ABB Robotics – Field Service Delivery

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.