Product category:
Robots and robotic systems
News Release from: ABB Robotics | Subject: second-hand robots
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 April 2008
ABB outlines benefits of second-hand
robots
David Pownall, lifecycle service manager for ABB's UK robotics division, explains what you can expect from ABB's second-hand offerings
If you are looking to purchase robotic technology but can't justify a large capital investment, then a fully reconditioned or pre-owned robot - with a full ABB warranty - could be the answer.Over the last five years, confidence in the use of second-hand equipment has transformed within the industry Manufacturers are recognising the benefits robotic technology can bring, and now refurbished or second-hand robots offer manufacturers the technology to achieve improved productivity and product quality, at a fraction of the usual price
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 27 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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One of the major uncertainties when looking to invest in robotic technology is the cost of the equipment itself.
UK manufacturers' continued focus on achieving short-term returns results in many being unwilling to invest in capital equipment.
What they often fail to consider, however, are the benefits that robots can bring, often resulting in a payback on investment being achieved within just two years.
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With robots offering massive potential for UK industrial companies to boost their competitiveness, ABB is keen to ensure all companies, no matter how big or small, have the opportunity to invest.
Customers who approach ABB for second-hand robots are often looking for a replicate robot to extend a production line or a low-cost alternative to a brand-new robot.
This demand is usually driven by the reduced costs involved in investing in second-hand automated technology.
Refurbished robots offer manufacturers the opportunity to match the robot model to their existing robots, helping them to maintain a consistent production line that meets their individual needs.
By looking into refurbished technology, manufacturers can save on spending on fixtures, programming, spare parts and additional training.
They can also ensure the refurbished robot purchase is restored to OEM factory specifications, using ISO 9001 standards and procedures.
Second-hand robots are available in three different formats enabling customers to choose from a partial refurbishment, which is agreed with the customer prior to the sale, a full factory refurbishment or buying the robot as it appears, with no additional work carried out by ABB.
To assist in the decision process, ABB provides a full history of every robot.
Using the ABB global system tracker, every robot is registered with information on where it has been used, what it was used for and the total number of operating hours the robot has run up.
This information helps the customer to match a robot to their own exact needs, which can then be discussed in detail with ABB.
By spending time examining the customer's needs, we can establish which robots meet their requirements and whether any of the suitable robot models are available second-hand.
Our global network is established across 120 countries, ensuring that if the right robot is available, it will be made ready for the customer.
Once the customers' needs have been established, it is important to discuss their budget.
This helps our customers decide what format is best for them.
Can they afford a full refurbishment, take the robot as seen and apply their own expertise and knowledge to its maintenance, or go with a partial refurbishment to meet any budget limitations? Changes within the industry often affect the availability and pricing of second-hand robots.
Following the closures of automotive plants across the US, many large spot-welding and material-handling robots became available, driving the cost of such robots down to almost a third of the price of a brand-new one.
Many smaller robots, the IRB2400 and IRB4400, where ABB hasn't manufactured as many, will cost more due to the lack of availability.
Therefore it is important during the planning stages that the customer's needs are identified and met to ensure the best deal is offered - in some cases, buying a brand-new robot could actually present a better option.
The reconditioning of pre-owned robots is a comprehensive process, which restores them to their original operating condition.
Refurbishment, either partial or full, includes retrofitting and upgrading, taking advantage of current technological advances.
When a five- to 10-year-old robot is purchased, ABB's role is to ensure that all components are upgraded to meet new safety legislation.
Any engineering enhancements, new software releases or upgrades that have been developed since the machine was first introduced can also be added, to create a reconditioned robot with up-to-date functionality.
ABB applies a rigorous 59-point final inspection with testing under load for 24 hours prior to shipment.
This ensures that all ABB reconditioned robots are certified to current safety standards and are covered by a full 12-month warranty.
For partial refurbishment, a three- to six-month warranty is also available.
When buying a second-hand robot it is important to ensure that the robots are backed by the same levels of training, service and technical support that is provided for new equipment.
At ABB's training centre in Milton Keynes, training is provided for a wide range of robot models.
From the S2 robot, launched back in 1978, to the IRB 6600 family of robots, launched in 2007, manufacturers can be confident that they will be supported by the best training available for any of its ABB robots.
ABB's range of service packages are also available for second-hand and refurbished robots.
Customers have a choice of maintenance, response and warranty service agreement packages.
With guaranteed response times of 4,8, 12 and 24 hours built into the customer's packages, these packages give customers the added reassurance of increased Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and reduced Mean Time to Repair (MTTR).
With UK companies facing some of the highest overhead costs compared to their global competitors, the availability of second-hand robots provides an ideal solution for those who want all of the benefits of robots at a fraction of the cost of a new installation.
At ABB, our range of pre-owned robots is available from stock, with fast delivery anywhere in the world. Request a free brochure from ABB Robotics ...
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