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Revolutionizing robotic polishing! Automated surface treatment solution with pressing force control technology of FerRobotics
07/05/2024
Yuki TanakaMitsubishi Corporation Technos
Generally, when you hear the word "robot hand," most people may think of “conveyance” (pick and place). However, there are manufacturers that offer attachments that can easily perform surface treatments such as polishing and grinding as an automation solution using robots.
In this article, we would like to introduce the robotic equipment of FerRobotics Compliant Robot Technology GmbH, which is dramatically advancing the automation and efficiency of polishing operations.
Uniquely developed ACT technology that automatically compensates pressing force and simplifies grinding and polishing operations
Founded in 2006, FerRobotics is a technology development company based in Linz, Austria. The company develops, manufactures, and sells intuitive and flexible robotic polishing equipment and has sales offices in 13 countries around the world.
The robotic equipment from FerRobotics primarily contributes to the automation of the following processes:
-Polishing
-Grinding
-Deburring
-Taping
-Cutting and Inserting
-Sealing
etc.
▲ Painting repair polishing of an automobile body
【Example of use in automobile painting process】
Among surface treatment operations at many sites, polishing and grinding often rely on the senses of skilled technicians, leading to challenges such as variations in machining quality and technology transfer. The Active Compliant Technology (ACT), developed and patented by the company, automatically adjust the pressing force generated during the operation, enabling machining with a constant pressing force even when the workpiece is warped or has a complex surface profile. This solution enables high-precision and efficient surface treatments without the need for skilled expertise.
▲ Robotic polishing operation using ACT technology
The common features of all FerRobotics products are as follows:
✔ Very fast response time for the pressing force compensation control allows for higher machining speeds (robot speed), thus reducing cycle time.
✔ Gravity load compensation controls uniform pressing force from any angle.
✔ Selectable stroke lengths from 35 mm to 98 mm, enabling consistent application of the set pressing force for machining within the stroke range.
✔ A product lineup offering pressing forces ranging from 100N to a maximum of 800N, with the option for high-pressure machining as well.
✔ As the program automatically corrects to a constant pressing force, it only needs to set one pressing force, significantly reducing programming effort. (The pressing force can also be changed.)
Product lineup suitable for parts machining in the automotive and aircraft industries
We will introduce recommended products in Thailand and Southeast Asia region.
■ AOK series (Active Orbital Kit)
This is a polishing system package product that integrates our original technology ACT and an orbital sander optimized for robots, and precisely tuned. The pressing force and tool rotation speed can be individually controlled, and solutions such as "surface painting preparation (sanding operation)", "surface conditioning" and "polishing" by orbital drive are provided.
＜Recommended applications＞
AOK401/402/403: Painting repair-polishing of automobile bodies, etc.
AOK601/501: Pre-polishing for painting large parts such as aircraft bodies
▲ Repair-polishing operation using AOK401 and AOK402
■ AAK series (Active Angular Kit)
This is a polishing system package product that integrates our original technology ACT and an angle grinder optimized for robots, and precisely tuned. Suitable for material removal (for weld bead removal, deburring, and for grinding of heavy duty materials), the AAK601 grinder is extremely durable and can work 24/7 with twice the power of standard devices.
＜Recommended applications＞
AAK501: Polishing, grinding, finishing, sanding, polishing, deburring, etc.
AAK601: Removal of weld marks for large workpieces, grinding, deburring, etc.
▲ Weld seam removal of motorcycle tank using AAK501
Before installation, we conduct a test using the customer's actual workpieces with a demo machine. Since FerRobotics also has a sales office in Thailand, we can provide optimal solutions in cooperation with the manufacturer and local SIers.
▲ From left, Mr. Sawaki of FerRobotics, Mr. Tanaka of Mitsubishi Corporation Technos, and Mr. Konrad of FerRobotics
▲ From left, Mr. Florian from FerRobotics Thailand, Mr. Tanaka from Mitsubishi Corporation Technos
