A turnkey welding solution will help boost flexibility and productivity for VinFast’s new electric scooter production line
ABB has supplied VinFast, the first Vietnamese electric automobile maker, with a full welding solutions package for e-scooter frame shops at its manufacturing complex in the northern port city of Hai Phong. Having been inaugurated on November 3rd 2018, VinFast’s first e-scooter production line will benefit from ABB’s technologies in terms of high quality, maximum productivity and fast cycle times.
Established by VinGroup, Vietnam’s largest private firm, VinFast is the first local company to manufacture automobiles using internal combustion engines, electric cars and environment-friendly electric motorbikes. Construction on VinFast’s first-of-its-kind manufacturing complex started in September 2017 with a designed capacity goal of -one million units by 2025. Vietnam is estimated to have 45 million motorbikes nationwide which means one in two citizens own a motorbike.
The demand for superior and consistent quality in arc welding applications has increased, requiring improved wire feeding control near the arc to guarantee high quality welding process. VinFast has a process in place to select partners in order to roll out high-quality, safe and modern products that will have Vietnamese identity and also international standards.
As part of its scope, ABB has supplied VinFast with a complete welding solutions package including ro-bots, positioners, welding power sources and full commissioning service.
“Vehicle manufacturers of all types have to implement innovative production processes to meet consumer demands while making sure they invest in efficient, flexible and cost effective body shops. We believe that ABB’s global domain experience combined with state-of-the-art robotics technologies will help VinFast meet its manufacturing goals today and tomorrow while supporting the country’s transition to sustainable mobility,” said Phu Huynh Phong, Manager of ABB’s Robotics business in Vietnam.
One of the latest robotic technologies from ABB, the IRB 1660ID’s compact, hollow wrist with Integrated DressPack is ideal for applications requiring work in tight spaces such as arc welding. The robot has a stronger, more rigid upper arm able to lift up to 6 kgs to accommodate heavier torches. This, combined with ABB’s superior motion control technology TrueMoveTM and the new motion process “Accuracy mode”, provides 0.05 mm path repeatability for excellent welding results.
All the robots have built-in ABB Ability™ Connected Services, a suite of advanced services which include a machine-learning-based condition monitoring and diagnostics module that can predict and prevent breakdowns before they occur by analyzing behavior anomalies in single robots among fleets of many.
This complete Connected Services suite will help VinFast boost productivity and flexibility of the robots while keeping sight of ABB’s commitment to safety, reliability, cyber security and data privacy.
ABB started its operations in the country in 1993. In the 25 years since, it has grown to be a reliable partner in the field of technology, providing turnkey solutions and services in the market. In addition, ABB facilities manufacture transformers, high voltage components and medium voltage power products for customers across the globe. It employs some 900 employees across Hanoi, BacNinh, Danang and Ho Chi Minh.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com
