FABTECH 2014 Preview: ABB Robotics

ABB will feature advanced robotic technology designed to improve the simplicity and quality of several prominent welding and cutting processes at FABTECH 2014 in booth C1510.

The demos include a revolutionary new robotic TIP-TIG welding process, standardized robotic laser cutting cells, and Ethernet based interfaces with the major welding power source suppliers that streamline the control and programming of robotic welding systems.

ABB will also offer special promotions to all FABTECH attendees, with reduced pricing and four-week delivery on select FlexArc welding cells and robotic welding function packages purchased at the show.

The ABB FABTECH 2014 display will include:

Robotic TIP-TIG Welding: unique to ABB, this revolutionary new, patent pending technology integrates user-friendly robotics with the TIP-TIG process, enhancing its higher travel speed, lower heat input and better quality welding advantages. The process combines proprietary ABB torch feed technology and a fully integrated robotic interface. The cell is outfitted with the IRB 2600 robot, a MTD250 workpiece positioner and a Miller Dynasty 350 TIG power supply.  It will be producing test components to demonstrate the quality, speed and performance of the TIP-TIG process. The process provides several key advantages over traditional TIG (GTAW) welding, including improved tolerance of joint fit-up gaps, and achieving higher travel speeds and lower hear input with hot wire technology.

Laser Processing: an ABB FlexCutLaser cell featuring an ABB IRB 4400 robot with Absolute Accuracy, a LaserMech FiberCut Straight (ST) laser head, Stronghand modular fixturing, and a fully integrated IRBP1000L external axis. Displaying compatibility with a wide range of laser power equipment, the cell includes both an IPG Ytterbium Laser System (YLS-4000), and a Trumpf TruDiode 4506. ABB’s leading technology for laser welding and cutting defines world class motion control and path performance, and comes with offline programming capabilities, and tools for automatic TCP calibration, work objects and positioner base frames. FlexCutLaser and FlexWeldLaser cells provide manufacturers with pre-engineered solutions, available in configurations designed to match various part sizes, geometries and production volumes.

Universal Ethernet Based Interfaces: three robots dressed in GMAW gear displaying the capability of ABB robots to be integrated with the technology and control of the major power supply and welding component manufacturers. Ethernet connections between the robot and power source place the control of all welding process components on to the ABB Teach Pendant, simplifying the control and programming of the entire system.  ABB includes a RobotStudio plugin with easy user graphics to aid in the robot /welder interface and selecting required weld schedules.

The demo features:

• Lincoln: an IRB 1520 robot with an air-cooled torch, a Servo-Robot vision system with Power-Trac Arc seam tracking, and a Lincoln R350/STT welding power package. An ArcLink Ethernet interface allows full communication between the Lincoln power source and the ABB robot teach pendant.
• Miller: an IRB 4600 robot and a Miller AutoAxis-E power source with an Ethernet interface. The robot is dressed with an air-cooled torch and Meta robot vision.
• Fronius: an IRB 2600ID robot and a Fronius Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding package with a Binzel Scansonic vision system and an Ethernet interface. The CMT process achieves metal transfer with less heat input compared with conventional GMAW, and is ideal for spatter-free MIG brazing, thin-sheet applications and joining steel to aluminium.

ABB also has Ethernet interfaces with SKS and ESAB equipment.

Additional ABB robotic demos can be found at the booths of ABB system integrators and associates throughout FABTECH. Be sure to check out their booth, C1510.

For more information, visit www.abb.com/robotics.