Robot Arm Cleaning and Inspection

Description

As part of regular maintenance the robot arm can be cleaned, in accordance with the recommendations in this manual and local requirements.

 
Cleaning Methods

To address the dust, dirt, or oil on the robot arm and/or Teach Pendant, simply use a cloth alongside one of the cleaning agents provided below.

 

Surface Preparation: Before applying the below solutions, surfaces may need to be prepared by removing any loose dirt or debris.

 

Cleaning agents:

  • Water

  • 70% Isopropyl alcohol

  • 10% Ethanol alcohol

  • 10% Naphtha (Use to remove grease.)

Application: The solution is typically applied to the surface that needs cleaning using a spray bottle, brush, sponge, or cloth. It can be applied directly or diluted further depending on the level of contamination and the type of surface being cleaned.

Agitation: For stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, the solution may be agitated using a brush, scrubber, or other mechanical means to help loosen the contaminants.

Dwell Time: If necessary, the solution is allowed to dwell on the surface for a up to 5 minutes to penetrate and dissolve the contaminants effectively.

Rinsing: After the dwell time, the surface is typically rinsed thoroughly with water to remove the dissolved contaminants and any remaining cleaning agent residue. It's essential to ensure thorough rinsing to prevent any residue from causing damage or posing a safety hazard.

Drying: Finally, the cleaned surface may be left to air dry or dried using towels.

DO NOT USE BLEACH in any diluted cleaning solution.

Grease is an irritant and can cause an allergic reaction. Contact, inhalation or ingestion can cause illness or injury. To prevent illness or injury, adhere to the following: 

  • PREPARATION:
    • Ensure that the area is well ventilated.
    • Have no food or beverages around the robot and cleaning agents.
    • Ensure that an eye wash station is nearby.
    • Gather the required PPE (gloves, eye protection)
  • WEAR :
    • Protective gloves: Oil resistant gloves (Nitrile) impermeable and resistant to product.
    • Eye protection is recommended to prevent accidental contact of grease with eyes.
  • DO NOT INGEST.
  • In the event of
    • contact with skin, wash with water and a mild cleaning agent
    • a skin reaction, get medical attention
    • contact with the eyes, use an eyewash station, get medical attention.
    • inhalation of vapors or ingestion of grease, get medical attention
  • After grease work
    • clean contaminated work surfaces.
    • dispose responsibly of any used rags or paper used for cleaning.
  • Contact with children and animals is prohibited.

 

Robot Arm Inspection Plan

The table below is a checklist of the type of inspections recommended by Universal Robots. Perform inspections regularly as advised in the table. Any referenced parts found to be in an unacceptable state must be rectified or replaced.

Inspection action type

 Timeframe

 

Monthly

Biannually

Annually

1

Check flat rings

V

 

✘

 

2

Check robot cable

V

 

✘

 

3

Check robot cable connection

V

 

✘

 

4

Check Robot Arm mounting bolts *

F

✘

 

 

5

Check Tool mounting bolts *

F

✘

 

 
6 Round Sling F    

✘
Robot Arm Inspection Plan

Using compressed air to clean the robot arm can damage the robot arm components.

  • Never use compressed air to clean the robot arm.
Robot Arm Inspection Plan
  1. Move the Robot Arm to ZERO position, if possible.
  2. Turn off and disconnect the power cable from Control Box.
  3. Inspect the cable between Control Box and Robot Arm for any damage.
  4. Check the base mounting bolts are properly tightened.
  5. Check the tool flange bolts are properly tightened.
  6. Inspect the flat rings for wear and damage.
    • Replace the flat rings if they are worn out or damaged.
If any damage is observed on a robot within the warranty period, contact the distributor where the robot was purchased.

 

 

Inspection
  1. Unmount any tool/s or attachment/s or set the TCP/Payload/CoG according to tool specifications.

  2. To move the robot arm in Freedrive:

    • On a 3PE Teach Pendant, rapidly light-press, release, light-press again and keep holding the 3PE button in this position.
      Power button 3PE button
  3. Pull/Push the robot to a horizontally elongated position and release.

  4. Verify the robot arm can maintain the position without support and without activating Freedrive.