ABB Robotics

Compact robot makes machines smaller and faster

Compact robot makes machines smaller and faster

Today’s requirements in the production environment include machines that are smaller and which offer reduced cycle times. ABB Robotics reports that it can help in both of these areas, with the new IRB 1200 robot aimed at applications such as materials handling and machine tending. Featuring a particularly compact design, the IRB 1200 is available […]

By July 8, 2014 Read More →
Hanging robot reduces footprint in contact lens production

Hanging robot reduces footprint in contact lens production

A workcell measuring just 0.8 by 1 metre, with an ABB IRB 120 robot hanging upside-down from the ceiling, is used at global contact lens manufacturer CooperVision’s R&D facility in Southampton. The cell provides a reduced cycle time of 30 percent by enabling the faster transfer of contact lenses between the moulding and curing processes. […]

By May 19, 2014 Read More →
Robots equally suitable for low volume processes

Robots equally suitable for low volume processes

A recent survey carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics UK reveals that many UK manufacturers have yet to be convinced about the suitability of robotic automation for low volume or bespoke production processes. Of the 221 companies that responded to the survey, 134 are not currently using robots. When asked to specify their reasons, […]

By April 28, 2014 Read More →
Welding cell cuts production time by two-thirds

Welding cell cuts production time by two-thirds

An ABB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer Shelbourne Reynolds to dramatically reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. Handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 percent compared to the company’s previous […]

By April 14, 2014 Read More →
Lingering reluctance to invest in robotic automation

Lingering reluctance to invest in robotic automation

A recent survey of UK manufacturers carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics has revealed that concerns over cost of ownership and lack of experience in implementing and using robots are preventing many companies from investing in robotic automation. The survey received responses from 221 companies of all sizes, including SMEs. Of these, 134 are […]

By April 2, 2014 Read More →
Online calculator shows return on investment for robots

Online calculator shows return on investment for robots

ABB has launched an online return on investment calculator to help UK small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) discover the cost and productivity benefits offered by industrial robots. Available here on the ABB website, the calculator demonstrates how companies can often recoup their outlay on robots within just two years through enhanced levels of performance […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →
Fast, flexible transfer of medium sized parts

Fast, flexible transfer of medium sized parts

ABB says its newly launched IRB 6660FX transfer system can increase the productivity of medium sized tandem press lines by more than 25% when compared with conventional 6-axis robots. Suitable for both new and existing press lines, a dual action unit has been integrated into the IRB 6660 to create a 7-axis robot, which allows […]

By January 29, 2014 Read More →
Easy to set up robot vision system boosts reliability

Easy to set up robot vision system boosts reliability

ABB says its new Integrated Vision system delivers greater reliability for vision guided application of robots at 25% of the traditional set up time. Easy to program, the system provides seamless integration with the PC-based ABB RobotStudio software, enabling operators to automatically select features, set parameters and operate the vision system under real world conditions. […]

By January 15, 2014 Read More →
3D simulation and validation of robot operations

3D simulation and validation of robot operations

ABB’s new PC-based RobotStudio Machine Tending PowerPac and controller-based RobotWare Machine Tending software allow for simulation, validation and optimization to be completed in the 3D virtual world and then transferred directly to the real-world. These new robotic machine tending software solutions deliver flexibility and ease-of-use for applications from die-casting to injection molding and machining. Cycle times, […]

By July 9, 2013 Read More →
Framing multiple car models on the same line

Framing multiple car models on the same line

ABB Robotics has launched its GateFramer robotic car body framing system, enabling multiple cars to be produced on the same line, while maintaining short cycle times, high accuracy, high reliability and ease of operation. The technology allows for up to six different car body variants to be framed on the same line by swapping gates […]

By July 2, 2013 Read More →