2008-04-08 - Visit ABB Robotics on stand 4698 at the MACH 2008 exhibition and learn how improved automated grinding and finishing of castings is now possible with ABB’s new RobotWare Machinery Force Control (FC) software package.
Demonstrated with ABB’s IRB140 robot, the Force Control software provides manufacturers with flexible technology that can quickly and accurately adapt to varying surfaces and consistency of materials.
At the heart of the technology are two advanced software features. The first, FC Pressure, enables the robot to grind, polish and buff castings while maintaining a constant pressure between the tool and the work surface. The second software feature, FC Speed Change, enables a robot to debur or deflash part line surfaces of castings at a controlled speed, slowing down when encountering excessive burr and avoiding potential damage to the equipment and products.
3D Vision Guidance
Another highlight will be ABB’s TrueView vision guided robotics system. Using a robot-mounted single camera and variable lighting package, TrueView enables full six degree-of-freedom 3D vision guidance. The robot is programmed to position the camera and adjust the lighting to an optimal image capture location. The software processes the image and sends the appropriate path adjustment to the robot via Ethernet. This unique approach to vision guidance allows for automatic calibration and part training, reducing solution development and integration lead times. The technology will be demonstrated on ABB’s IRB 6600 power robot which offers the best in its class for path accuracy and repeatability.
Dressed To Impress
Also on display will be ABB’s new IRB1600ID (Integrated Dressing) dedicated arc-welding robot. The integrated dressing design encloses all cables within the upper arm of the robot, helping to eliminate the problems of sharp parts damaging the cable, which can cause expensive disruptions to continuous operations. The dresspack protects all the necessary parts including power, welding wire, shielding gas and pressurised air.
Remote Service
Visitors to the stand will also be able to find out how they can optimize the performance of their robotic equipment by taking advantage of ABB’s Remote Service Agreements. Available in three options: Response, Maintenance and Warranty, these agreements provide customers with a proactive maintenance plan for their robots aimed at extending the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), shortening the subsequent Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and in turn, lowering the overall cost of ownership.
This valuable service tool is made possible by a small service box and system infrastructure, which is installed into the robot’s control system. ABB can then monitor and collect data on the wear and tear and productivity of robotic cells, enabling problems to be identified and prevented before they result in a potential stoppage.
ABB’s presence at the stand forms part of its continuing drive to promote the benefits of robotic technology to industrial users in the UK.