Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

ABB IRB 6640 vs Kawasaki BX200L

A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.

ABB2 of 5 categories
ABB IRB 6640

Heavy-payload foundry-proven material handler

Kawasaki2 of 5 categories
Kawasaki BX200L

Heavy arm dedicated to resistance spot welding

Specification duel

Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.

235 kg
Payload
200 kg
2,550 mm
Reach
2,597 mm
±0.05 mm
Repeatability
±0.06 mm
6
Axes
6
1,310 kg
Robot mass
890 kg
2007
Introducedreference
2011

The verdict

The ABB IRB 6640 is a 6-axis industrial arm and the Kawasaki BX200L is a spot welding arm, so this comes down to which job you are building the cell around rather than a spec-for-spec race. They run different controllers, the ABB IRB 6640 on the IRC5 and the Kawasaki BX200L on the F02, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Both are aimed at material handling, with the ABB IRB 6640 stretching to machine tending and palletizing and the Kawasaki BX200L to spot welding.

ABB IRB 6640
  • Proven in foundry and press-tending duty
  • High payload with foundry-sealed options
  • Rigid structure holds accuracy under load
  • Long service life in continuous operation
Kawasaki BX200L
  • High payload for carrying weld gun and transformer
  • Consistent tip accuracy across long duty cycles
  • Proven in automotive body shop lines
  • Ceiling mount option for line density

Common questions

Which has more payload, the ABB IRB 6640 or the Kawasaki BX200L?
The ABB IRB 6640 has more payload at 235 kg versus 200 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The Kawasaki BX200L has more reach at 2597 mm versus 2550 mm.
Which is more precise?
The ABB IRB 6640 holds tighter repeatability at ±0.05 mm.
Should I choose the ABB IRB 6640 or the Kawasaki BX200L?
Match the pick to the job. The ABB IRB 6640 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 235 kg and 2550 mm. The Kawasaki BX200L is a spot welding arm at 200 kg and 2597 mm.