ABB Launches Connected Paint Atomizer, Compact Robot

Photo Credit: ABB

ABB (Auburn Hills, Michigan) has launched the first connected, sensor-equipped, robotic paint atomizer that enables real-time smart diagnostics. According to the company, the ABB Ability Connected Atomizer provides an environmentally friendly turnkey solution for increasing uptime and ensuring zero quality defects.

The atomizer is said to increase transfer efficiency by 10%, reduce paint loss inside the atomizer during color changes by 75% and reduce compressed air consumption by 20%. By monitoring the condition of key atomizer components such as bell cups, air motors and shaping air rings, as well as variables such as acceleration, pressure, vibration and temperature, the painting transfer efficiency can be boosted, while also eliminating the need for costly downtime for repainting or touchups.

The atomizer adopts the SA (shaping air) nozzle with the super pattern control function in which the range of the effective pattern width is wider than before. This function minimizes overspray by controlling the dual shaping airs individually and switching to the optimum pattern width for the shape of the object being painted.

The atomizer also adopted both the conventional BOC function2 and the SFC function3; these functions enable the device to automatically clean the inside and rim back of the bell cup, as well as the SA nozzle surface that has the small air discharge holes. The automated production line is not required to stop temporarily to remove dirt adhered near the air discharge holes, which ABB says contributes to the reduction of maintenance time and the improvement of the paint line operation rate.

Photo Credit: ABB

In addition to launching the ABB Ability Connected Atomizer, the company introduces the IRB 5510 FlexPainter.

Offered in a small form factor and footprint, the IRB 5510 is aimed at small workpiece painting, flaming treatment and opener applications.

IRB 5510 is equipped with advanced functions such as “StayOn,” and the robot is said to provide shorter cycle times, process optimization and path control to ensure premium paint quality.

According to ABB, this functionality is crucial for industries such as automotive small parts and general industry (GI) customers. IRB 5510 is designed for ease of use, streamlined manipulator maintenance, simplified software support, reduced operational costs and increased spare parts availability.

IRB 5510 is equipped with ABB’s hollow wrist technology. This high-precision hollow wrist features a straight design that eliminates wear and tear on the
paint- and air-supply hoses, increasing overall reliability. Additionally, the wrist supports 140-degree rotation in any direction.

IRB 5510 also features ABB’s unique Integrated Process System (IPS) with closed-loop regulation capabilities and high-speed paint and airflow control. The IPS can increase process response times and reduce paint and solvent waste. Synchronizing the flow of paint with the motion of the robot arm improves transfer efficiency and minimizes overspray, thereby reducing
paint wastage and increasing cost efficiency.