ABB exhibited a 3D printing system at Automate 2022 that used its IRB 4400 robotic arm and a Massive Dimension MDPE10 particle extruder. ABB’s RobotStudio 3D Printing PowerPac is used to programme the machine.
As it has expanded from prototypes to real production uses, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has gained popularity in the industry.
An increasing number of components that cannot be built using conventional manufacturing processes are being manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM). For example, several manufacturers are now rapidly 3D printing spare and replacement components for on-site equipment using AM. Producing novel, lightweight components for use in the automotive and aerospace sectors has been its main advantage.
The on-demand function of 3D printing can also help end users navigate supply chain failures, such as having a backup server or adding redundancy to crucial systems.
A load capacity of 60 kilograms is available on the fast robotic arm, and known as IRB 4400. In addition, it has a wide range of communication capabilities, including serial links, network interfaces, fieldbus interfaces, remote I/O and programmable logic controller interfaces.
A direct print extruder that can produce 10 pounds per hour is called the MDPE10 particle extruder.
3D printing with RobotStudio According to Doug Hixon, ABB’s regional robotics application specialist, PowerPac is a software package that allows end users to transform computer-aided design models into robot programmes in less than 30 minutes.
PETG material, a modified variant of PET used for disposable water bottles and other containers.
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