Posts by Robotstarter

I tried to make a quick sketch of our situation with the robot and positioner. Its difficult to know the exact distance of the positioner from the robot, however in my sketch it looks like that when the fixtures are in horizontal position some area will be out of reach. Of course the positioner can rotate to bring it within the reach of the robot. I am not familair if the situation in my sketch is normal or that its better to take a robot with a longer reach.

I also looked into a different postioner and found a K positioner from ABB this positioner rotates around X, I think this positioner can be placed closer to the robot and gives a better reach. I only dont know if this will make the programming more difficult.

Anyone that can give some advice?

I tried to make a quick sketch of our situation with the robot and positioner. Its difficult to know the exact distance of the positioner from the robot, however in my sketch it looks like that when the fixtures are in horizontal position some area will be out of reach. Of course the positioner can rotate to bring it within the reach of the robot. I am not familair if the situation in my sketch is normal or that its better to take a robot with a longer reach.

I also looked into a different postioner and found a K positioner from ABB this positioner rotates around X, I think this positioner can be placed closer to the robot and gives a better reach. I only dont know if this will make the programming more difficult.

Thanks. Of course I am just looking into robots so I have zero experience/knowledge at this point. However I did notice that the ABB1400 is offered quite often, also spares seems to be available at different sources. The robot and positioner will be delivered fully tested, serviced repainted and comes with a 90 day parts warranty, can maybe ask them to extend it.

The ABB controller is a S4C+ with M2000 software, I believe this is one of the later controllers delivered with the ABB1400, as far as I can tell. I dont know what the benefit is of the M2000 software, if someone can explain please.

They confirmed that all software should be there. The only thing we should do is connect the right plugs to the power cables (400v 3 phase) and add the gas + wire for the welding.

At the moment I am looking for a company that can help with the install + do a few days training.

P.S. The positioner that comes with the ABB robot is a K type manipulator 2.5m, 500kg payload positioner.

Quote from RoboWeld

I can't offer an opinion on the KUKA option as I have not had much to do with them.

I have installed a few IRB1400 with K type manipulators both single and twin robot types and the end users have been happy with the results. ABB robots of that age age have been reliable with good back up.

Thanks for your reply!

The ABB also has my preference there seems to be quite some spare parts arround and companies that can service these robots.

Is there anything you can say about the programming of the robots; is it easier to learn to program a ABB compared to a Kuka robot?

Hi all,

Because of growing production and difficulties of finding skilled workers we are looking at robot options to help us with our welding parts.

This will be our first robot and we dont have any experience at all. Unfortunately we dont have the budget to afford a new installation so we are looking for a used/refurbished robot from a well known company.

Our products are 850x730x150mm and have a max weight of 30kg, the robot will be mostly used to weld steel in 2 -3mm thickness. We think that a robot with a reach of +/- 1500mm with an H positioner should be able to weld most, probably all, of our parts.

I have been offered two different installations from two different well known supplier (for refurbished robots). I would like to know if someone can give some comments on which installation they would prefer and why.

first opion ABB1400
- refurbished Robot ABB 1400 controller S4c+ with M2000 software
- K type manipulator with atleast 250kg payload and 2000m+ between heads
- new Fronius TPs320i welder
- Torch cleaning station
- fully tested, serviced repainted and comes with a 90 day parts warranty

second option Kuka
- KUKA KR15 with 1.500 mm arm reach, refurbished.
- KRC2 controller based on WinXP, KUKA software KSS 5.2.14, 32 Digital I/O
- Kempi 400 Amp welding machine
- H positioner 2.5 meter 500kg load capacity
- cleaning installation

install and training will be quoted extra

There is a 10.000 euro difference between the installations, ABB installatin being cheaper.