ABB Robotics has introduced an ISO 5 (Class 100) Cleanroom version of the IRB 120, its smallest multipurpose 6-axis robot. The component materials of the IRB 120 prone to particle generation have been modified to eliminate the potential for contamination of the manufacturing area and the parts being processed, the company said.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA tested and certified the new model as Cleanroom ISO 5 (Class 100). Cleanrooms are classified according to the number and size of particles permitted per volume of air, with Class 100 denoting the number of particles of size 0.5 m or larger permitted per cubic foot of air. Cleanroom robots of this rating are suited for material handling and assembly applications in a range of industries requiring low levels of environmental pollutants, including medical device, pharmaceutical, electronics, semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing.

"The Cleanroom IRB 120 features a special 4-layer paint with varnish clear coat for easy, cloth cleaning; unpainted mounting holes; unpainted stainless steel mechanical stops and special glue-seals to avoid particle generation," said a company spokesperson. "In certain conditions it can meet more stringent, ISO 4 (Class 10) requirements. The new model has all the functionality of the standard IRB 120, with motion control and path accuracy, providing agility, precision and speed to applications where a smaller footprint and profile are required. Weighing 25 kg (55 lbs), the IRB 120 has a standard payload of 3 kg (6.6 lbs), a vertical wrist payload of 4 kg (8.8 lbs), a reach of 580 mm, a stroke of 411 mm and the ability to reach 112 mm below its base."

"The industries that require cleanroom manufacturing environments continue to grow, increasing the need for a fast and compact robot that meets stringent anti-contamination requirements," said Joe Campbell, Vice President of the ABB Robots & Applications Group. "We feel the Cleanroom IRB 120 will allow our integrators to penetrate new markets with a cost-effective and reliable robot that generates high production outputs in return for a minimal investment."

The standard version of the IRB 120 was introduced in Fall 2009. All models are designed to be:

• Accurate with a repeatability of pose (RP) of 0.01 mm.
• Easy to integrate into new and existing lines. It can be mounted at any angle, either in a cell, on top of a machine or in close proximity to other robots on the line. Wall- and invert-mounting saves floor space and optimizes working range.
• Featuring a compact turning radius on axis 1, allowing it to be mounted close to application process machines.
• Easy to clean and maintain with internal cabling and smooth surfaces.
• Designed with a light, aluminum structure, with powerful motors that ensure fast, accurate acceleration.

The Cleanroom IRB 120 is available with the compact version of the IRC5 controller, designed to make it easy to program and control for a variety of tasks. The Compact IRC5 is fully compatible with the standard and panel mount IRC5 controllers, with user friendly FlexPendant programming, RobotStudio offline programming, flexible RAPID language and powerful communication capabilities.

For more information contact:

ABB Robotics, Inc.

1250 Brown Road

Auburn Hills, MI 48326

248-391-9000

www.abb.com/robotics