How is ABB Revolutionising Automotive Sustainability?

ABB has introduced its latest innovation, the RB 1000i-S paint atomiser, designed to bring greater efficiency and sustainability to automotive manufacturing. 

The advanced tool has the potential to increase transfer efficiency by over 10% and reduce paint waste by at least 30%, aiming to support the industry’s push towards greener manufacturing processes.

The reduced waste also leads to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to more eco-friendly production. These improvements not only align with environmental goals but also promise considerable financial savings, making it a significant addition to ABB’s portfolio of solutions.

How does the RB 1000i-S reduce waste? 

The RB 1000i-S builds upon its predecessor, the RB 1000i, by offering enhanced paint transfer efficiency.

This increase in efficiency ensures that less paint is wasted during the application process, which directly leads to a decrease in CO2 emissions.

According to ABB, the RB 1000i-S can reduce paint waste by a minimum of 30%, a major improvement for companies focused on reducing their environmental footprint. In an automotive paint shop, where even a slight improvement in paint transfer can lead to significant savings, this new atomiser helps manufacturers make strides in sustainability.

For example, in a factory producing 200,000 cars annually, a manufacturer typically uses 2.5 litres of paint per vehicle. By implementing the RB 1000i-S, the factory could save up to 50,000 litres of paint each year.

This level of reduction translates to financial savings of up to US$500,000 per factory, demonstrating that greener processes can also be more profitable.

Supporting a circular economy

ABB has also ensured that the RB 1000i-S contributes to a circular economy. This is achieved by offering a service kit that allows manufacturers to upgrade their existing RB 1000i models rather than replacing them entirely.

Key components such as the bell cup and shaping air nozzle can be swapped out for new, more efficient parts, extending the lifespan of the equipment and minimising waste.

This approach reflects ABB’s broader strategy of developing products that last longer and have a smaller environmental impact. By offering upgrades instead of replacements, the company helps manufacturers avoid unnecessary costs and resources associated with buying entirely new equipment.

The durability and longevity of these products align with the industry's goals of moving towards more sustainable and resource-efficient practices.

ABB’s President of Robotics Division, Marc Segura, has highlighted the importance of such innovations in the push for more sustainable manufacturing.

“Major automotive manufacturers have committed to carbon neutral factories by 2035, leaving no stone unturned in their mission to achieve these targets,” he states.

He also points out that ABB is continuously developing products that help companies meet their sustainability goals, with the RB 1000i-S being just one of many solutions aimed at tackling the challenges ahead.

The future of sustainable manufacturing

ABB is not just focusing on paint atomisers in its mission to improve efficiency and sustainability.

The company’s broader range of robotics solutions, such as the Energy Efficiency Service and OmniCore controller, aim to help manufacturers optimise their processes and reduce energy consumption.

The Energy Efficiency Service, for instance, provides consultation and tools designed to save up to 30% of a robot’s energy use.

ABB’s OmniCore controller further supports energy efficiency by regenerating power back into the grid, reducing energy usage by up to 20% during heavy-duty cycles.

Another key offering is the RobotStudio Automatic Path Planning system, which improves motion duration and cuts down energy consumption by as much as 30%. These solutions showcase ABB’s dedication to helping manufacturers across various sectors, from automotive to electronics, adopt more sustainable practices.

As a leader in robotics and automation, ABB continues to innovate with a focus on sustainability. Their commitment to resource efficiency and waste reduction is evident not just in the RB 1000i-S, but across their entire product portfolio.

The company aims to help manufacturers navigate the challenges of transitioning to more environmentally friendly production methods while maintaining profitability.

With nearly 105,000 employees globally and over 130 years of experience in technology and industrial transformation, ABB is well-positioned to drive the next wave of innovation. Their efforts are helping industries prepare for a future where sustainability is no longer optional but a key business requirement.

The RB 1000i-S is just one step in the company’s long-term vision of helping manufacturers meet their environmental commitments without sacrificing efficiency or profitability.

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