Posted to News on 5th Feb 2014, 13:32
Fast and flexible medium-size parts transfer system
The IRB 6660FX increases the productivity of medium-size tandem press lines by more than 25 per cent compared with conventional 6-axis robots. ABB's IRB 6660FX is a rapid and flexible transfer system for medium size parts. Identical in design to ABB's large part transfer system, the IRB 7600FX, the IRB 6660FX therefore complements ABB's parts transfer offering.
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 medium size parts to be transferred rapidly along a linear path. As a result, vibrations created when parts are rotated 180 degrees by a conventional 6-axis robot are eliminated. The system is also equipped with integrated dynamic model control to coordinate all seven axes to ensure optimum speed, accuracy and lifetime.
Ramon Casanelles, ABB Robotics Product Manager for Press Automation, says: "Cost effective and reliable, the IRB 6660FX maintains robot flexibility and orientation capability. It is also an ease way for our customers to upgrade their existing assets."
In the case of new press lines, inter-press distances can be reduced as parts are transferred without having to be rotated. Casanelles adds: "The IRB 6660FX raises the bar in press automation to provide customers with greater flexibility at greater speeds while saving precious press-shop floor space.".
The IRB 6660FX runs on StampWare, a proprietary software package from ABB designed to facilitate interaction between operator and press cell. Available on the robot FlexPendant for simplicity, flexibility and cost effectiveness, StampWare includes a graphical programming wizard that helps operators easily program the robots without having to master the programming language. It is currently running in more than 1000 robots worldwide.
For more information about the IRB 6660FX visit www.abb.com/robotics.
