ABB IRB6700 Reduction Gear Modules: IRB6700-3HAC044841-003 / 3HAC044841-002

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ABB IRB6700 Series: Comprehensive Reduction Gear Range and Technical Overview

The ABB IRB6700 is a heavy-duty industrial robot platform deployed across global process industries including petrochemical refineries, nuclear fuel handling facilities, automotive body-in-white lines, and offshore steel fabrication plants. With payload ratings from 150 kg to 300 kg and a reach envelope of 2.65 m to 3.20 m, the IRB6700 series occupies the high-payload segment of ABB's sixth-generation robot architecture. The reduction gear assemblies — specifically the axis-1 through axis-6 gearboxes — are precision-rated harmonic drive and RV-type reducers that determine joint repeatability (±0.05 mm) and load-bearing capacity. Sourcing verified replacement reduction gears is critical for minimizing unplanned downtime in continuous-process environments where robot unavailability directly impacts throughput.

The Evolution of IRB6700 Architecture

The IRB6700 was introduced in 2013 as the successor to the IRB6640 and IRB6650 platforms, consolidating multiple payload variants under a unified mechanical architecture. The first-generation IRB6700 units (2013–2016) used IRC5 controller integration with S4C+ backward-compatibility shims. From 2016 onward, ABB standardized the OmniCore-ready wiring harness layout while retaining the same reduction gear mounting interfaces, meaning 3HAC044841-series gearboxes are cross-compatible across production years. The IRB6700 entered its mature lifecycle phase circa 2021; ABB continues to manufacture spare parts but new robot sales have progressively shifted toward the IRB6700e (extended reach) and IRB7600 platforms. For installed-base operators, this means reduction gear availability is now primarily a spare-parts procurement exercise rather than a new-build specification decision. Long-term maintenance contracts and safety-stock strategies are the dominant procurement patterns for this series.

IRB6700 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified components within the ABB IRB6700 mechanical and drive ecosystem. Each entry reflects a distinct functional role within the robot's joint or drive architecture.

3HAC044841-003: Axis-1 reduction gear unit, IRB6700-205/2.65 and IRB6700-235/2.65 variants
3HAC044841-002: Axis-1 reduction gear unit, IRB6700-150/3.20 and IRB6700-175/3.20 variants
3HAC044841-001: Axis-1 reduction gear unit, early-production IRB6700-200/2.60 baseline
3HAC057546-001: Axis-2 reduction gear assembly, all IRB6700 payload variants
3HAC057547-001: Axis-3 reduction gear assembly, all IRB6700 payload variants
3HAC026510-001: Axis-4 gearbox unit, wrist assembly input stage
3HAC026511-001: Axis-5 gearbox unit, wrist assembly mid stage
3HAC026512-001: Axis-6 gearbox unit, wrist assembly output flange stage
3HAC044249-001: Motor-to-gearbox coupling, axis-1, splined interface
3HAC044250-001: Motor-to-gearbox coupling, axis-2/3, keyed interface
3HAC031683-001: Axis-1 drive motor, 3-phase AC servo, 11 kW rated
3HAC031684-001: Axis-2 drive motor, 3-phase AC servo, 7.5 kW rated
3HAC031685-001: Axis-3 drive motor, 3-phase AC servo, 5.5 kW rated
3HAC031686-001: Axis-4 drive motor, 3-phase AC servo, 2.2 kW rated
3HAC031687-001: Axis-5/6 drive motor, 3-phase AC servo, 1.5 kW rated
3HAC044841-VR3: Axis-1 reduction gear, IRB6700VR3 (cleanroom variant), IP67-rated sealed housing
3HAC057548-001: Axis-2/3 shared gearbox bracket, structural interface plate
3HAC044843-001: Gearbox oil seal kit, axis-1, NBR compound, operating range −20°C to +80°C
3HAC044844-001: Gearbox oil seal kit, axis-2 through axis-6, FKM compound

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete IRB6700 Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for ABB IRB6700 mechanical components, with particular focus on reduction gear assemblies that have extended lead times through standard distribution channels. For 3HAC044841-series gearboxes, DriveKNMS sources from decommissioned robot lines, certified refurbishment programs, and authorized surplus channels. All units are cataloged by production date code and axis designation. For operators running IRB6700 fleets beyond the standard 12-year service horizon, DriveKNMS offers consignment stock agreements and scheduled delivery programs to eliminate single-event procurement risk. Obsolete variants including early 3HAC044841-001 units are held in climate-controlled storage and dispatched with full traceability documentation.

Quality Control for the IRB6700 Range

Reduction gear assemblies for the IRB6700 series undergo a structured verification protocol at DriveKNMS prior to dispatch. Each unit is inspected for backlash within ABB-specified tolerance bands (axis-1: ≤0.02°, axis-2/3: ≤0.03°). Oil seal integrity is pressure-tested at 0.5 bar for 30 minutes. Gear mesh contact patterns are verified using blue-compound impression testing. For VR3 cleanroom-variant gearboxes, housing integrity is confirmed via IP67 immersion testing. All units are shipped with a test report, production date code record, and packaging conforming to ABB's original anti-static and vibration-damping specifications. Functional run-in testing on a matched IRB6700 test rig is available on request for axis-1 units.