Posted to News on 12th Oct 2006, 21:16
ABB Robotics to show PickMaster 5 software at PackExpo 2006
ABB Robotics is exhibiting its new PickMaster 5 software at PackExpo at the McCormick Centre, Chicago, USA, from 29 October to 2 November 2006. Recognising that some operators remain fearful of the complexity of programming robot lines, the new PickMaster 5 makes the integration of picking, packing and palletising simple via an intuitive interface. Visitors to ABB Robotics' stand N-4728 will see a demonstration of how the PickMaster 5 and ABB's robot range can optimise production.
PickMaster 5 is claimed to be the fastest tool for guiding robots in the packaging process, including picking, packing and palletising. The PC-based software uses comprehensive graphical interfaces to configure powerful applications where up to 16 robots may work in a team alongside conveyors. With many proven process functions packaged in a standard software product, PickMaster 5 efficiently minimises the risks in complex production environments.
The powerful vision identification and inspection tools, combined with a high-performance conveyor tracking process, makes for truly versatile production.
PickMaster 5 is said to benefit end users through its flexibility, functionality, scalability, user-friendliness and connectivity to large-scale industrial IT systems.
When combined with ABB's IRB 340 FlexPicker delta robot, it creates an excellent, flexible robotic system for high-speed pick and place applications. Indeed, the IRB 340 is claimed to be the fastest robot in the world, with 150 picks per minute and a payload up to 2kg. Being top-mounted, the delta robots require minimal floor space. For sterile and washdown applications there is the option of a stainless steel version.
The IRB 140 is a compact and powerful six-axes multipurpose robot with an 810mm reach that handles a payload of 5kg. It has the option of floor-, wall- or suspended-mounting, which allows for greater flexibility in arranging the layout of production lines. Using the IRB 140, cycle times are considerably reduced where axis one and two are predominantly used. This faster version is well suited for packing applications and guided operations together with PickMaster 5.
Designed for flexible packing systems, the IRB 260 has the ability to work close to the base in order to minimise floor space. Low on weight and height, the IRB 260 fits easily into compact production cells, combined with high speed and a 30kg payload capacity.
The IRB 660 is an extremely fast, four-axes palletiser robot that combines a 3.15m reach with a payload of 250kg to meet the demands of just about any palletising application.
