6-axis cleanroom robot

ABB’s 6-axis IRB 1300 industrial robot includes new protection elements that enable it to be used in tough industrial applications and contamination-free production processes, opening new opportunities for increased productivity, improved product quality and reduced cycle times. 

Originally launched in 2020, the IRB 1300 is now available in cleanroom ISO 4, IP67, and Foundry Plus 2 versions, expanding its use in tough environments, with high levels of liquids and dust. This is achieved by preventing intrusion by sealing all electrical components.

For added protection in metals applications including metal die casting, sand casting, forging, and machining, the Foundry Plus 2 version includes the use of stainless steel on the end effector. This will prevent rusting that can occur when liquids are applied to wash away dust particles and metallic debris. By helping to protect against premature wear, this feature can help to prolong the robot’s service life, minimizing disruption caused by downtime and unscheduled repairs.

For applications requiring a clean production environment, in industries such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing, the IRB 1300 ISO 4 cleanroom version features a number of measures to help eliminate the risk of contamination. Key features include the use of chemical resistant exterior paint which helps avoid paint degradation when using cleaning agents that protect against bacteria. The robot’s design also minimizes the number of gaps where bacteria could form, providing an added level of protection, while a particle filter and a fully sealed design prevent grease, oil, and particles from coming into contact with the products being handled.

Featuring a footprint of just 220mm x 220mm, the IRB 1300 is ideal for use in confined spaces, enabling more robots to be deployed in a specific area if required. It is available in three main versions - 11kg/900mm, 10kg/1,150mm, and 7kg/1,400mm. The 11kg payload for the 900mm reach variant is higher than any other competing robot in its class.

Powered by ABB’s OmniCore controller, the IRB 1300 offers advanced motion control and best-in-class path accuracy, allowing it to handle an expanded range of applications such as polishing and machine tending.

To maximize the versatility of the IRB 1300, the OmniCore controller can be equipped with a range of additional equipment, including fieldbus protocols, vision solutions, and force control. OmniCore also offers a simple user interface on the intuitive FlexPendant, which features a large multi-touch display with standard gestures such as pinch, swipe and tap, allowing users to easily program and operate their robot.