ABB names its robots IRB plus a series number, and across the models we stock, the bigger the number, the bigger the arm. Newer names also carry the rating: an IRB 4600-40/2.55 carries 40 kg with 2.55 m of reach. Below is how the IRB 120, 1200, 1600ID, 2400, 4600 and 7600 compare, using the units we stock.
How to Read an ABB Model Name
On current ABB models, the number after the dash is payload in kilograms and the number after the slash is reach in meters. An IRB 1200-5/0.9 carries 5 kg with 0.9 m of reach. Older names like the IRB 2400/16 and IRB 4400L/10 only show the payload after the slash. You can browse every series we have on our used ABB robots page.
- ID means integrated dress. Hoses and cables run inside the upper arm, which is why you see it on welding arms like the IRB 1600ID.
- L on the IRB 4400L marks the long arm version.
Small Arms: IRB 120 and IRB 1200
The IRB 120 is the smallest arm we carry from ABB. It sits on a bench or in a small cell and handles light robot assembly, small part sorting and parts transfer robots work. Ours run on IRC5.
The IRB 1200 is the next step up. Our IRB 1200 data sheet lists 5 kg payload and 901 mm of reach for the 5/0.9 version. That extra reach suits loading small machines. Paired with a camera, it can also handle robotic vision pick jobs.
Mid Size: IRB 1600ID and IRB 2400
The IRB 1600ID is built for welding. The IRB 1600ID 4/1.5 data sheet shows 4 kg payload and 1,500 mm of reach. Four kilograms sounds light, but a MIG torch does not weigh much, and the dress running through the arm means less hose whipping around the fixture. Our robot cable management post explains why that matters for uptime. The unit we have is a dual arm MIG welding robots setup.
The IRB 2400/16 is an older arm rated for 16 kg. It shows up in both handling and welding. Ours is a 2007 MIG cell on IRC5. If you are building a cell around one, a robotic weld positioner and the rest of our used welding equipment can fill in around it.
Large Arms: IRB 4400 and IRB 4600
The IRB 4400L/10 is the long arm IRB 4400 rated for 10 kg. Ours are 2002 units on the older S4C controller, set up for arc welding robots work.
The IRB 4600 is the arm we stock the most of from ABB. The IRB 4600-40/2.55 data sheet lists 40 kg payload and 2,550 mm of reach. That is a useful middle: enough payload for a double gripper and enough reach to load bigger machines. It fits machine tending robots, general material handling and robotic material removal with a spindle on the end. If you change parts often, look at robotic quick change tooling so one arm can run several grippers.
Heavy Payload: IRB 7600
The IRB 7600 500/2.55 is rated for 500 kg with 2.55 m of reach. This is the arm for heavy loads: big cases and bundles on palletizing robots cells, large stampings in press tending, castings and big assemblies. A robot that size needs a solid floor and a proper base, so check your foundation before it shows up. Ours is a 2016 unit on IRC5.
What Stays the Same Across the Line
Almost all of our ABB stock runs on the IRC5 controller, from the IRB 120 up to the IRB 7600. A plant that already knows IRC5 can run a small arm and a large one with the same pendant and the same RAPID programming. Only the IRB 4400 units here are on S4C. For PLC hookup, see our post on robot I/O. For cables and spares, check our used robot parts.
ABB Stock by Series
Stock turns over. Click through to see what is here today.
- ABB IRB 120: small six axis arm, IRC5
- ABB IRB 1200-5/0.9: 5 kg payload, 901 mm reach
- ABB IRB 1600ID 4/1.5: 4 kg payload, 1,500 mm reach
- ABB IRB 2400/16 welding cell: 16 kg payload
- ABB IRB 4400L/10: 10 kg payload, S4C
- ABB IRB 4600-40/2.55: 40 kg payload, 2,550 mm reach
- Additional IRB 4600-40/2.55 units: 40 kg payload, 2,550 mm reach
- ABB IRB 7600 500/2.55: 500 kg payload, 2,550 mm reach
Related Guides
Have ABB Robots to Sell?
We buy single robots, full cells and whole plants. Send us the details through our sell your ABB robots page, or ask about our equipment appraisal services. Buying instead? Our robot financing page has the options.
For questions on any series, call 586-752-0090, extension 1 for sales, or contact RAB Industries.