ABB TeachSaver revolutionizes foundry cleaning operations

Citation

(2004), "ABB TeachSaver revolutionizes foundry cleaning operations", Industrial Robot, Vol. 31 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2004.04931baf.002

ABB TeachSaver revolutionizes foundry cleaning operations

ABB TeachSaver revolutionizes foundry cleaning operations

Keywords: Robots, Programming, Foundries

Robot programming time reduced from weeks to days – or even hours.

ABB, the global power and automation technologies group, has introduced TeachSaver, a new software product that can dramatically reduce robot-programming time from weeks to days – or even hours (Plate 2).

Plate 2 TeachSaver can dramatically reduce robot – programming time for foundry cleaning operations

Years spent learning the hard way have taught the foundry industry that programming is one of the biggest obstacles to a more expansive use of robots for cleaning. That is why 80 per cent of cleaning operations are still performed manually. Even though the job is done in a harsh, hazardous environment, where scrap rates are high and quality inconsistent, it still enjoys the initiative over automation. Until now that is.

TeachSaver, an add-on product to RobotStudio, achieves a 90 per cent reduction time in programming, improves product quality due to more accurate processing, and offers dramatic timesavings throughout the life cycle of the work cell.

Traditionally, literally hundreds of positions have to be taught to the foundry robot, a process that can be extremely time-consuming. Using off-line programming software, a digital measurement arm and TeachSaver software, not only can programming time be dramatically reduced, but also the whole process can be conducted off-line with no effect on production. Also high accuracy calibration allows the transfer of pre-defined programs from the virtual cell to the live cell with a high degree of accuracy.

Launched at GIFA 2003, TeachSaver was originally an experimental project carried out by ABB Corporate Research in the United States and has taken 5 years of research and development to bring it to market.

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