ABB further extends robotic arcwelding systems range

Citation

(2002), "ABB further extends robotic arcwelding systems range", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929ead.004

ABB further extends robotic arcwelding systems range

ABB further extends robotic arcwelding systems range

Keywords: Robots, Arcwelding

ABB is building on the market success of its popular FlexArc robotic welding system range by introducing the new easy-to-use FlexArc®500C (see Plate 4).

The FlexArc®500C is designed to accommodate larger workpieces which can be welded in a fixed position. The system includes the "all new" Orbit 500C weld positioner which operates on the "dual station" principle, allowing the robot to weld whilst operators are loading/unloading or tack welding parts. Clear access to the loading position has been incorporated into the design of FlexArc®500C system to ensure easy handling of heavy or unwieldy workpieces into the system.

FlexArc®500C has a capacity of up to 500kg (including fixture) on both sides of the positioner. This makes it ideal for components such as parts for off-road vehicles, larger frameworks or welding brackets to larger frames.

Plate 4 Arc welding robots IRB 1400 in action

The modular design of the FlexArc®500C system allows for the inclusion of a number of "value adding" additional options such as extended base plate, roller shutter safety doors, light guards, automatic torch service station and fume extraction.

In addition to extending its FlexArc range, ABB has also introduced two new elements to its modular range of welding systems. The Robot Rotating Tower (RRT) and the Robot Travelling Column (RTC) are designed to give high productivity and product quality, great flexibility, short installation time and coordinated motions for easy programming.

These new solutions have been developed from ABB's existing Modular Arc Welding Systems range of products and enable manufacturers of larger workpiece objects to take advantage of well proven components integrated into a complete robotic welding production station. The RRT and RTC can also be combined with ABB's range of Orbit welding positioners allowing all external axes to be coordinated with the robot axes giving excellent path following and accuracy while simplifying programming.

Both the FlexArc®500C and the tailored modular options of RRT and RTC have been designed in response to customer feedback and are the latest offering in a complete line of standard and modular arc welding cell configurations available from ABB. When backed-up with ABB's professional maintenance programmes they will optimise productivity for UK metal fabricators and enable them to quickly achieve competitive advantage.

Find it on the Web

ABB has also made it easy for customers to find the perfect welding cell for their needs. A specially designed tool at http://ang-urboda.eyescream.se/flexarc/ will quickly configure a suitable cell. Just type in the information about the material to be welded, the type of workpiece and the need of workpiece manipulation and you will be presented with the most appropriate cell. It really is as simple as "abc".

For further information please contact: David Marshall, ABB, 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