ABB to Feature Diverse Range of Robotic Welding and Metal Fab Systems for Operations of All Sizes at FABTECH 2011

Highlights include a 10-axis robotic welding behemoth, 27 combined axes controlled by a single controller, and an entry level system for $35,000
 
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –  ABB Robotics will feature a unique and diverse set of robotic welding and metal fabrication demos, highlighting products, systems and technology suitable for operations of widely varying sizes and needs at FABTECH 2011, November 14-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Included at booth #5758 in the North Hall will be a 10-axis welding behemoth featuring one robot attached to the arm of another for the ultimate in reach, accessibility and cycle time; a four robot, one dual-station workpiece positioner demo with the motion of all 27 total axes coordinated by one IRC5 controller; and a fully configured, quick-start robotic welding package available for less than $35,000. Additionally, so attendees to the ABB booth do not leave empty handed, one live welding demo will fabricate mini desktop cell phone/business card holding deck chairs, while another will laser etch custom luggage tags throughout the four day show.
 
“Recent advancements in robotic welding technology have addressed the needs at both ends of the spectrum,” said Joe Campbell, vice president of the ABB Robots & Applications Group. “Our FABTECH demos highlight the range of emerging technologies from entry level, almost turn-key systems to more intricate, highly engineered systems for heavy, large frame welding.”
 
One half of the main demo will feature two IRB 4600 robots simulating the coordinated motion of welding a large part presented by a dual-station IRBP 600D workpiece positioner. The axes (5) of the IRBP 600D are able to be fully coordinated with the two IRB 4600 robots (each with six axes) during programming and operation, optimizing speed and performance by maximizing acceleration. The IRBP 600D has a 600kg payload on each station and features the new family of MTD motor and gear box combinations.
 
In the other half of the main demo will be the giant 10-axis welding system comprised of an IRB 140 robot with welding gear, attached to the arm of a larger IRB 660 robot. The unique configuration, developed in Europe within the last year, is being first introduced to the North American market at FABTECH 2011. The “bionic” system provides an economical alternative to a robot traveling on a traditional gantry column; with a smaller footprint, longer reach, and, with the ability to sequentially work in four separate welding quadrants from a fixed position, significantly better cycle times. All 27 axes of the entire demo are controlled by one IRC5 controller, highlighting the precise coordination of complex motion patterns enabled by the ABB’s MultiMove™ technology. The demo is fully enclosed by RIA compliant fencing from Jokab Safety.
 
The new ArcPack Lean 1410, a fully configured, easy installation robotic welding package with an array of options to suit the needs of many small to medium welding operations is another main element of the ABB booth. For the sole purpose of providing a dramatic presentation the ArcPack Lean 1410 base packaging will be attached to a plate affixed to the arm of ABB’s largest robot, the IRB 7600, providing an elevated, moving stage in the corner of the ABB booth. The base package, priced below $35,000, includes an IRB 1410 robot, the new IRC5 Compact controller, a Fronius or Miller power supply and wire feeder, and a Tregaskiss 500 Amp air cooled welding torch. In the center of the booth will be a fully operational ArcPack Lean 1410 welding the components of the mini desktop deck chairs. This display will feature elements of the available upgrades to the ArcPack Lean package including Jokab safety guarding, a RoboVent fume head and a heavy duty welding table. The mini deck chairs were designed and programmed using ABB’s RobotStudio software.
 
Additional ABB highlights of FABTECH 2011 will include:

• An IRB 2600ID robot with Fronius equipment for Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding. The arc characteristics of CMT welding provide very low heat input for very thin metals and root runs.
• Three IRB 140 robots, each with a different Precitec laser head dedicated for laser welding, cutting and cladding.
• New MTD motor and gear box combinations, standardized packages of ABB’s well-proven motor and gear units that allow integrators to easily and economically create custom external axis systems.
• A wide range of electronic machine safety systems from ABB Group member Jokab Safety (www.jokabsafetyna.com), featuring an advanced line of compatible and easily connected safety devices.
• An IRB 120, ABB’s smallest 6-axis robot custom etching metal luggage tags for show attendees.

Additional ABB robotic demos can be found at the booths of the following ABB system integrators and associates:

About ABB

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 130,000 people. About ABB Robotics ABB Robotics (www.abb.com/robotics) is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 190,000 robots worldwide.

About ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 190,000 robots worldwide.