Enhance Precision with ABB's Adaptive Force Control for Machining Robots

Traditionally, when a programmer begins to program a robot to perform machining or other applications, there is the need to define the robot path and the speed at which the robot will operate. ABB has found a way to make their machining applications more adaptable to different parts using their Force Control packages.

So why is there a problem with using the traditional way when programming machining robots? According to ABB, the speed and path will then be a constant, and will be independent of the process forces. This means that if the path does not coincide with the surface and dimensions of a particular part being machined, the manufacturer will experience problems with quality. It may even damage the tooling on the robot, which would cause shutdowns and costly repairs.

To combat these issues with machining applications, ABB has developed RobotWare Machining Force Control. Force Control by ABB allows a robot to adapt its machining to the surface contours and the consistency of the materials it is machining, ABB stated. This will allow customers to access a new level of robotic intelligence on their machining lines when working with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, wood, plastics, glass, and more.

Force Control comes with three updated functions, including FC Graphical Programming Interface, FC Pressure, and FC SpeedChange. These Force Control functions allow manufacturers to improve their machining processes, which will enhance the quality of their products, reduce the time needed to program their robot systems, reduce cycle times, and even lower costs.

All in all, the addition of a Force Control package from ABB will up your machining game and allow your company to provide better quality products to your customers. The Force Control package is currently available for the IRB 140, IRB 2400, IRB 4400, IRB 6600, IRB 6620, and IRB 7600 robots.

Would you like more information about ABB Force Control and what it can do for your machining processes? RobotWorx can help! RobotWorx is a certified integrator for ABB Robotics, and our team can assist you in learning more about this ABB offering.