Your Essential Guide to a Safe and Stable Start
A comprehensive guide covering unboxing, installation, configuration, and maintenance procedures for the ABB IRB 6700 industrial robot.
The arrival of a new ABB IRB 6700 robot is an exciting step towards enhanced automation. This powerful and versatile robot arm promises significant improvements in productivity and efficiency. However, a successful implementation begins long before the first program is run. Proper unboxing, transportation, and installation are critical not only for performance but, more importantly, for safety.
This guide goes beyond the standard manual procedures (Document ID: 3HAC044266-001) to provide practical insights and highlight crucial considerations during the initial setup phase of your IRB 6700 (models 235/2.65, 205/2.80, 175/3.05, 150/3.20). We'll focus on getting your robot from the delivery truck to being securely mounted and ready for electrical connection, emphasizing safety and stability throughout the process.
Installation personnel, system integrators, maintenance teams, and project managers involved in the initial deployment of the IRB 6700.
Safely unpack, transport, and secure your robot to ensure optimal performance from day one.
Learn moreConfigure loads, set working boundaries, and perform critical first-power checks.
Learn moreProactive maintenance schedule and procedures to ensure longevity and performance.
Learn moreBefore the robot even arrives at its designated work cell, thorough preparation is key. Rushing this stage can lead to delays, potential damage, or safety hazards.
Upon receipt, immediately inspect the robot for any signs of shipping damage. Document anything unusual.
Confirm that your available lifting equipment is rated well above the robot's weight (approx. 1300 kg, excluding DressPack and tooling).
If the robot won't be installed immediately, ensure storage environment meets temperature (-25°C to +55°C) and humidity (max 95%) limits.
Verify the planned installation site's ambient temperature (+5°C to +50°C) and humidity (max 95%) align with requirements.
Verify the robot's protection type (Standard IP67 or Foundry Plus IP67) is suitable for the intended work environment.
This is arguably one of the most critical checks before installation.
The foundation must withstand the static and dynamic forces and torques specified in the manual.
The foundation must be extremely level (max deviation 0.2 mm across attachment points) and flat (max tilt 0°).
The minimum resonance frequency must be 22 Hz to avoid operational issues.
Pro Tip: Verify foundation levelness and cure time before the robot is delivered. Rectifying foundation issues with the robot present is significantly harder.
An unsecured IRB 6700 is mechanically unstable. Its center of gravity shifts significantly with arm movements. Never attempt to move the robot arms before it is securely bolted to the foundation. Keep the robot in its designated shipping position until ready for final placement.
ABB strongly recommends Method 1: Transporting the robot without the tool attached, using appropriate lifting gear on the robot base.
If transporting with the tool attached is unavoidable (Method 2), it must be done using the specified transport support fixture, with the robot secured in the designated transport position for this setup.
Failure to use approved methods can damage the robot and void the warranty.
Once ready for final placement, use one of the approved lifting methods:
A rigid, stable connection to the foundation is essential for the robot's accuracy and lifespan.
You've successfully unboxed, transported, and securely mounted your ABB IRB 6700. The physical foundation is set, but the journey to optimized and safe operation has just begun. Before you start programming complex tasks, several critical configuration steps and initial checks must be addressed.
The robot's control system uses load data to calculate the dynamics required for precise movement. Incorrect data leads to path deviations, overshoots, and vibrations.
Overloading or operating with poorly defined inertia puts excessive stress on motors, gears, and the robot structure, leading to premature wear.
With accurate load data, the robot can achieve optimal acceleration and velocity profiles, maximizing throughput without compromising stability.
Incorrect load data can affect braking distances and stop times. In emergency stop scenarios, unexpected behavior could occur if the controller's understanding of the load dynamics is flawed.
The detailed procedures for defining Tool Center Point (TCP) and payload data are found in the Operating manual - IRC5 with FlexPendant.
Don't Guess: Use CAD data, physical measurements, or built-in load identification routines to determine these values accurately. Even small inaccuracies can have noticeable effects.
The IRB 6700 allows for additional equipment to be mounted beyond the tool flange:
Up to 50 kg is permissible, provided its center of gravity is within 500 mm of the axis-3 extension centerline.
Equipment up to 250 kg can be mounted on the frame, but its total inertia (JHo + M4 x R²) must not exceed 100 kgm².
Be aware of the tool flange configuration on your specific robot (Standard Flange or LeanID Flange - Option 780-4).
While the IRB 6700 boasts a generous work envelope, it's often necessary to restrict its movement to prevent collisions with peripheral equipment, fixtures, or building structures, and to define safe zones for personnel.
CRITICAL: Installing mechanical stops must be accompanied by corresponding adjustments to the software working range limits (Upper Joint Bound and Lower Joint Bound system parameters). Failure to update the software can lead to the robot unexpectedly hitting the mechanical stop under program control, causing potential damage.
Double-check that all safety circuits, E-stops, guarding, and interlocks are functional after all electrical connections have been made.
This is the first crucial calibration step after installation or if the robot's position memory has been lost (e.g., due to SMB battery depletion, disconnection during transport, or certain errors).
After updating the revolution counters, always verify the calibration position.
MoveAbsJ[[0,0,0,0,0,0], ...] instruction and run it carefully in manual mode.
If marks do not align perfectly after updating counters, DO NOT proceed. Re-check the manual jogging process and ensure the correct revolution was captured, especially for axes 4/6. Re-update the counters. Persistent issues may require a full standard calibration.
Your ABB IRB 6700 is installed, configured, and likely performing demanding tasks. While robustly designed, like any sophisticated machinery, it requires regular, proactive maintenance to ensure peak performance, maximize its operational lifespan, and maintain safety standards.
This section focuses on the maintenance philosophy outlined in the Product Manual IRB 6700 (Document ID: 3HAC044266-001), highlighting key inspection, replacement, and lubrication tasks.
Intervals are defined based on:
The schedule groups activities logically:
Preventative vs. Unpredictable: The schedule covers planned preventative maintenance. Any unexpected events, like collisions, error messages, or unusual noises, require immediate inspection and potential corrective action outside the regular schedule.
Regular inspections are the first line of defense against potential problems. Here are some of the most critical checks:
Key Point: Use the correct procedure for each axis as level checking methods vary. Always ensure plugs are re-tightened to the specified torque (often 24 Nm). Refer to Technical reference manual - Lubrication in gearboxes (3HAC042927-001) for oil types.
Replacing consumables and fluids at recommended intervals is crucial for preventing wear and ensuring continued operation.
Specific bearings within the balancing device require periodic greasing (e.g., front spherical roller bearing). Follow the manual for procedure and correct grease type (Optimol PD0 specified).
Beyond scheduled maintenance, be aware that major components have an expected service life, heavily influenced by usage patterns ("normal" vs. "extreme" use cases are defined).
| Component | Normal Use | Extreme Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Harness | ~40,000 hours | ~20,000 hours | Replace if damaged |
| Balancing Device | ~40,000 hours | - | Based on specific test cycle |
| Gearboxes | ~40,000 hours | - | With proper oil changes |
Regular, diligent maintenance based on the ABB schedule is not an expense; it's an investment in the continued productivity, reliability, safety, and longevity of your IRB 6700. By performing timely inspections, fluid changes, component replacements, and proper cleaning, you proactively address potential issues, prevent costly unplanned downtime, and ensure your robot operates at its best for its entire service life.
Detailed instructions for this critical maintenance task with visual guides for each axis.
Step-by-step guide to safely replace the SMB battery without losing robot calibration.
Complete calibration procedures from basic revolution counter updates to Absolute Accuracy calibration.