ABB - IRB 2400 robot with M96 S4 controller, M97, M97A, M98 S4C controller and M2000 S4C+ controller

The ABB IRB 2400 is one of the most flexible robots in the market in terms of the sheer number of applications to which it can be turned. There are over 14,000 installed worldwide.

The M96 version of the 2400 uses the S4 control cabinet and represented quite an advance over the earlier IRB 2400 and IRB 2000 models. The use of sealed motor units with preset resolvers and brake units much simplified the arm and significantly reduced servicing. The M96 version of the 2400 arm has a gas spring to help balance the arm, on later versions this was deleated and instead a bigger axis 2 motor was employed. Hence the earlier versions will need slightly more care to look after the gas spring but otherwise there is little to choose mechanically.

It is modular in construction and as standard the 2400 has 10kg capacity and m reach but there are several types available with capacities up to 16kg and reach up to 1.8m. The S4 controller gives the robot excellent accuracy, specifically the path accuracy. This means the robot moves in a predictable, reliable way and makes programming complex movements straightforward. The S4C controller is a further develpoment of the S4, the "C" stands for compact and indeed this type of controller is substantially smaller and lower than the original S4. Although much of the computer system remained the same some updates were made to both hardware and software, especially on the later M98 S4C.  

The robot arm is both simple and reliable. It should be noted that the arm is also very rugged and is less vulnerable to damage than many of its competitors. The robot is entirely powered by ac servo motors. Life expectancy or MTBF (mean time between failure) is largely dependant on service practises (once a year is normal) but we expect 2400's to last for at least 100,000 hours. Having said this we have seen very good examples with much more than this.

These are the main types of IRB 2400 model, prices can depend on the availability of a certain model, for example the 16kg payload is comparatively rare:

The IRB 2400 arm and controller are both protected to IP54 this means that the robot is well suited to industrial environments. It should also be noted that there are also foundry or foundry plus versions of the above types. The Foundry versions have a special non stick paint finish and increased IP ratings - IP55/IP67 for the foundry and IP67 and washable for the foundry plus.

The S4C controller is well regarded for its stability and reliability and has a very fast boot up time, much faster than many current models giving minimum downtime. Normally supplied with one I/O card giving 16 inputs and 16 outputs it can be fitted with many more if needed. Analogue I/O is also available.The controller can also work as a PLC by controlling and monitoring I/O signals. Up to 3 background programs (for monitoring signals for example) can be run in parallel with the actual robot program and even when the robot program has stopped. Outputs can be set at a specific time or distance before a programmed position and can be executed concurrent to the robot motion. The controller also has built in dual chain (0V and +24V) safety circuits meaning that the robot can be run without the need for extra emergency stop relays etc. Another benefit of the S4C controller over the S3 or S4 is that it is much easier to feed with data, it can easily be used with programs supplied buy our CAD-CAM software system that converts CAD models into robot paths. The S4C also has an ethernet connection option.

The IRB 2400 is employed by the hundred around the world in a multitude of applications including MIG welding, handling, pick and place, machine tending, milling, woodworking, cutting, de-burring, plastics, even NON EX painting and spraying applications. Now available on the used market at very reasonable prices the IRB 2400 is a fantastically useful robot. Our IRB 2400s are supplied complete with the arm, control cabinet (including I/O), cables and teach pendant. We clean, test and repaint them before shipping and if you need manuals we can provide them. Most of the ones we supply will have around 20,000 hours but this can vary - we are more focused on the robot's background and overall condition. 

Foundry Plus IRB 2400 arm (10kg or 16kg)	Inside the he S4C robot controller
Movement diagram for the IRB 2400 arm	An M98 S4C IRB 2400 from our stock
The "High-Top" version of the M2000 S4C+ cabinet	An IRB 2400 M2000 in a MIG welding setup with manipulator
Work envelope and loading for the 2400L model	Work envelope and loading for the 2400/10 or 2400/16 models
Dimensions of the ABB IRB 2400L model	Dimensions of the ABB IRB 2400/10 and 2400/16 models
Dimensions of the mounting faceplate on axis 6 - 2400L	Dimensions of the mounting faceplate on axis 6 -2400/10 & 2400/16
Dimensions for mounting the IRB2400 baseplate	Left to right - an IRB 1400, 2400 and 6400
An IRB2400/10 under test	The coordinate systems used by the IRB2400
The earlier M96 S4 control cabinet	The later S4C M97 or M98 control cabinet

Specification