Blue-chip partnership creates European laser lab

Citation

(2001), "Blue-chip partnership creates European laser lab", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928fab.006

Blue-chip partnership creates European laser lab

Blue-chip partnership creates European laser lab

Keywords: Robots, Lasers

ABB, a leading manufacturer of robots and robot-based automation systems, has joined forces with industrial laser specialists, Permanova Systems, to create a "centre of excellence" dedicated to the demonstration and development of robot-based laser solutions.

The new European robot laser lab is located in Gothenburg, Sweden, and provides a state-of-the-art facility ideally suited to customer feasibility studies, application development, training and investigations into the welding and cutting of 3D sheet metal components (see Plate 2).

The robot laser lab is equipped with ABB's IRB 6400 and IRB 2400 robots, a RofinSinar Nd:YAG laser source, fibre-optic beam delivery systems and a wide range of tooling. Robot technology experts from ABB will work closely with Permanova's laser processing specialists to make full use of the facilities at their disposal in a bid to address a wide range of customer's laser application challenges.

Plate 2 ABB Robotic laser systems are are revolutionising the welding and cutting of 3D sheet metal components

David Marshall, marketing manager – Robot Products at ABB Automation, explained "Interest in laser processing using robots is rising rapidly. ABB robots are already improving the profitability of manufacturing operations throughout the world, and the creation of the European robot laser lab is a reflection of the company's ongoing commitment to a strategy of research and development that will ensure the company remains at the very forefront of robot and laser technology".

The European robot laser lab is able to supply a wide range of standard robotic and laser products, as well as fully proven function packages including robots, laser, optics, controls, software and complete safety protection.

For further information please contact David Marshall, ABB Automation, Auriga House, Precedent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8PQ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1908 350300; Fax: +44 (0)1908 350301; E-mail: david.marshall@gb.abb.com