Industrial robot for metal fabrication, welding shops

ABB Robotics offers an industrial robot designed for small and medium size metal fab and welding shops, in a quick-start package.

July 8, 2011

ABB Robotics offers a fully configured, quick start robotic welding package with an array of options to suit the needs of many small to medium welding operations.

The base package is economically priced and includes an IRB 1410 robot; the new IRC5 Compact controller; a Fronius TransSteel 3500 power supply and wire feeder; and a Tregaskiss 500 Amp air cooled welding torch, ABB said. End-users also have the option of Miller, Lincoln or ESAB power supply. 

The robot "responds to the demand from our distribution network and small to medium size metal fab and welding shops for an economical, easy-to-use robotic welding package that will deliver high quality welds all day long,” said Joe Campbell, vice president of the ABB Robot Products Group in the US. “The base package includes all a shop needs to set up a high quality robotic welding operation.”

The centerpiece of the package is the 6-axis ABB IRB 1410 robot, especially designed for arc welding, featuring a  5 kg handling capacity with a supplementary 18 kg load capacity on the upper arm for application equipment. Known for its compact design, long reach and robust construction, the IRB 1410 also operates at low noise levels with long intervals between routine maintenance. With superior positional repeatability (± 0.025 mm) the IRB 1410 delivers high quality welds even in tight, restricted locations.

Providing easy programming and superior control is the desktop sized IRC5 Compact controller, offering the same functionality as ABB’s industry leading IRC5 controller in a small, easy to place model. With powerful Rapid programming language and an array of arc welding software programs the compact controller allows less experienced end-users to easily program and operate the robot. The IRC5 Compact controller also enables easy commissioning through its single-phase power input, external connectors for all signals and a built-in, expandable 16 in, 16 out I/O system. And with the package, the compact controller will come with a special enclosure to protect it from welding debris.

Additional standard package components include:

The Fronius TransSteel Robotics welding system, comprising the power source with DeviceNet robotic interface, an interconnecting hosepack, and a wire feeder. The wire feeder is equipped with an innovative motor plate and the Fronius System Connector, making it considerably smaller and delivering a much smaller obstacle contour.

The Tragaskiss 500 AMP air-cooled robotic torch, engineered to provide the durability and performance required to take on the demands of a high-volume welding operation. Features include an aluminum armored gooseneck, aircraft grade aluminum housing, and spring guard strain reliefs.

– Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com