If you're running a machine tool with a GE FANUC 15 Series control, now is an ideal time to consider a retrofit. The modern FANUC 0i Plus and 30i Series controls offers significant advantages that can improve productivity, reliability, and integration with today's smart factory environments.
The GE FANUC Series 15 CNC system, also known as the FANUC Series 15, was a high-performance control system introduced in the late '80s and early '90s as a joint product of GE (General Electric) and FANUC (Factory Automation Numerical Control, Japan). It was designed for complex, high-end machine tools that required advanced control and precision, such as multi-axis machining centers and high-speed turning centers.
There were multiple versions of the Series 15 control, including:
The 15i version introduced digital servo and spindle interfaces (similar to the FANUC 16i/18i series), better graphical display, and more open architecture with optional PC front ends. Today, the GE FANUC 15 Series and FANUC 15i Series are considered legacy controls and support and spare parts may be limited. These controls are commonly retrofitted with modern FANUC systems, like the FANUC 30i and FANUC 0i Plus, to extend machine life and add modern features.
Today's FANUC 0i Plus and 30i Series are significantly more advanced than the older GE FANUC 15 Series in nearly every aspect—processing power, connectivity, user interface, flexibility, and support for modern manufacturing requirements.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison highlighting the major improvements:
🔍Side-by-Side Comparison: GE FANUC 15 vs FANUC 0i Plus vs FANUC 30i Series
| Category | GE FANUC 15 | FANUC 0i Plus | FANUC 30i Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Era | Late 1980s–1990s | 2010s (Plus version ~2019) | Mid-2000s–present |
| Processing Power | Single CPU, older tech | Mid-range CPU, fast & reliable | High-speed multi-core CPU |
| Axis Capability | Up to 9 axes | Up to 9 total / 4 simultaneously controlled | Up to 96 total / 32 simultaneously controlled |
| Interpolation | Nanometer (early) | High-resolution with smooth interpolation | Nanometer-level with AI Contour Control |
| Look-Ahead | Limited | 200-block look-ahead | Up to 1000+ block look-ahead |
| 5-Axis Support | Basic, limited | Limited (with options) | Full 5-axis machining with TCPC |
| Display | CRT / early LCD | High-res LCD, soft keys | High-res touchscreen (up to 15") |
| User Interface | Menu-driven | iHMI Lite / Customizable | Full iHMI with modern GUI |
| Data Interfaces | RS-232, optional Ethernet | USB, Ethernet, DNC, CF card | USB, Ethernet, Data Server, MTConnect |
| Program Storage | Internal or DNC | Large memory + external media | Massive memory + data server |
| Safety Features | Basic interlocks | Basic + optional safety | Dual Check Safety, ISO 13849 |
| Maintenance | Obsolete, hard to support | Full FANUC support | Full FANUC support with scalable options |
| Ideal Use Case | Legacy machines still running | General-purpose machines, cost-effective retrofits | High-end, complex, multi-axis or high-speed applications |
✅ Quick Summary
FANUC 15: Solid legacy control, but obsolete and limited for modern machining.
FANUC 0i Plus: Cost-effective, modern, ideal for standard 3–4 axis machines, turning centers, and VMCs.
FANUC 30i: Top-tier, high-performance platform for 5-axis, multitasking, and high-speed precision applications.
A FANUC Retrofit from CNC Engineering not only extends the life of your machine tool, but also equips it to meet current and future production demands. Let us know if you'd like to discuss a retrofit evaluation for your equipment: