Global Robots supplies refurbished robotic painting systems from ABB, FANUC and KUKA, tested and inspected for the specific wear that paint application causes. Painting robots operate in conditions that most other industrial robots never see: solvent fumes, fine overspray, and continuous exposure to paint and cleaning fluids. A refurbished unit is only worth buying if that exposure has actually been checked, not just the arm and controller in general terms.
What makes a robot suited to painting applications
A robot built for spray painting has to handle more than reach and repeatability. Most industrial painting robots are rated for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, since solvent-based paints produce flammable vapour. In the UK, this is governed by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) and the ATEX Directives, which set out the requirements for equipment used where an explosive atmosphere may form. A painting robot without the correct explosion-proof rating for its intended environment is not a safe substitute, regardless of how well the mechanics have been refurbished.
Beyond the explosion-proof housing, painting robots typically use electrostatic isolation to charge the paint as it leaves the applicator, improving transfer efficiency and reducing overspray. Many models also route paint and solvent hoses internally through a hollow wrist, which keeps lines away from the working environment and reduces the risk of contamination or snagging. Colour changers, mounted on or near the arm, allow rapid switching between paint types without a full purge cycle.
ABB Painting Robots
ABB’s painting range, including the IRB 5500 series, is built for large-surface work such as automotive body panels and doors, with curved-path control for consistent coverage on complex geometry. ABB robots in this category are common in automotive and general manufacturing lines.
FANUC Painting Robots
FANUC’s P-series painting robots use a hollow upper arm and wrist to route paint and air lines internally, reducing exposure to fouling and easing maintenance access. FANUC painting robots are widely used for bumper and body-in-white finishing.
KUKA Painting Robots
KUKA’s explosion-proof painting robots, such as the KR AGILUS and KR CYBERTECH ranges adapted for paint environments, are designed for both water-soluble and solvent-based application. KUKA systems are often specified where flexibility between paint types matters most.
Refurbishment: what gets checked on a painting robot
Paint and solvent exposure ages certain components faster than dry industrial applications do. A proper refurbishment for a painting robot needs to account for this directly, rather than treating it as a standard mechanical service.
Seals and hose lines are the first point of failure. Paint and cleaning solvents degrade rubber and polymer seals over time, so these are inspected and replaced where wear is found, not left until they fail in service. Colour changers are stripped and tested to confirm each valve switches cleanly, since a sticking valve causes cross-contamination between colours. Static bonding and earthing continuity are checked to confirm the explosion-proof rating still holds after use and any part replacement, since this is a safety function, not just a performance one. Controllers and software are updated for compatibility with current automation systems.
A refurbished robot that has been through this process will perform very close to its original specification. It won’t be identical to a new unit. Older mechanical components and prior wear patterns mean a like-for-like match to factory spec isn’t realistic. What it does give you is dependable performance at a fraction of new-equipment cost, backed by inspection of the parts that actually wear in this application.
Why choose Global Robots for a robotic painting system
Global Robots has refurbished industrial robots since 2002, with more than 1,200 units in stock at any time from ABB, FANUC and KUKA. That scale means we can usually match a specific model or application need rather than offering whatever happens to be available.
- Paint-specific inspection, not a generic mechanical service, covering seals, colour changers, and explosion-proof integrity.
- UK-based support with worldwide reach, shipping to customers in multiple countries.
- Consultation through to aftersales, so you get help specifying the right robot before purchase and support once it’s running.
Frequently asked questions
Is a refurbished painting robot as reliable as a new one?
A properly refurbished painting robot will perform very close to its original specification, but it won’t be identical to a new unit. Older components and prior wear mean some variation is normal. What matters is whether the paint-specific parts, such as seals, colour changer, and static bonding, have actually been checked and replaced where needed.
What warranty comes with a refurbished painting robot?
Refurbished robots from Global Robots come with a standard 90-day parts-only warranty, with a 12-month extended warranty available at extra cost. Full terms are on our warranty page.
Can a refurbished robot be used with solvent-based and water-based paints?
Most refurbished painting robots can handle both, provided the seals, paint lines, and colour changer are rated and tested for the specific paint type you plan to use. This is confirmed as part of the refurbishment inspection rather than assumed from the original spec sheet.
How long does it take to get a refurbished painting robot operational?
This depends on the model and any customisation needed for your line, but refurbished stock is generally available faster than ordering new equipment, since the robot has already been through inspection and testing rather than built to order.
Why choose Global Robots for a robotic painting system
If you’re specifying a robotic painting system and want to talk through which model suits your application, browse our current stock or get in touch with our team for advice.