ABB IRB 6700 Modules: 3HAC043457-003 / 3HAC055441-004 / 3HAC043456-004

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB IRB 6700 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The ABB IRB 6700 is a heavy-duty industrial robot series engineered for high-payload, high-precision applications across global heavy industry sectors. Deployed extensively in automotive body-in-white assembly lines, chemical processing facilities, nuclear decommissioning operations, and petroleum refinery environments, the IRB 6700 platform represents ABB Robotics' flagship sixth-generation articulated arm architecture. With payload capacities ranging from 150 kg to 300 kg and reach envelopes from 2.6 m to 3.2 m, the series is the reference standard for large-scale robotic automation in facilities operated by BASF, Shell, ExxonMobil, and comparable tier-1 industrial operators. The modular mechanical and electrical architecture of the IRB 6700 enables field-level component replacement without full arm removal, a critical operational requirement in continuous-process industries where downtime costs exceed $10,000 USD per hour.

The Evolution of IRB 6700 Architecture

The IRB 6700 was introduced in 2013 as the direct successor to the IRB 6640 and IRB 6650S platforms, consolidating multiple payload-class variants under a unified mechanical frame and controller interface. The series is governed by the ABB IRC5 controller ecosystem, using the RAPID programming language and the FlexPendant operator interface. Early production units (2013–2016) utilized the first-generation wrist assembly documented under part reference 3HAC043456-004, which established the baseline for axis 4–6 torque transmission in the 200 kg payload class.

Between 2016 and 2019, ABB released revised harness and cable management assemblies, including the updated upper arm cable harness 3HAC055441-004, addressing field-reported wear patterns at the axis 3 cable exit point under high-cycle-rate conditions. The balancing device assembly 3HAC043457-003 was introduced as a production-standard component across the 150 kg to 235 kg payload variants, replacing earlier spring-cylinder configurations with a nitrogen-charged counterbalance unit offering extended service intervals. As of 2024, the IRB 6700 series is in the mature phase of its product lifecycle. ABB continues to supply spare parts and provide RobotWare compatibility updates, but the platform has been supplemented by the IRB 6710, IRB 6720, and IRB 6730 series for new installations. Operators maintaining existing IRB 6700 fleets require reliable access to legacy mechanical assemblies, harness kits, and balancing components to sustain production continuity.

IRB 6700 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Balancing & Structural Assemblies

• 3HAC043457-003: Balancing device assembly, axis 1–2, nitrogen-charged, 200 kg payload class
• 3HAC043456-004: Wrist unit assembly, axes 4–6, 200 kg variant, cast aluminum housing
• 3HAC026253-001: Balancing device, lower arm, IRB 6700-175/3.05 and 200/2.60 variants
• 3HAC044168-001: Lower arm assembly, complete, IRB 6700-235/2.65
• 3HAC044169-001: Upper arm housing, IRB 6700-150/3.20 and 175/3.05
• 3HAC057546-001: Frame and base casting assembly, IRB 6700 standard footprint

Cable Harness & Electrical Routing

• 3HAC055441-004: Upper arm cable harness, axes 4–6, revised routing, high-flex rated
• 3HAC044512-001: Lower arm cable harness, axes 1–3, IRC5 controller interface
• 3HAC057882-001: Axis 1 motor cable assembly, 2.6 m reach variants
• 3HAC058234-001: Axis 3 cable exit bracket and strain relief kit
• 3HAC060012-001: Dress pack, external cable management, IRB 6700 Foundry Prime variant

Drive & Motor Components

• 3HAC053321-001: Axis 1 drive motor, 7.5 kW, with resolver feedback
• 3HAC053322-001: Axis 2 drive motor, 7.5 kW, flange-mount
• 3HAC053323-001: Axis 3 drive motor, 4.5 kW, with integrated brake
• 3HAC053324-001: Axis 4 drive motor, 2.2 kW, wrist unit
• 3HAC053325-001: Axis 5 drive motor, 2.2 kW, wrist unit
• 3HAC053326-001: Axis 6 drive motor, 1.5 kW, tool flange interface

Gearbox & Transmission

• 3HAC044075-001: Axis 1 gearbox, Nabtesco RV series, 235 kg payload rating
• 3HAC044076-001: Axis 2 gearbox, Nabtesco RV series, standard configuration
• 3HAC044077-001: Axis 3 gearbox, Nabtesco RV series, upper arm mount

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IRB 6700 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for IRB 6700 mechanical and electrical assemblies, with particular focus on components that have transitioned to limited-availability or end-of-production status through ABB's standard supply chain. The balancing device assembly (3HAC043457-003), wrist unit (3HAC043456-004), and upper arm harness (3HAC055441-004) are among the highest-demand legacy components for facilities operating IRB 6700 units installed between 2013 and 2020.

DriveKNMS sources these assemblies through certified secondary-market channels, including decommissioned robot buybacks, authorized distributor overstock, and direct factory surplus. All units are cataloged by production date code and firmware compatibility level prior to listing. For operators requiring long-term maintenance agreements or scheduled spare parts provisioning across multi-robot installations, DriveKNMS provides volume quotation and consignment stocking arrangements. Inquiries for bill-of-materials (BOM) matching against existing maintenance schedules are accepted via email.

Quality Control for the IRB 6700 Range

Each IRB 6700 mechanical assembly processed by DriveKNMS undergoes a structured inspection protocol calibrated to the specific failure modes documented for this platform. Balancing device assemblies (3HAC043457-003 and related variants) are pressure-tested for nitrogen charge integrity and inspected for cylinder bore wear using calibrated bore gauges. Wrist unit assemblies (3HAC043456-004) are evaluated for backlash within ABB-specified tolerances using a rotary encoder test fixture, with axis 4, 5, and 6 independently verified.

Cable harness assemblies (3HAC055441-004 and related) are subjected to continuity testing across all conductors, insulation resistance measurement at 500 V DC, and visual inspection of flex-point sheathing for micro-fracture patterns. Drive motors are bench-tested for resolver signal integrity, brake engagement force, and no-load current draw. All tested components are issued a DriveKNMS inspection record documenting test date, technician ID, measured values, and pass/fail determination against ABB service manual tolerances. Components that do not meet specification are quarantined and not listed for sale.