Flextube – the intelligent tube handling solution

Citation

(2001), "Flextube – the intelligent tube handling solution", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928caf.005

Flextube – the intelligent tube handling solution

Flextube – the intelligent tube handling solution

Keywords: Robots, Tubing

Leaders in flexible automation ABB has introduced its new FlexTube tube handling system, offering industry a custom-designed system capable of immense flexibility in the range of tubing and the variety of palletizing patterns that can be handled.

Comprising an ABB robot, tube gripper assembly and pallet stations, the FlexTube is a precision automated solution for tube handling, offering efficient performance, flexibility and high reliability – coupled to an optimum price/performance ratio, full utilisation of robot capacity, continuous production and rapid pay-back.

For ease of operation and production planning, FlexTube system is equipped with the innovative TubeWorks and TubeCell software programs. TubeWorks is an easy-to-use Windows-interface, permitting simple input and setting of the FlexTube's production parameters. Data is automatically checked for errors when inputted – therefore any incorrect parameter can be corrected before production is commenced.

TubeWorks is complemented by TubeCell process visualisation software, providing detailed positional information and on-line production status on the system's handling table, cell doors and robot.

A feature of the FlexTube system is the purpose-designed modular gripper system, incorporating integrated crash detection ensuring the robot stops immediately in the event of a collision with tubes or containers. The gripper also offers user-friendly operation allied to minimum changeover time.

The FlexTube system can handle tubes from 10-150mm in diameter and 100-2,000mm in length, carry up to 35kg per cycle and process up to 4,050 tubes per hour. One or two pallet positions are available as standard and the system is supplied as a "plug-and-produce" unit completely ready-for-use.

The FlexTube system is particularly suitable for palletizing cylindrical tubes, however oblong, square and oval tubes can also be handled with ease.

For further information please contact: David Marshall, ABB Flexible Automation, Auriga House, Precedent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8PQ, UK. Tel. +44 (0) 1908 350300; Fax. +44 (0) 1908 350301; e-mail: david.marshall@gb.abb.com