Rail Manufacturing Processes Improve with ABB Robots

Global power and automation technology company, ABB, has designed robots for rail industry applications.

The robots have the capability to perform operations such as welding, riveting, deburring, assembly, machine tending, painting, inspection and material handling.

ABB’s robotic tools that were designed for assembling vehicles running on the road can also be used for rail industry applications. The company’s ModulFex tool can be used for performing sub-assembly of rail roofs, engine compartments, body sides and the underbody. The SafeMove robotic tool enables a foreseeable robotic motion that can be limited for specific applications. ABB’s FlexiCell tool consists of standardized components and is a spot-welding cell. The FlexFramer is a robotic tool designed for performing main body assembly.

SNCF’s Périgueux site in south-west France was supplied with ABB’s automated spray painting booth solution. It consisted of two of ABB’s IRB 5400 robots and a preparation area, painting booth and thinning area along with a curing oven. The accommodative placing of the robots reduced the space required to 80.m² from 210.m². ABB’s oven technology reduced the paint drying time from 4hrs to 55 mins.

Deployment of robots in the rail industry has led to an increase in output, flexibility, quality, efficiency and productivity among the prominent improvements.