).
FANUC limited stock: A06B-0512-B001 - AC Servo Motor 5.9 Nm ($1500-2500), A06B-0315-B201 - 10S Braked Motor ($2000-3500), A06B-6077-H112/H126/H130 amplifiers ($1500-4000), and A06B-6127-H109 - Alpha i 5kW Drive (¥28,000-35,000).
Yaskawa in stock now: SGDV-5R5A - Sigma-V 0.5kW Drive ($450-700), SGDV-120A - Sigma-V 1.0kW Drive ($600-950), SGDV-280A - Sigma-V 2.0kW Drive ($900-1500), SGDM-20ADA - Sigma-II 2.0kW Servo ($400-650), and SGDM-30ADA - Sigma-II 3.0kW Servo ($500-800).
Yaskawa limited stock: SGMPH-02A1A ($300-500), SGMPH-04A1A ($400-650), SGMJV-08A3A61 ($600-1000), SGMGH-13A2C ($700-1200), and SGDV-180A/330A/470A/550A ($750-2800). Note: FANUC A06B-6087-H255 DC Drive and Yaskawa SGDV-1R6A, SGDL-04AS, SGDE-04BP, SGDM-15ADA are on order — call for lead times.
Programming & Integration Differences: FANUC vs Yaskawa Servo
FANUC Servo integrates natively with FANUC CNC controls (Series 0/3/16/18/21/30i) via FSSB fiber-optic communication. Drive parameters, tuning, and diagnostics live inside the CNC ladder, so migration cost is near-zero if you already run a FANUC controller. Alpha i and Beta iS amplifiers use FANUC-specific tuning (HRV control) and require FANUC servo guide software — a closed but extremely well-documented ecosystem.
Yaskawa Sigma-II (SGDH/SGDM) and Sigma-V (SGDV) drives accept analog ±10V, pulse-train, and MECHATROLINK-II / EtherCAT commands. That makes them controller-agnostic and far easier to integrate into Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi, or PC-based motion platforms. SigmaWin+ software offers fast auto-tuning and a broad parameter set for general motion work.
The practical rule: FANUC delivers the lowest migration effort inside a FANUC ecosystem; Yaskawa delivers the lowest migration effort across mixed or non-FANUC controllers. One caveat — FANUC's FSSB protocol is proprietary, so you cannot mix a FANUC amplifier into a Yaskawa network or vice versa without a controller change or signal converter.
Which Should You Choose? FANUC or Yaskawa for Servo — Decision Guide
Choose FANUC Servo if: (1) your machine runs a FANUC CNC — Alpha i/Beta iS is drop-in; (2) you need high-power drives (up to 5kW+ via A06B-6127-H109); (3) you're replacing a legacy FANUC motor and want identical mounting, flange, and encoder pinout; (4) you maintain a mixed FANUC CNC fleet and want one spare-parts pool.
Choose Yaskawa Servo if: (1) your controller is non-FANUC (Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff); (2) you need higher encoder resolution (20-bit absolute on Sigma-V SGMJV) for precision positioning; (3) you're building new motion axes on MECHATROLINK-II or EtherCAT; (4) you need linear servo or actuator options (SGDL-04AS, SGDE-04BP).
On cost: Yaskawa SGDM/SGDH Sigma-II drives typically run $250-800 versus FANUC amplifiers at $1500-4000 — but FANUC motors in the same power class can be cheaper on the used market. For hard-to-find parts on either brand, browse the FANUC Servo category or the Yaskawa Servo category.
Frequently Asked Questions: Buying FANUC vs Yaskawa Servo
Can I replace a FANUC Servo with a Yaskawa Servo?
Only with a controller change or signal converter. FANUC uses FSSB while Yaskawa uses MECHATROLINK-II, EtherCAT, analog, or pulse-train, so pinouts and communication protocols differ and are not interchangeable at the drive level.
Which is cheaper to buy, FANUC or Yaskawa Servo?
Yaskawa Sigma-II drives (SGDM/SGDH) start around $250-650, while FANUC Alpha amplifiers start around $1500. Motors are closer in price, with Yaskawa SGMPH-02A1A at $300-500 versus FANUC A06B-0512-B001 at $1500-2500.
What's the FANUC Servo replacement for A06B-0512-B001?
Use the same part number or a functionally equivalent Alpha iS motor with matching flange and encoder. Verify torque (5.9 Nm), speed (2000 RPM), and 110VAC input before substituting.
Is Yaskawa Sigma-V a drop-in for Sigma-II?
No. SGDV drives require Sigma-V motors (SGMJV/SGMGV) and different wiring, though Yaskawa publishes migration guides. Sigma-II motors such as SGMGH-13A2C will not run on a Sigma-V SGDV drive without an adapter.
Where can I buy FANUC Servo and Yaskawa Servo in stock?
zzsl-pcl.com stocks 20 FANUC and 20 Yaskawa servo models including hard-to-find amplifiers, motors, and drives. Check live stock status on the FANUC Servo and Yaskawa Servo pages before ordering.
Key Takeaways: FANUC vs Yaskawa Servo Comparison
- FANUC Servo is the best Servo brand for FANUC CNC machines — Alpha i, Beta iS, and SVM amplifiers integrate via FSSB with zero migration effort.
- Yaskawa Servo is the better pick for non-FANUC controllers because Sigma-II and Sigma-V drives accept analog, pulse-train, MECHATROLINK-II, and EtherCAT commands.
- Yaskawa Sigma-V SGMJV-08A3A61 offers 20-bit absolute encoder resolution versus 16-bit absolute on FANUC Alpha iS A06B-0235-B000.
- FANUC A06B-0235-B000 delivers 2.5 kW and 8 Nm at 4000 rpm, while Yaskawa SGMJV-08A3A61 delivers 750W with 8.36 Nm peak torque.
- Yaskawa Sigma-II drives typically cost $250-800, while FANUC Alpha amplifiers run $1500-4000 — a significant gap for cost-sensitive retrofits.
- You cannot swap a FANUC Servo for a Yaskawa Servo without a controller change or signal converter because FSSB and MECHATROLINK-II are incompatible protocols.
- For hard-to-find models on either brand, zzsl-pcl.com stocks 20 FANUC and 20 Yaskawa servo models with live stock status.
Need FANUC or Yaskawa Servo parts? Browse our FANUC inventory and Yaskawa inventory. Request a quote → for bulk orders or hard-to-find models.