2008-11-11 - ABB Robotics Russia took part in the 8th edition of WELDEX exhibition held in Moscow from 21 to 24 October 2008, presenting ABB’ s integrated solution for welding FlexArc
WELDEX is the only and unique specialized exhibition in Russia and CIS countries. This year it counted with 213 participants from 15 countries presenting different king of equipment and solutions for welding.
An integrated arc-welding cell up and running in minutes rather than days
The ABB FlexArc robotic arc-welding solution, suitable for general industry and Tier-1 automotive applications, comes pre-engineered and configured to minimize installation and startup times.
FlexArc is a complete arc-welding package. It includes all the components necessary for robotic arc welding: robots, the IRC5 robot control system supporting the coordination of multiple robots, positioners and welding equipment. Customers can choose between several single- or multi-robot production solutions.
Plug and play
All internal cables have been routed and connected in the factory. All cell components are mounted on a common base, eliminating the need for on-site engineering work. Software has been preconfigured for simple setup.
All the customer needs to do is unwrap the package, place the cell in the desired location, connect the power cable, air pressure and shielding gas, program the robot (or download a program from Robot Studio, ABB’s offline programming system) and start working.
As a packaged solution, a FlexArc cell can be moved within or between different production facilities. This allows engineers to design highly flexible plant layouts that meet today’s demands for rapid changeovers.
A virtual replica of the cell
Operators can program robot cells themselves, either online via the intuitive FlexPendant, or offline via RobotStudio. Since each FlexArc package is available in a virtual format as an identical replica of the real cell, programs can be easily generated offline and downloaded with minimum adjustments.
Customers who hold a valid RobotStudio license can download the virtual FlexArc free of charge at www.abb.com/robotics.
Simplified fault management
Normally, a weld error would cause robot operations to come to a halt – and re-starting can take a lot of time, requiring the operator to enter the cell. If a weld error occurs with the FlexArc system, the robot automatically moves to a service window where the operator can access the welding torch from outside the cell to change the contact tip, check for gas flow, etc.
After maintenance, the operator just pushes a button and the robot moves back to where it stopped and re-strikes the arc. During this whole operation, the robot can stay in automatic mode, saving valuable production time.
ABB ROBOTICS
ABB is the world’s leading robot manufacturer. We are global leaders, yet still committed to building strong customer relationships. Our customers benefit from both global competence and local accessibility. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-shelf or a tailor-made solution, we can provide the system to suit your needs. In the field of robotics, ABB operates through a network of over 5,000 employees based in 45 countries in over 100 locations around the world. There are more than 160,000 ABB robots installed worldwide.
In recent years ABB has increased number of robots installed in Russia. Therefore, and moreover taking in consideration our knowledge about national market, our contacts and projects fulfilled, we have concluded that more dynamic actions and more presence are needed in the field of automation of Russian industry.
Within that project Robotics Workshop will be opened in Moscow in Q1 2009. The premises with Demonstration Hall equipped with different segments’ cells will host meetings, seminars, trainings, technical support and advisory for customers, partners and other stakeholders.