ABB Robotics has introduced an ISO 5 (Class 100) Cleanroom version
of the IRB 120, its smallest ever multipurpose 6-axis robot. The component
materials of the IRB 120 prone to particle generation have been modified to
eliminate the potential for contamination of the manufacturing area and the
parts being processed. The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering
and Automation IPA, a leading global provider of independent manufacturing
research and analysis, tested and certified the new model as Cleanroom ISO 5
(Class 100). Cleanrooms are classified according to the number and size of
particles permitted per volume of air, with Class 100 denoting the number of
particles of size 0.5 µm or larger permitted per cubic foot of air.
Cleanroom robots of this rating are suited for material handling and assembly
applications in a range of industries requiring low levels of environmental
pollutants, including medical device, pharmaceutical, electronics,
semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing.
The Cleanroom IRB 120 features a special 4-layer paint with
varnish clear coat for easy, cloth cleaning; unpainted mounting holes;
unpainted stainless steel mechanical stops; and special glue-seals to avoid
particle generation. In certain conditions it can meet more stringent, ISO 4
(Class 10) requirements. The new model has all the functionality of the
standard IRB 120, with superior motion control and outstanding path accuracy,
providing agility, precision and speed to applications where a smaller
footprint and profile are required. Weighing just 25kg (55 lbs), the IRB 120
has a standard payload of 3kg (6.6 lbs), a vertical wrist payload of 4kg (8.8
lbs), a reach of 580mm, a best-in-class stroke of 411mm and the ability to reach
112mm below its base.
“The industries that require cleanroom manufacturing environments
continue to grow, increasing the need for a fast and compact robot that meets
stringent anti-contamination requirements,” said Joe Campbell, vice president
of the ABB Robots & Applications Group. “We feel the Cleanroom IRB 120 will
allow our integrators to penetrate new markets with a cost-effective and
reliable robot that generates high production outputs in return for a minimal
investment.”
The standard version of the IRB 120 was introduced in Fall
2009. All models are:
- The most accurate 6-axis robot on the market with a
repeatability of pose (RP) of 0.01mm; competitive 6-axis robot models feature
an RP of 0.02mm.
- Easy to integrate into new and existing lines. It can be
mounted at any angle, either in a cell, on top of a machine or in close
proximity to other robots on the line. Wall- and invert-mounting saves floor
space and optimizes working range.
- Extremely nimble, featuring a compact turning radius on axis
1, allowing it to be mounted close to application process machines.
- Easy to clean and maintain with internal cabling and smooth
surfaces.
- Designed with a light, aluminum structure, with powerful
motors that ensure fast, accurate acceleration.
The Cleanroom IRB 120 is available with the compact version
of the industry-leading IRC5 controller, making it easy to program and control
for a variety of tasks. The Compact IRC5 is fully compatible with the standard
and panel mount IRC5 controllers, with user friendly FlexPendant programming,
RobotStudio offline programming, flexible RAPID language and powerful
communication capabilities.
ABB Robotics
www.abb.com/robotics