See ABB robots in action at MACH 2012

The Flex Finishing package is useful for programming different tools and adapting to different components on the production line. Traditionally, the way in which a user programs a robot is to first define the path and then its speed. However, if the path and speed set do not match, manufacturers can risk damaging the robotic equipment and be left with poor quality or wasted products. To overcome this problem, ABB's Flex Finishing cell quickly and accurately adapts machining to the surface contours and consistencies of the workpiece. This helps manufacturers improve process results and product quality, as well as increasing productivity, reducing programming and cycle times and cutting operating costs. The stand will feature various live demonstrations of the Flex Finishing package and its Force Control (FC) functions: FC Graphical Programming Interface, FC Press and FC Speed Change, all of which expand the scope for using robots in machining operations.

Speaking about the Flex Finishing package, Nigel Platt, the Sales and Marketing Manager for ABB Robotics UK and Ireland, comments: "The Flex Finishing package will be of particular benefit to casting companies, particularly those doing small production runs. The Force Control features reduce the robot programming time by approximately 90 per cent."

SafeMove

Visitors to the stand will also have an opportunity to interact with a working robot that will be demonstrating how humans and robots can collaborate and work together safely - with no fencing or guarding needed. The demonstration will showcase ABB's SafeMove and how the robot can 'see' its environment, thereby eliminating the risk of collision and synchronising the robot's movements with the processes and people around it.

Integrated in the IRC5 robot controller, SafeMove enables operators and robots to work together without compromising safety to ensure safe, predictable robot motion. The software offers a host of leading-edge safety functions, such as electronic position switches, safe speed limits, safe standstill positions, safe tool and orientation zones, and an automatic brake test. The software also enables more compact cells to be created, as it restricts robot motion to precisely what is needed for the application. SafeMove will be demonstrated on the stand with ABB's IRB1600 robot, which is suitable for arc welding, machine tending and material handling applications.

Robot fencing

Another of the live exhibits on the stand will be an ABB IRB 120 robot, which will demonstrate Quick-Guard fencing system products from Jokab Safety (part of the ABB Group). Quick-Guard is a versatile fencing system that is designed to offer improved safety, prevent unauthorised access to cells and reduce noise pollution. It comprises a range of components including aluminium profiles, patented brackets, net-locks, mesh and solid or noise-reduction panels. With little cost entailed in assembly or modification, the Quick-Guard system is extremely versatile.

Joining these exhibits will be ABB's motion control business, demonstrating systems for use in a wide range of industrial applications, including labelling, packaging, bottling, pick-and-place, laser cutting/trimming and stacking. Attendees will be able to witness a demonstration of real-time Ethernet motion products, as well as learning how linear motors, registration control and synchronised reciprocal motion uses the Machine Intelligent Programming Language (MINT) FLY programming language. The MINT FLY commands are tailored for motion applications, providing multitasking control of communications, logic, motion and HMIC interaction in a powerful yet simple programming language.

Visit ABB on stand 5689 at the 2012 MACH exhibition or go to www.abb.co.uk/robotics.