ABB’s new ID robot delivers higher output from a smaller footprint

Jan. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- ABB has launched an additional model in its IRB 2600 mid range robot family. The IRB 2600ID is the first ID robot to be offered in the range and has a reach of 2 meters and a payload capacity of 8 kg. The IRB 2600ID robot features a unique combination of high payload capacity, a large working range and Integrated Dressing (ID), which routes the arc welding hose package inside the robot’s upper arm and wrist.

“The current trend in industrial robotic design is for process equipment to be fully integrated with the robot,” says Per Lowgren, product manager at ABB. “A robot with integrated dressing increases output and lowers operational costs” he explains. “Because the movement of the hoses and cables is totally predictable the total programming time is reduced by up to 90%.”

The robot also opens up new possibilities in production. With a slimmer arm and wrist, the robot can enter very narrow spaces. Lowgren points out, “It can easily take on challenges such as circular welds without compromising on quality or speed.”

With its compact design, and without loose hoses and cables, the IRB 2600ID has a very small footprint with a swing base radius of only 337 mm and a base width of only 511 mm. For arc welding the reduced risk of interference with other robots allows for productive, high-density installations with 50% more robots, and up to 50% higher output from a production cell. Lowgren explains “That’s how the IRB 2600ID helps you make the most out of your production space; higher output from a smaller footprint."

With all hoses and cables firmly secured and protected, they swing less during operation, and with less exposure to weld spatter and wear the lifetime increases significantly. Costs are reduced in terms of purchasing and exchange by up to 75% and up to three production stops per year can be eliminated. Complete weld packages, tailored for the IRB 2600ID, are available from several major arc welding process equipment suppliers including Fronius, Esab, Binzel and SKS.

The new robot is available with ABB’s well proven IRC5 Robot Controller and is fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries.

# # #

About ABB
ABB (www.abb.com) 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 175,000 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, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong customer focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 175,000 robots worldwide.