Getting Started: Your IRB 6700 Unboxing & Installation

A comprehensive guide to safely unbox, transport, and install your new ABB IRB 6700 industrial robot arm - ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Installation Checklist Safety Guidelines

About This Guide

You've just received your ABB IRB 6700 robot arm – a powerful piece of engineering ready to transform your production line. But before it can start working its magic, a careful and methodical installation process is crucial.

Target Audience

Trained installation personnel with required knowledge of mechanical and electrical installation work, as specified by ABB.

Core Focus

Safety, proper procedure, and setting the stage for successful commissioning - the foundation for reliable robot operation.

Disclaimer

This guide is supplementary. Always refer to the official ABB IRB 6700 Product Manual (Document ID: 3HAC044266-001) for complete instructions.

Important Note

This checklist is designed to guide you through the initial unboxing and physical installation phases. Proper installation is critical for safety, accuracy, and the longevity of your investment.

Critical Safety Guidelines

CRITICAL STABILITY WARNING

  • The IRB 6700 is inherently unstable if not bolted down. Its center of gravity shifts significantly when arms move.
  • Keep the robot in its designated Shipping Position during transport.
  • NEVER attempt to jog the robot arms before it is securely fastened to the foundation. Tipping can cause severe injury or damage.

Personnel Requirements

  • Installation team must be trained by ABB specifically for this robot system
  • Familiarity with the Product Manual, especially Safety (Chapter 1) and Installation (Chapter 2) sections
  • Knowledge of local safety regulations and requirements

Lifting Safety

  • Use only approved lifting equipment rated for at least 1300 kg + safety margin
  • Clear the area of all personnel during lifting operations
  • Follow the exact lifting configurations specified in the manual

Environmental & Power Requirements

  • Operating Temperature: +5°C to +50°C
  • Humidity: Maximum 95% non-condensing
  • Proper grounding is essential before any power is applied
  • Protection Class: Standard IP67 or Foundry Plus IP67 depending on variant

Installation Process Overview

The installation process follows a structured approach divided into six key phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, ensuring a safe and effective setup of your IRB 6700 robot.

flowchart TB subgraph "Installation Process" direction TB A[Pre-Arrival Preparation] --> B[Unboxing & Inspection] B --> C[Safe Transportation] C --> D[Lifting & Positioning] D --> E[Securing the Robot] E --> F[Initial Connections] F --> G[Commissioning] style A fill:#daeaff,stroke:#3b7fff,color:#1a3cba style B fill:#daeaff,stroke:#3b7fff,color:#1a3cba style C fill:#daeaff,stroke:#3b7fff,color:#1a3cba style D fill:#daeaff,stroke:#3b7fff,color:#1a3cba style E fill:#daeaff,stroke:#3b7fff,color:#1a3cba style F fill:#daeaff,stroke:#3b7fff,color:#1a3cba style G fill:#f0f0f0,stroke:#c8c8c8,color:#666666,stroke-dasharray: 5 5 end

Pro Tip

Each phase has critical checkpoints that must be completed before proceeding to the next. Using this guide as a checklist alongside the official ABB manual will help ensure no important steps are missed.

Installation Phases in Detail

1

Pre-Arrival Preparation & Site Verification

Before the crate even arrives, ensure the groundwork is laid. Skipping these steps can lead to costly delays or unsafe conditions.

Personnel Readiness

  • Confirm Training: Ensure the installation team is trained by ABB for mechanical/electrical installation of this specific robot system (IRB 6700 & IRC5 Controller).
  • Review Documentation: Familiarize the team with the Product Manual, especially the Safety (Chapter 1) and Installation (Chapter 2) sections.

Site & Foundation Checks

  • Foundation Levelness: Verify the robot mounting foundation meets the maximum deviation requirement of 0.2 mm.
  • Foundation Tilt: Ensure the foundation has 0° tilt. Tilting the robot reduces its maximum payload capacity.
  • Foundation Resonance: Check that the foundation's minimum resonance frequency is 22 Hz or higher.
  • Space & Clearance: Confirm adequate space for the robot's full working range and for safe personnel access during maintenance.
  • Load Capacity: Ensure the foundation can support the robot's weight (approx. 1300 kg, excluding DressPack and tooling) plus operational forces.

Environmental Conditions

  • Operating vs. Storage: If the robot was stored, ensure the installation site meets the operating conditions (Ambient Temp: +5°C to +50°C; Humidity: Max 95% non-condensing).
  • Protection Class: Verify the robot's protection class (Standard IP67 or Foundry Plus IP67) matches the site environment.

Tools & Equipment Readiness

  • Lifting Gear: Prepare appropriate lifting equipment certified for at least 1300 kg + safety margin.
  • Standard Toolkit: Have the ABB standard toolkit available (section 7.6).
  • Securing Hardware: Prepare the correct M24 (Grade 8.8) bolts and washers for securing the robot base.
2

Unboxing and Initial Inspection

Once the robot arrives, follow this detailed checklist for unboxing and inspection:

  • Visual Inspection (Crated): Check the crate for any signs of damage during transit before accepting delivery if possible. Document any issues.
  • Unpacking: Carefully remove packaging materials.
  • Visual Inspection (Uncrated): Inspect the robot manipulator and controller for any physical damage (dents, scratches, damaged connectors or cables).
  • Verify Contents: Check the delivery against the packing list to ensure all components, manuals, and optional equipment are present.
  • Locate Key Information: Identify the robot's rating plate for serial number, variant (e.g., 235/2.65), and protection type. Note the calibration label location.

Documentation Recommendation

Take detailed photos of the robot as it arrives, particularly of any areas with potential damage. These photos will be valuable for warranty claims if needed and provide a baseline reference for future maintenance.

3

Safe Transportation to Installation Site

Moving a heavy, articulated robot requires extreme care.

CRITICAL STABILITY WARNING

  • The IRB 6700 is inherently unstable if not bolted down. Its center of gravity shifts significantly when arms move.
  • Keep the robot in its designated Shipping Position during transport.
  • NEVER attempt to jog the robot arms before it is securely fastened to the foundation.

Transportation Methods

Method 1 (Recommended)

Transporting the robot without tooling, using the shipping position and appropriate lifting gear (forklift or crane). This is the safest and preferred method.

Method 2 (Alternative)

If transporting with tooling/heavy end effector attached, use the ABB-specified transport support and the specific transport position. Follow the securing procedure precisely, including manual brake release steps if needed.

Caution: This method carries higher risk.

Transport Execution

  • Move slowly and cautiously.
  • Ensure the path is clear and level.
  • Avoid sudden stops or turns.
  • When using forklifts, keep the load low to the ground.
4

Lifting and Positioning

Lifting requires precision and adherence to safety protocols.

Safety First

  • Clear the Area: Ensure no personnel are under or near the lift path.
  • Qualified Personnel: Only trained personnel should perform the lift.
  • Check Lifting Gear: Verify load ratings (WLL) of all slings, shackles, lifting eyes, and the crane/forklift.
  • Power OFF: Ensure the robot is NOT connected to any power.

Lifting Methods

Forklift Method
  • Requires the optional Fork Lift Device Set (4 pockets).
  • Robot MUST be in shipping position.
  • Attach all four pockets securely using M20x60 Grade 8.8 bolts (Torque: 280 Nm).
  • Never lift with fewer than four pockets.
  • Lift carefully, keeping the load low and stable.
Roundslings (Overhead Crane)
  • Requires specific robot positioning (Axis 1: 0°, Axis 2: -45°, Axis 3: +65°, Axis 5: +70°).
  • Use four M20 lifting eyes (WLL 2000 kg each).
  • Use specified roundslings with correct lifting capacity (2000 kg).
  • Attach slings precisely as shown in the manual.
  • Critical Check: Ensure the front-left roundsling passes correctly relative to the brake release unit plate when lifting.

Positioning

Gently lower the robot towards the installation point, using guide features if available. Ensure the robot base aligns perfectly with the foundation before releasing tension on the lifting equipment.

5

Securing the Robot

Proper anchoring is non-negotiable for safety and performance.

Foundation Interface

  • Base Plate (if used): Ensure the base plate is already correctly installed, leveled (max 0.2 mm deviation across surfaces), and secured.
  • Direct Mount: Ensure foundation holes match the robot base pattern.

Orientation & Alignment

  • Fit guide sleeves (if using a base plate) or use alignment features.
  • Carefully lower the robot onto the foundation/base plate, ensuring it seats correctly onto guide sleeves/pins.

Bolting Down

  • Use four M24 x 100 Grade 8.8 bolts with 4mm flat washers.
  • Lightly lubricate threads before insertion.
  • Tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating and prevent base distortion.
  • Use a calibrated torque wrench to achieve the final tightening torque of 625 Nm.

Why use a criss-cross pattern? Uneven tightening can warp the base, affecting calibration and potentially damaging the robot.

Final Check

Re-verify that the robot base is level and securely fastened. Check for any gaps between the robot base and the foundation/base plate.

6

Initial Connections & Next Steps

With the robot physically secured:

Robot Cable Connections

  • Connect the Robot Power Cable from the controller (XS1) to the robot base connector R1.MP.
  • Connect the Robot Signal Cable from the controller (XS2) to the robot base connector R1.SMB.
  • Ensure correct cable lengths are used as specified in the manual.

Critical: Before applying any power to the system, ensure the robot and controller cabinet(s) are properly connected to protective earth according to the IRC5 manual and local electrical codes.

First Power-Up Considerations

  • Updating revolution counters will be necessary before running any programs or relying on position accuracy.
  • Do not extensively jog the robot, especially axes 4 and 6, before updating, as the correct calibration position could be lost.
  • Full calibration (standard or Absolute Accuracy) will follow later in the commissioning process.

Next Steps

Proceed with controller setup, system parameter configuration, safety system integration, and detailed calibration as outlined in the IRC5 and Calibration manuals.

Conclusion

Successfully completing these initial installation steps is vital for the longevity, safety, and performance of your IRB 6700. By prioritizing safety, meticulously following procedures, and understanding the why behind each step, you set the stage for a smooth commissioning process.

Always keep the official ABB manuals readily accessible for detailed specifications and procedures. Welcome to the power and precision of ABB Robotics!

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