Abrasive materials: essential for a successful project
14/06/2024
Abrasive materials
Abrasive materials are often overlooked in automation projects. The focus usually lies on the robot and other hardware, which represent the largest cost and are the most visible. Abrasive materials may seem insignificant because they are relatively inexpensive. However, without the right abrasives and usage parameters, the final result will remain below standard.
The craftsmanship of grinding
An experienced operator knows that sanding is a craft that requires years of practice. Polishing demands even more skill. This craftsmanship is often carried out under ergonomically suboptimal conditions. The challenge lies in translating this manual process into a robot or cobot application. Hardware, software and abrasive materials must work together seamlessly to achieve optimal results.
Which abrasive materials are appropriate for your automation application?
In automation projects, selecting the right abrasive materials is crucial. Robots and cobots cannot determine for themselves when an abrasive needs to be replaced. They repeat the same movements with the same pressure and speed.
Methods for replacing abrasive materials
There are two obvious methods for determining when an abrasive needs to be replaced: based on time and based on diameter.
Based on time: Traditional abrasive materials such as grinding discs, flap discs and grinding belts are replaced based on time. This is done by determining, through trial and error, how long the material delivers the desired finish.
Based on diameter: For 3D abrasive materials such as unitized or non-woven abrasives, as well as rubber-bonded abrasives, replacement is determined by diameter. Once the diameter becomes smaller than the predefined limit, the abrasive is replaced. The Cibo Robotics cells continuously measure the diameter during grinding and autonomously change the abrasive when required.
Based on diameter: For 3D abrasive materials such as unitized or non-woven abrasives, as well as rubber-bonded abrasives, replacement is determined by diameter. Once the diameter becomes smaller than the predefined limit, the abrasive is replaced. The Cibo Robotics cells continuously measure the diameter during grinding and autonomously change the abrasive when required.
Advantages of 3D abrasive materials
Traditional abrasive materials perform in a degressive manner from the start. This means that their efficiency and finishing quality decrease as they are used, which becomes visible in the grinding pattern. As a result, these materials often need to be replaced to maintain consistent quality.
Choosing the right partner
A successful project requires expertise in:
Automation with cobots or robots.
Tooling
Sanding, grinding and polishing to select and programme the correct abrasive.
Many automation companies use cobots for automated sanding, but their experience with sanding and polishing is often limited. Success only comes when both areas of expertise are combined. That is why you should choose a partner who understands both, supports you and takes responsibility when things become more challenging. This guarantees that you will end up with a 100% functioning solution.
Why Cibo Robotics?
At Cibo Robotics, we have 75 years of experience in sanding, grinding and polishing. This expertise is combined with robot engineers who understand both robotics and surface finishing. This makes us unique in the market and enables us to select, adapt and apply the most suitable abrasive materials for your specific application.
Conclusion
The importance of abrasive materials in automation projects is often underestimated, even though they are crucial for achieving optimal results. The craft of sanding, which requires years of experience, must be effectively translated into robotic applications, where hardware, software and abrasive materials work together. Traditional abrasive materials lose performance over time, whereas 3D abrasives deliver consistent performance and are more efficient.
A successful project requires expertise in automation, tooling and sanding, something many companies lack. Invest in the right abrasive materials and work with an experienced partner like Cibo Robotics to achieve a high-quality and consistent end product.
A successful project requires expertise in automation, tooling and sanding, something many companies lack. Invest in the right abrasive materials and work with an experienced partner like Cibo Robotics to achieve a high-quality and consistent end product.
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