Press Release ABB at GIFA 2015 Meeting the automation demands of the foundry and forging industries

Transcription

1 ABB at GIFA 2015 Meeting the automation demands of the foundry and forging industries Dusseldorf, June 2015 IRB 1200: ABB s newest small robot; 15% smaller cells and 10% shorter cycle times. Modern service solutions: Changing paradigms require new approaches; Remote Service and proactive support Sneak peek of a new high payload robot: Exclusive preview for show attendees ABB booth location: Hall 16, booth A23 Over the past few years, ABB Robotics has transitioned into a new era of robotics - one in which solutions are thought of as complete systems instead of discrete pieces, industrial robots have become even more flexible and new tools and technologies make it easier than ever to implement robotic systems. Along with her partners, ABB is focusing on intimate collaboration to achieve the best solutions possible. As the largest and most important trade fair for the foundry and forging industries, ABB has chosen GIFA 2015 as the ideal venue to showcase a variety of technologies that highlight these new trends. At the show, ABB s IRB 1200 will be running on the new IRC5 compact controller. The IRB 1200 family of small robots from ABB allows for 15% smaller cells that have 10% shorter cycle times, yet maintain large useable working areas. The IRB 1200 comes in two variants that can handle a wide range of applications and are cost effective due to commonality of parts. The 700 mm reach variant can carry a payload of up to 7 kg, while the longer reach 900 mm variant can carry up to 5 kg of payload. An interactive Remote Service demonstration will also feature new technology for immediate troubleshooting, automated backups and life cycle support. This new technology is at the heart of ABB Robotics Customer Service s shift from preventive to predictive maintenance because of its ability to identify issues before they become serious problems. If a problem does occur, an alarm is sent to ABB s Service team and the customer operator, who can choose then to fix it over the phone or to have an ABB service technician come to their site. The booth will also have a Software Technology demonstration that includes ABB s industry leading, PC-based, programming and simulation tool, RobotStudio, which illuminates the path to fast commissioning through an interactive display and other cutting edge innovations such as 3D goggles for stepping inside a virtual factory. We will also be showing off new software technologies that shed light on a vision of the future in which robots can be monitored and controlled from any device, anywhere. ABB is also proud to offer show attendees an exclusive preview of a forthcoming brand new high payload robot designed to meet the needs of industries that require incredibly high payloads and unmatched accuracy. With payloads higher than any robot in ABB s history, this new robot will certainly match those criteria. The ABB Booth at GIFA 2015 is full of cutting edge and useful technology for the foundry and forging industries. With some of ABB s foremost experts in this arena on hand to answer attendees questions, it is something you don t want to miss.

2 Further information for editors: ABB ( is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people. ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide. All ABB Robotics' products are fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations. All data in accordance with US-GAAP regulations. Visit for further information. For more information please contact: Media Relations: ABB Automation GmbH Local Business Unit Robotics Bettina Neubauer Tel: +49 (0)6031/ bettina.neubauer@de.abb.com

3 ABB s large robot portfolio is set to get even bigger With the IRB 8700, ABB s largest-ever robot, the robot manufacturer is poised to release its highest payload robot later this year. It is ideally suited for the foundry industry. Dusseldorf, June 2015 Sneak peek of a new high payload robot: Exclusive preview for show attendees Large portfolio: three robot families with 15 robot variants for heavy lifting applications Ideal for harsh envirnonments: all robots are available with the Foundry Plus 2 protection system which is IP67 compliant Function packages for machining: Integrated Vision and Integrated Force Control enable the robot to sense its surroundings The IRB 8700 is being previewed at GIFA, the world s premier foundry technology trade fair. This new robot, which will be introduced on the market shortly, has a heavy lifting capacity and long reach that make it ideal for moving the type of heavy loads that are commonplace in the automotive, forging and casting industries. The new robot will also enable customers to undertake more complex projects and simplify their manufacturing processes. ABB s robots are well-known in the foundry and forging industries for their robustness and reliability. But heavy lifting capacity is now becoming increasingly important. Frank-Peter Kirgis, Group Vice President and Global Business Line Manager, Base Applications, ABB Robotics, explains further: The overall trend in the automotive and foundry industries is to use more lightweight components. But that results in more complex structures to produce the parts, for example in motor engines. And the tools, such as sand cores, required to manufacture these more complex structures are therefore more complex and heavier. This is why ABB is developing new heavy payload robots. The main market potential is in the global automotive and foundry industries. This is already a mature area for ABB with over 40 years of experience but there are always further manufacturing opportunities and our machine builder partners are really keen to get more payloads from the robots they use. The IRB 8700 will join ABB s other heavy payload robots the IRB 7600 and the IRB 6700, as well as application packages which are relevant in the foundry industry. The IRB 7600 comes in five versions with 500 kilogram, 400 kilogram, 340 kilogram, 325 kilogram and 150 kilogram handling capacities. It is ideal for heavy work like lifting engines and handling heavy parts in foundries or forges. The IRB 6700 meanwhile is the highest performing robot for the lowest total cost of ownership in the 150 to 300 kilogram class. All heavy payload robots are available with the Foundry Plus 2 protection system for harsh environments found in the foundry industries. Foundry Plus 2 protection is IP67 compliant, withstands high-pressure steam washing, and results in fewer repairs and a longer lifetime. Simplified programming tools, such as ABB s PC-based RobotStudio virtual simulation and programming software, as well as associated add-in PowerPacs, can also be used with the heavy payload robots, making it easier than ever to do CAD-CAM conversion and automatically generate optimized tool paths for downstream processes such as deburring, grinding and polishing. With the rise in demand for die-casted goods coupled with a lack of skilled labor, efficiently automating these downstream processes becomes essential.

4 ABB s Integrated Vision and Integrated Force Control packages are also highly suited to the metal casting industries, where they can make it easier to meet the demands of the constantly changing and complex geometries of modern sand cores by adjusting each robotic operation as needed based on sensing external conditions. ABB s heavy payload robots, along with a world-class after-sales service organization, will improve processes, productivity and competitiveness while also reducing downtime for foundry and metal casting companies no matter the size of the operation. Further information for editors: ABB ( is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people. ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide. All ABB Robotics' products are fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations. All data in accordance with US-GAAP regulations. Visit for further information. Picture The IRB 6700 meanwhile is the highest performing robot for the lowest total cost of ownership in the 150 to 300 kilogram class.

5 For more information please contact: Media Relations: ABB Automation GmbH Local Business Unit Robotics Bettina Neubauer Tel: +49 (0)6031/

6 New Machining PowerPac increases ease of use and improves product quality with optimized processes for robotic machining RobotStudio Machining PowerPac reduces programming complexity by 50% and optimizes machining tool paths to improve product quality. Dusseldorf, June 2015 Designed for CAD/CAM-based applications: Ideal for machining, deburring, polishing, grinding and deflashing Easily generates machining paths: Machining paths and curves created on free surfaces Integrated postprocessor: Creates accurate paths from CAM software utilizing strong integration with robot controller Completely new interface: Allows users to easily adjust or optimize corresponding process parameters A leader in the development of robot programming software, ABB is pleased to introduce its latest RobotStudio add-in, the Machining PowerPac. This software is ideal for programming of applications such as machining, deburring, polishing, grinding and deflashing. It also can be used with a variety of CAD model-based path generation applications, and allows users to configure specific applications in a sequence of steps simultaneously. ABB puts a lot of effort into creating innovative solutions that address the needs of our customers, says Daniel Pintar, Product Manager, Machine Tending, Material Handling and Machining ABB Robotics. The Machining PowerPac add-in for RobotStudio addresses our customers leading concerns. It is easy, fast and flexible and allows users to generate precise robot paths without having to teach them. In addition, the integrated post-processor generates accurate robot paths from the CAM software so the robot machining application can be completed more rapidly than ever before. The Machining PowerPac from ABB provides several strategies to generate machining path and curves. By optimizing the speed, acceleration or axis setting you can dynamically preview the tool path and ensure the right target robot configuration. The Machining PowerPac path modifications are fast and the software can analyze the ideal orientation to optimize the reachability of targets, explains Pintar. The different path strategies increase the life of the machine tool. As targets and paths are automatically generated from the surfaces of a CAD model or CNC code, a consistent and accurate result can be achieved independent of user skills. The software features both position-controlled and force-controlled machining processes and a completely new user interface enhances usability by enabling users to adjust or optimize corresponding process parameters and dynamically preview tool path in the simulation.

7 Further information for editors: ABB ( is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people. ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide. All ABB Robotics' products are fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations. All data in accordance with US-GAAP regulations. Visit for further information. Picture Machining PowerPac allows users to generate precise robot paths without having to teach them for machining, deburring, polishing, grinding and deflashing applications. For more information please contact: Media Relations: ABB Automation GmbH Local Business Unit Robotics Bettina Neubauer Tel: +49 (0)6031/ bettina.neubauer@de.abb.com

8 ABB at GIFA 2015 robotics software innovations New and innovative ways of programming, commissioning, operating and supervising robots from any device, anywhere and at any time. Dusseldorf, June 2015 Programming: Latest release of RobotStudio Commissioning: Four mobile apps for commissioning on the shop floor Operating: Connectivity for robot operation via a CP600 operator panel Supervising: Mobile version of RobotCare MyRobot portal ABB booth location: Hall 16, A23 RobotStudio, ABB s robot programming software, makes manufacturing more efficient throughout the lifecycle of a robot system. During the concept stage of a project, the software package allows users to visualize and evaluate several alternative solutions. During the design stage, fixtures and tooling can be verified.. Robot programs also can be prepared and tested before robots and other equipment are installed. During the commissioning phase, RobotStudio can be used to tune the programs running which will run on the actual robots, allowing the technicians to work with the same powerful offline editor and debugging tool. Finally, once production begins RobotStudio can be used to create or modify programs for new or changed parts with minimum interruption of production. At GIFA 2015, ABB will highlight the latest release of RobotStudio - version meant to further enhance the programming stage of robotic deployment. It features improved graphics as well as a touch interface suitable for running on the new generation of all-in-one PCs. The possibilities offered by RobotStudio, go far beyond programming and simulation on a PC. ABB also will demonstrate the four mobile apps Manage, Tune, Calibrate and Jog for RobotStudio Online. These four apps represent the future of robot commissioning on the shop floor and are designed to be run on tablets using Windows 8.1. The apps are available in the Microsoft Windows store. Manage provides access to a variety of status information of robots. With Tune robot programs can be edited quickly and easily and Calibrate allows for robot fine calibration. The app Jog is ideal for the manual control of robots directly from touchscreen tablet interface ABB will demonstrate the next generation in robot operation, the CP600 panel controlling a robot. While the CP600 is an existing ABB product, using it to operate a robot is a new concept that allows for better integration with other ABB products such as PLCs and drives. ABB will also demonstrate the future of robot supervision with the RobotCare MyRobot portal running on a smartphone - something that was only previously available via a PC connected to the Internet.

9 Further information for editors: ABB ( is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 140,000 people. ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 250,000 robots worldwide. All ABB Robotics' products are fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations. All data in accordance with US-GAAP regulations. Visit for further information. Picture: ABB s RobotStudio, the industry leading product for PC-based programming, configuration and virtual commissioning in the office is extended with tools for programming, commissioning, operating and supervising robots. For more information please contact: Media Relations: ABB Automation GmbH Local Business Unit Robotics Bettina Neubauer Tel: +49 (0)6031/ bettina.neubauer@de.abb.com