ABB IRB 6660 Review: Specs, Uses, Pros & Cons
ABB IRB 6660 review: Family scope — Press tending and machining variants. Configurations — Two long-reach press versions plus machining version described. This review examines the documented configuration, engineering tradeoffs and practical buying questions for this product.
Quick Verdict
A specialist family that bridges heavy press tending and demanding machining-related motion. The important buying distinction is which version is being supplied, because reach and stiffness priorities differ between these tasks.
Technical Specifications
Technical field | Documented configuration / buying implication |
|---|---|
Family scope | Press tending and machining variants |
Configurations | Two long-reach press versions plus machining version described |
Mechanical design | Parallel-arm arrangement with stiffness emphasis |
Processes | Press transfer, milling, deburring and grinding |
Environment | Foundry Plus 2 package described |
Final selection | Variant-specific forces, loads and reach required |
Price | Request a configuration-specific quotation |
Design and Engineering Assessment
Parallel-arm mechanics and reinforced bearing and drive arrangements support the stiffness emphasis in the machining version. They do not make robot milling identical to a dedicated machine tool: cutter forces, tool orientation, chatter and fixture rigidity still set practical limits. Long-reach press variants instead prioritize access and transfer timing. A single family review should keep these branches separate. Foundry Plus 2 and cable protection are relevant to harsh work, but process debris and service access still need a cell-level plan.
Applications and Best-Fit Projects
Consider press-transfer applications and selected casting finishing or machining tasks where a qualified robot process can meet the part tolerance.
Process architecture and mechanical selection
Begin with the process, then select a robot. Payload, reach and axis count must be evaluated together with tool moments, inertia and the required approach direction. Include cable dress, fixtures and auxiliary axes in the simulation. Portfolio maxima are especially easy to misuse: the largest payload, longest reach and finest repeatability may belong to three different configurations. Require one exact model specification for the final design.
Controls and responsibility boundaries
Specify whether the supply includes an arm, controller, process package or complete accepted cell. Allocate responsibility for PLC interfaces, tooling, machine interlocks, programming, cycle qualification and operator training. These boundaries determine both installed cost and fault-resolution time. For an older controller generation, confirm supported software, spare parts and replacement procedures before evaluating a low purchase price.
Acceptance and lifecycle performance
Measure good output over representative operation, including changeover, process checks and recovery. Maximum motion speed does not establish production throughput. Check maintenance access and the effect of service on calibration. A robust comparison uses the same load, tooling, process quality target and support horizon for every candidate, rather than mixing robot-only quotations with complete cell proposals.
Price, Value and What the Quote Should Include
Request a quotation for the exact configuration described in the technical table. Separate the base equipment from tooling, software options, installation, commissioning, training and ongoing service. Ask the supplier to identify the delivered revision and acceptance obligations in writing. A low hardware price is not a saving if the project requires unbudgeted integration or unsupported accessories.
For the value assessment, compare the present workflow with a realistic proposed cycle. Include the time people still spend loading, replenishing, checking quality and recovering faults. Estimate savings only from changes the proposed system can actually deliver. Keep maintenance, changeover and support availability in the calculation, and use a representative pilot to replace optimistic assumptions with measured results.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
• Task-specific heavy-duty versions
• Stiffness-focused machining design
• Protected process configurations
Limits to Account For
• Machining accuracy needs cutting trials
• Press and machining variants differ
Commissioning and Acceptance Checklist
For machining, cut representative material and measure geometry, chatter and tool life. For press tending, validate transfer timing and machine interlocks.
Write the required result, test conditions and pass/fail threshold before running acceptance. Include the least favorable normal load or part, a representative shift or operating sequence and the recovery cases that occur in the real workflow. Keep a record of the supplied hardware, software and settings so future maintenance can restore the same validated behavior.
Who Should Consider It
Consider press-transfer applications and selected casting finishing or machining tasks where a qualified robot process can meet the part tolerance. A specialist family that bridges heavy press tending and demanding machining-related motion. The important buying distinction is which version is being supplied, because reach and stiffness priorities differ between these tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABB IRB 6660 best suited to?
Consider press-transfer applications and selected casting finishing or machining tasks where a qualified robot process can meet the part tolerance.
Which technical specifications matter most for ABB IRB 6660?
The documented starting points are Family scope: Press tending and machining variants; Configurations: Two long-reach press versions plus machining version described; Mechanical design: Parallel-arm arrangement with stiffness emphasis. Match those values to one supplied configuration; do not combine family endpoints or assume an optional package is included.
How should ABB IRB 6660 be integrated into a real workflow?
Begin with the process, then select a robot. Define the task boundaries, handoff signals and exception states before commissioning. Verify them with the actual tooling, carriers, fixtures or site data rather than a simplified demonstration.
What are the main limitations of ABB IRB 6660?
The main constraints are machining accuracy needs cutting trials; press and machining variants differ. Parallel-arm mechanics and reinforced bearing and drive arrangements support the stiffness emphasis in the machining version. Compare the complete installed solution against the process requirement rather than relying on a single headline figure.
What does ABB IRB 6660 cost?
Request a configuration-specific quotation. A verified fixed public price for the complete package is not established here. The proposal should identify included hardware, required software, integration, training, service and any recurring charges so competing quotations cover the same scope.
Can ABB IRB 6660 operate without human involvement?
Do not infer unattended reliability from a successful demonstration. Define which task steps are automated, which still require operators and how the system reacts to missing inputs, obstruction or process faults. Release only the validated operating envelope.
What should be tested before accepting ABB IRB 6660?
For machining, cut representative material and measure geometry, chatter and tool life. For press tending, validate transfer timing and machine interlocks. Record measurable acceptance criteria and retain the results for the delivered configuration.
How should buyers compare ABB IRB 6660 with alternatives?
Use the same task, quality target, operating conditions and support horizon for each proposal. The important buying distinction is which version is being supplied, because reach and stiffness priorities differ between these tasks. Compare total installed and operating cost, including recovery effort and changeover, rather than robot-only price.
Specifications and included options depend on the ordered model and revision. Confirm the final configuration, commercial terms and local support with the supplier.
