Hello,
Are there any ABB manuals that document the process of replacing a spindle?
Thanks
Hello,
Are there any ABB manuals that document the process of replacing a spindle?
Thanks
Not quite sure what you mean by "spindle". External axis? Positioner (IRBP)?
My apologies, I am referring to a motor that is controlled by a VFD that is typically used for milling applications, mounted on the flange of axis 6.
So it is a non ABB motor? Part number and maker would be needed regardless.
I don't have one with me, just looking to read about the process for my own edification. Ideally, I would like to find a manual that would describe the process of replacing an ABB motor and a non ABB motor, I suppose if I don't have a specific motor I am looking to replace, a manual may not exist.
Information about installing something like this would be useful
You're talking about two very different things.
An ABB robot-axis servo motor, and an end effector milling spindle, are probably completely separate beasts. The robot uses servos with built-in gear reduction, but the spindle is most likely a "normal" motor designed for RPM over torque, probably run by a VFD. The former uses position control (with speed and accel as secondary requirements), the latter usually only has speed control.
The robot servo ties directly into the servo amps of the robot controller, but a spindle motor on an end effector will usually be connected as an I/O device.
Sometimes you will encounter a robot "external axis" mounted to an end effector, but they're not suited for milling -- most often in such a case, they're being used for precise motion control of some end effector element, like driving a ball screw.
Display MoreYou're talking about two very different things.
An ABB robot-axis servo motor, and an end effector milling spindle, are probably completely separate beasts. The robot uses servos with built-in gear reduction, but the spindle is most likely a "normal" motor designed for RPM over torque, probably run by a VFD. The former uses position control (with speed and accel as secondary requirements), the latter usually only has speed control.
The robot servo ties directly into the servo amps of the robot controller, but a spindle motor on an end effector will usually be connected as an I/O device.
Sometimes you will encounter a robot "external axis" mounted to an end effector, but they're not suited for milling -- most often in such a case, they're being used for precise motion control of some end effector element, like driving a ball screw.
Thanks for clearing this up. Now that I know the difference, I'm wondering if there exists documentation that describes the process of replacing a "normal" motor that is designed for RPM over torque. I can't imagine the process is as simple as physically mounting the motor on the flange of axis 6, running the appropriate cables, some sort of load identify program to find the center of gravity and moment of inertia, and then making a new TCP. I guess I could be wrong? Or perhaps documentation for this process simply does not exist.
The process is as simple as you can't imagine.
There are documentations about each step you mentioned, but not one for all.
The process is as simple as you can't imagine.
There are documentations about each step you mentioned, but not one for all.
Where can I find these documents?
Where can I find these documents?
There aren't any specific to "putting a spindle on an end effector." As I said before, an end effector spindle will usually be attached as an I/O peripheral device, and those come in a near-infinitude of varieties.
So you would need to determine the nature of the connection between the robot and the spindle, and then concentrate on the general interfacing/integration manuals in the areas that cover that connection type.
Some peripherals might come as part of an integrated package designed for easy integration with the robot. Others might be completely home-brewed setups duct-taped together from spare parts. Or anything in between.
You originally asked about replacing a spindle. So you find a match for the part number/numbers in question, and replace them.
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment