What Happens When an ABB Robot Part Is Discontinued?

Industrial robots are built to last. In many factories, it’s not unusual to see ABB robots operating reliably for 15 or even 20 years.

But over time, one challenge inevitably appears: spare parts become discontinued.

For maintenance engineers and automation teams, this raises a critical question — what happens when a key robot component is no longer produced?

The good news is that a discontinued part does not mean the robot has reached the end of its life. In most cases, there are still practical ways to keep the system running.

Why ABB robot parts become discontinued

Like any technology manufacturer, ABB continuously updates its hardware platforms. Older electronics may be phased out due to component supply changes, design improvements, or controller upgrades.

For example, many controller boards in the DSQC series have gone through multiple hardware revisions. A board like DSQC679–001 may later be replaced by DSQC679–002, offering the same functionality with updated components.

Similarly, many controller modules use the 3HAC numbering system. These parts often remain compatible across revisions even if earlier versions are no longer produced.

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Common examples of legacy ABB components

Some parts that frequently appear in maintenance requests include:

• Controller boards in the DSQC series • Power supply modules using 3HAC part numbers • Teach pendant components such as LCD displays and keypads • Robot controller communication boards

While original production may stop, many of these parts remain available through refurbished inventory or compatible revisions.

Replacement options for discontinued robot parts

In practice, maintenance teams typically rely on three main strategies:

1. Compatible hardware revisions A newer revision of the same part number may be fully compatible with the older version.
2. Refurbished industrial components Professionally tested refurbished parts are widely used in robotics maintenance and often provide reliable long-term operation.
3. Component-level repairs In many cases, only part of an assembly needs replacement. For example, a teach pendant LCD screen or membrane keypad can often be replaced without replacing the entire pendant.

Keeping legacy robots running

Industrial robots are long-term assets. Even when individual components become discontinued, most systems can continue operating for many years with the right maintenance strategy.

Understanding how part numbers evolve — and knowing where to find compatible replacements — is an important part of keeping legacy robots productive.

Discontinued parts are simply a normal stage in the lifecycle of industrial automation equipment.

With the right knowledge and spare parts strategy, even older robots can continue supporting modern production lines.