Posted to News on 3rd Jun 2010, 22:55
See the Fanta Can Challenge - live at MACH 2010
Visitors to MACH 2010 can go to Stand 5931 in Hall 5 can see the 'Fanta Can Challenge,' which has already generated considerable interest with thousands of video viewers on YouTube. Two ABB IRB 1600 six-axis robots will negotiate a metal pin at high speeds between one tray of drink cans positioned just 1mm apart to demonstrate the precise synchronisation, accuracy and repeatability of the robots at high speed. ABB's latest IRC5 controller makes this possible with MultiMove, a function embedded in the IRC5 software that permits robot groups to handle more complex tasks than ever before in full co-ordination.
ABB will also be offering hands-on demonstrations so that visitors can experience how improved automated grinding and finishing of castings is now possible with ABB's RobotWare Machinery Force Control (FC) software package. Demonstrated with ABB's IRB 140 robot, the Force Control software provides manufacturers with versatile technology that can quickly and accurately adapt to varying surfaces and consistency of materials.
At the heart of the technology are two advanced software features. The first, FC Pressure, enables the robot to grind, polish and buff castings while maintaining a constant pressure between the tool and the surface of the workpiece. The second feature, FC Speed Change, enables a robot to de-burr or de-flash part line surfaces of castings at a controlled speed, but automatically slowing down when encountering excessive burrs so as to avoid potential damage to the equipment and products.
Supporting further education
Supporting the young engineers of tomorrow, ABB's stand no 4475 in Hall 4 in the Education and Training Zone will see the debut in the UK of the recently launched IRB 120 robot, which is the smallest ABB six-axis robot, with the new IRC5 compact controller, illustrating the advances made by robotic technology in the manufacturing industry (see photo).
ABB's introduction of an educational package aimed at further education establishments has already been met with significant interest. A large number of colleges and universities incorporating relevant courses across the UK now house an ABB robot and/or utilises ABB's robot programming software RobotStudio 5, which allows up to 50 students to program virtual robots with free licenses. This is the same programming technology that runs ABB robots worldwide within manufacturing processes today.
ABB's presence at MACH 2010 forms part of its continuing drive to promote the benefits of robotic technology to industrial users in the UK.
