ABB’s global service presence is unrivaled.
With over 250,000 robots sold around the world,
ABB has a unique knowledge base of industrial robot applications in many industries.
And when it comes to providing first-rate service, ABB is second to none.
There are more than 100 ABB Robotics service locations in 53 countries.
Over 1,300 dedicated specialists provide technical support, parts, remote troubleshooting, training,
on-site repair and workshops for customers and their robots.
Customers expect us to deliver the same support services
with the same procedures and practices around the globe.
To facilitate this, we have developed practices that ensure your robot and controller are maintained,
based on ABB’s product manuals and extensive experience.
ABB service agreements comprise from a base level of telephone support on an as required basis
right through to a “sleep easy” comprehensive flat fee support program for telephone support,
preventive maintenance, parts, remote services, and on site labor services.
We have built in full flexibility into our service agreements,
where you can make your own choice from four core service packages.
With the selectable options from our service agreement configuration tool,
our experts stand ready to help you choose the service solution that suits your needs.
However, let us focus on the Preventive Maintenance Service element
of supporting your robot installation.
Robots comprise a set of mechanical gears and motors, controlled by a sophisticated controller
containing electronic components and drives.
Just like our own cars, the reliability and availability of these components can be improved
when certain items are inspected as part of a preventive maintenance program.
Before our engineers commence work, a safety assessment of the work area is undertaken.
Once the engineer is happy with the safety he will perform the lock-out tag-out procedure,
preventing anyone from applying power or resetting the system while he is working on the robot.
Then the engineer commences the preventive maintenance tasks,
using a standard set of inspection programs and processes adopted by ABB across the world.
An inspection program not only looks for parts that can be worn or be perhaps damaged,
but also provides the opportunity to clean any parts
that may be affected by contamination and atmospheric conditions.
For example, such things as contamination on the drive heatsinks of the controller
can affect the cooling properties and thus the lifetime of the components within the controller.
The condition and air flow of the fans on the controller
also needs to be inspected and rectified if required
to ensure adequate cooling is provided to the drive modules.
Particularly more so, if the controller is working in a high temperature or dirty environment.
The inspection activities are performed using tools specifically designed to suit the purpose.
These include air flow meters, so called Thermal Anemometers,
to measure the air flow of the controller cooling fans, while recording the flow-rates in the checklist.
A traffic light indication process is used to determine
the correct working range for the environment and the ambient temperature.
On the robot arm itself, inspection programs need to be designed to incorporate the necessary steps
to check such items as the appearance of mechanical damage or wear in any of the axis,
the cable condition is not damaged or cracked, and that the oil in the gearboxes
associated with each axis is inspected for contamination.
The program will also need to highlight whether or not there is a requirement for an oil change.
As part of the inspection, we test the oil condition by taking a sample with a syringe.
After checking if the oil is clear and does not smell
the next step is to measure the amount of steel dust in the oil;
signs of which can indicate bearing or gear damage.
To support these tasks our engineers also refer to video animations
of the correct methods and processes
to use for checking the air flow and changing the oil.
Once the reading has been taken and entered in the Maintenance report,
a color coded traffic light system aids yet again in the identification of potential issues.
If any oil changes are to be carried out, then a vacuum pump is used to remove the oil,
saving both time and the inconvenience of waiting for the oil to drain.
If the oil reading is at a critical level then we recommend further investigations
such as a more detailed analysis as this may indicate
that the gearbox is badly worn and close to failure.
After the inspection is complete then any critical indications are suitably shown in orange and red
on the inspection document and brought to your attention
where a follow up action plan can be discussed and agreed.
Following the ABB recommended maintenance procedures ensures that any work undertaken
not only provides you with the peace of mind
that your robot will continue to operate at its performance level,
but also ensures that your warranty status where applicable is maintained,
further minimizing any potential future costs for spare parts and repair.
With a service agreement from ABB, unplanned stops are reduced to a minimum,
and when they do happen, ABB can deliver a response within minutes,
via our embedded Remote Services solution.
At ABB Robotics customer service,
we want to provide you with the care and attention your robot system needs,
from the moment it is installed to the end of its service life.
When it comes to supporting your robot we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach,
instead our service philosophy is built around flexibility and freedom of choice,
where we strive to move from just being a supplier of products and services to being a partner.
We work with customers to create a comprehensive lifetime service and support strategy
utilizing services from our complete portfolio.