ABB IRB 940 Tricept Review: Specs, Price and Applications of the Parallel-Kinematic Machining Robot
Updated: 2 days ago
The ABB IRB 940 Tricept is a parallel-kinematic robot with 0.02 mm repeatability, listed from USD 100,000. This review covers its full specifications, design, programming options, applications and price, so you can decide whether it fits your automation project.
Quick Verdict
The IRB 940 Tricept is a parallel-kinematic robot in which three linear actuators arranged around a central tube carry a three-axis wrist, giving six axes in total. It reaches a repeatability of 0.02 mm and delivers machining forces of up to 1300 kg vertically and 350 kg horizontally. It was developed for cleaning and pre-machining aluminium castings, and is no longer part of the current ABB product range. It is listed from USD 100,000.
ABB IRB 940 Tricept at a Glance
Axes: 6
Repeatability: 0.02 mm
Controller: ABB S4Cplus
Price: from USD 100,000
Status: no longer part of the current ABB product range
ABB IRB 940 Tricept Technical Specifications
The table below lists the published specifications of the ABB IRB 940 Tricept.
Specification | ABB IRB 940 Tricept |
Manufacturer | ABB Robotics |
Model | IRB 940 Tricept |
Robot type | Parallel-kinematic robot |
Axes | 6 |
Repeatability | 0.02 mm |
Controller | ABB S4Cplus |
Starting price | From USD 100,000 |
Detailed Technical Data
Parallel-kinematic robot
3 linear actuators around a central tube plus 3-axis wrist (6 axes)
Repeatability 0.02 mm
Machining force 1300 kg vertical, 350 kg horizontal
Acceleration about 1 g
Controller S4Cplus
Design and Build Quality
The parallel structure makes the Tricept much stiffer than a conventional articulated arm, which is why it can apply machining forces while holding 0.02 mm repeatability. Acceleration is about 1 g, and the robot runs on the ABB S4Cplus controller.
Programming and Software
Controller
The IRB 940 Tricept runs on the ABB S4Cplus controller. S4Cplus is an earlier generation of ABB robot controller.
RAPID Programming
Programs are written in ABB's RAPID language.
ABB IRB 940 Tricept Applications and Use Cases
Typical applications for the IRB 940 Tricept are cleaning of aluminium castings and pre-machining of aluminium castings.
Cleaning Aluminium Castings
The robot removes flash, gates and risers from castings such as automotive sub-frames and structural parts.
Pre-Machining
High stiffness lets the Tricept mill and drill castings before final machining.
High-Force Processes
Vertical forces of up to 1300 kg suit processes that would deflect a standard six-axis arm.
ABB IRB 940 Tricept Price and Value
The ABB IRB 940 Tricept is listed from USD 100,000 on All Things Cobots. The controller configuration, end effectors, safety equipment and integration affect the final price and are quoted separately. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very high stiffness from the parallel-kinematic design
0.02 mm repeatability
Machining forces up to 1300 kg vertical and 350 kg horizontal
Acceleration of about 1 g
Cons
No longer part of the current ABB product range
Runs on the earlier S4Cplus controller
Specialised machine with a limited working envelope
Who Should Buy the ABB IRB 940 Tricept?
The IRB 940 Tricept is of interest to foundries and machining specialists maintaining or sourcing existing installations. For a new project, ask ABB for a current alternative.
See the full ABB IRB 940 Tricept product listing on All Things Cobots.
ABB IRB 940 Tricept FAQ
How much does the ABB IRB 940 Tricept cost?
The ABB IRB 940 Tricept is listed from USD 100,000 on All Things Cobots. The price is indicative and may change, and it does not include end effectors, safety equipment or integration.
How accurate is the ABB IRB 940 Tricept?
Its published repeatability is 0.02 mm.
How many axes does the ABB IRB 940 Tricept have?
The IRB 940 Tricept has 6 axes.
Which controller does the ABB IRB 940 Tricept use?
It runs on the ABB S4Cplus controller and is programmed in ABB's RAPID language.
Is the ABB IRB 940 Tricept still in production?
No. The IRB 940 Tricept is no longer part of the current ABB product range.
What is the ABB IRB 940 Tricept used for?
Typical applications are cleaning of aluminium castings and pre-machining of aluminium castings.
Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer and distributor information. Prices are indicative, are not final and may change.
