The ABB IRB 6700 is a robust industrial robot designed for demanding applications. Like any high-performance machinery, maintaining its cleanliness is crucial not just for aesthetics, but for ensuring maximum uptime, operational accuracy, longevity, and safety. While the IRB 6700 manual provides foundational cleaning guidelines, this article delves deeper, offering practical best practices and insights for both Standard and Foundry Plus protection types.
Why Prioritize Robot Cleaning?
Prevents Overheating
Dust and debris can insulate components, hindering heat dissipation and potentially leading to overheating or premature failure.
Ensures Accuracy
Contaminants on sensors or calibration marks can lead to inaccurate positioning and process errors.
Maintains Mobility
Build-up, especially in joints or on cabling, can restrict movement, cause excessive wear, or lead to cable damage.
Reduces Wear
Abrasive particles can accelerate wear on seals, bearings, and painted surfaces.
Enhances Safety
Clear visibility of the robot and its workspace is essential. Cleanliness also allows for easier inspection and identification of potential issues like leaks or damage.
Secures Uptime
Proactive cleaning prevents many common faults that can lead to unexpected downtime.
Safety First! The Cardinal Rule of Cleaning
Before commencing any cleaning procedure:
- Power Down Completely: Turn off ALL electrical power supplies to the manipulator and controller. Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures if applicable in your facility.
- Depressurize Systems: Ensure any pneumatic or hydraulic systems connected to or integrated with the robot are safely depressurized.
- Read the Manual: Always refer to the official ABB IRB 6700 Product Manual (specifically section 3.6.1) and your site-specific safety protocols.
Know Your Robot: Standard vs. Foundry Plus Protection
The IRB 6700 comes with different protection levels, impacting the allowed cleaning methods. Always verify your specific robot's protection type by checking the serial number label.
Standard (IP67)
Offers excellent protection against dust and water ingress under normal conditions. Suitable for general industrial applications.
Cleaning methods are typically gentler.
Foundry Plus (IP67)
Features enhanced sealing, more resistant materials, and specialized paint designed to withstand harsher environments with high levels of dust, debris, spatter, and humidity.
It allows for more aggressive cleaning methods, including high-pressure water and steam.
Choosing Your Cleaning Method: Tailored Approaches
The manual outlines specific allowed methods based on the protection type:
| Protection Type | Vacuum Cleaner | Wipe with Cloth | Rinse with Water | High-Pressure Water/Steam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Yes |
Yes
(with light detergent)
|
Yes
(highly recommended with rust-prevention solution; must be dried afterwards)
|
No |
| Foundry Plus | Yes |
Yes
(with light detergent OR spirit/solvent) i
|
Yes
(highly recommended with rust-prevention solution; must be dried afterwards)
|
Yes
(with rust preventive, no detergents) ii
|
i: While the manual permits "spirit," always test solvents on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with paint and seals. Prioritize milder options.
ii: High-pressure cleaning requires strict adherence to parameters.
Best Practices: The "How-To" Guide
Follow these steps for effective and safe cleaning:
Cleaning Process Flowchart
1 Preparation
- Ensure the robot is powered down and secured (LOTO).
- Clear the work area around the robot.
- Gather necessary tools: Vacuum cleaner (industrial grade preferred), lint-free microfiber cloths, appropriate mild detergent or solvent (Foundry Plus), approved rust-preventive additive, low-pressure water source or high-pressure was her (Foundry Plus), personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection).
2 Vacuuming
Start by vacuuming loose dust and debris from all accessible surfaces, paying particular attention to joints, crevices, cabling, and any ventilation openings on associated equipment. This prevents turning dust into abrasive slurry during wet cleaning.
3 Wiping
- Standard: Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Foundry Plus: You can use mild detergent or an approved cleaning spirit/solvent. Always verify solvent compatibility.
- Wipe systematically, section by section. Change cloths frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
- Focus on areas with visible build-up, joints, and cable harnesses.
4 Rinsing (Standard & Foundry Plus - Low Pressure)
- Rust Prevention: It is highly recommended to use water containing a suitable rust-preventive additive. This prevents flash rust, especially on unpainted metal components or fasteners.
- Use low-pressure water. Avoid directing the stream forcefully at seals, gaskets, connectors, or joints.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
- Crucial Step: Drying: Thoroughly dry the robot immediately after rinsing using clean, dry cloths or filtered, low-pressure air (use air cautiously). Residual moisture can lead to corrosion or electrical issues if power is restored prematurely.
5 High-Pressure Water/Steam Cleaning (Foundry Plus ONLY)
- Verify Parameters: Strictly adhere to the maximum pressure and temperature limits specified in the manual (Water: 25 bar / 2500 kN/m²; Steam: 80°C).
- Nozzle & Distance: Use a fan jet nozzle (min. 45° spread) and maintain a minimum distance of 0.4 meters (approx. 16 inches) from the robot surface.
- Rust Preventive: Use a rust-preventive additive in the water/steam supply; do not use detergents in high-pressure systems for Foundry Plus robots as per the manual.
- Technique: Keep the nozzle moving constantly; do not dwell on one spot, especially near seals or joints.
- Drying: Thorough drying is critical after high-pressure cleaning.
Only use this method for Foundry Plus robots. Never use high-pressure cleaning on Standard protection robots.
6 Cable Care
- Robot cables, especially those in dynamic applications (like DressPacks), require specific attention. Ensure they can move freely.
- Gently clean off any build-up (like dried release agents) that could make them crusty or hinder movement. Wipe rather than spraying aggressively.
- Inspect for any signs of abrasion or damage.
Crucial "Don'ts": Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Strict adherence to these "don'ts" is vital:
- NEVER point water jets (high or low pressure) directly at electrical connectors, motor seals, joint seals, or gaskets. Water ingress can cause shorts, corrosion, and lubricant failure.
- NEVER use compressed air for general cleaning. It can drive dirt and contaminants into sensitive areas like bearings and seals. (Low-pressure, filtered air for drying after washing is acceptable if used cautiously and not directed at sensitive points).
- NEVER use solvents not explicitly approved by ABB or known to be compatible. Harsh solvents can degrade seals, damage cable insulation, and mar paint finishes.
- NEVER spray from closer than 0.4 meters, especially with high pressure. This maintains safe impact force on surfaces and seals.
- NEVER remove protective covers or devices before cleaning. They are essential for protecting sensitive internals.
Post-Cleaning Checks & Frequency
Inspection
After cleaning and drying, visually inspect the robot for any missed spots, pooling water, or potential issues uncovered by the cleaning (e.g., damaged cables, leaking seals).
Drying Time
Allow ample time for the robot to air dry completely, especially in crevices, before restoring power.
Frequency
The ideal cleaning frequency depends heavily on the operating environment:
- High Contamination: Robots in environments with heavy dust, spatter, cutting fluids, or chemical exposure may require daily or weekly cleaning.
- Moderate/Low Contamination: Cleaner environments might only necessitate monthly or quarterly cleaning.
- Recommendation: Establish a site-specific cleaning schedule based on visual inspection and integrate it into your regular preventative maintenance program. Observe the robot regularly – don't wait for excessive build-up.
Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance
Chemical-Resistant Gloves
When using solvents or degreasers, ensure gloves are rated for the specific chemical being used (e.g., Nitrile, Neoprene).
Face Shield
Highly recommended during any pressure washing or when using chemicals that could splash. Standard safety glasses may not offer sufficient protection.
Waterproof Apron/Suit
Essential during wet cleaning, especially pressure washing, to keep dry and protect clothing from cleaning agents or contaminants.
Respiratory Protection
May be necessary if using volatile solvents in poorly ventilated areas or if cleaning generates airborne dust/particles. Consult your facility's safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Cleaning your ABB IRB 6700 robot is a fundamental aspect of preventative maintenance that directly contributes to its reliability, performance, and lifespan. By understanding the specific requirements for Standard and Foundry Plus models, adhering strictly to safety procedures, using the correct methods and materials, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure your IRB 6700 operates efficiently and effectively for years to come. Remember to always consult your specific robot's documentation and prioritize safety above all else.