Key Elements Of Industrial Robots in Polishing Process

At present, robot polishing is mainly divided into two working modes. By using the robot's end effector to clamp the polishing tool and actively contact the workpiece, it is called a tool type polishing robot. Another type is the workpiece type polishing robot, where the robot's end effector holds the workpiece and uses a polishing tool to polish it by bringing it into close contact with the workpiece. The polishing tool is relatively fixed and is called a workpiece type polishing robot.
(1) Tool type polishing robot
In a tool type polishing robot, the end effector of the robot holds the polishing tool, and the tool actively contacts the workpiece for polishing through the robot's actions. This method is suitable for processes that require precise shape adjustment, surface polishing, or deburring of workpieces. Tool type polishing robots typically use different types of polishing tools such as grinding wheels, grinding heads, or polishing discs, which are selected based on process requirements and workpiece characteristics.
① Grinding wheel is a common polishing tool with a high-speed rotating disc shape. It can be used for rough grinding and finishing of materials such as metals, ceramics, and glass. The material and particle size of grinding wheels are different, and they can be used for different types of grinding work. For example, steel grinding wheels are suitable for grinding and removing scratches on metal surfaces, while aluminum oxide grinding wheels are suitable for grinding and polishing stainless steel.
② A grinding head is a small tool with multiple abrasive particles, commonly used for meticulous polishing and deburring work. The shape of the grinding head and the material of the abrasive particles can be selected according to the needs. For example, spherical grinding heads are suitable for polishing curved surfaces and concave areas, while conical grinding heads are suitable for trimming edges and corners.
③ A polishing disc is a soft circular tool used to provide a smooth and shiny surface. Polishing discs are usually used together with abrasives and polishing solutions to achieve fine polishing and polishing of the workpiece surface. For example, sponge polishing discs are suitable for polishing and repairing car paint surfaces, while felt polishing discs are suitable for high gloss polishing of metal surfaces.
(2) Workpiece polishing robot
In a workpiece polishing robot, the end effector of the robot holds the workpiece and brings it into close contact with a relatively fixed polishing tool for polishing. This method is suitable for the process of grinding, trimming, or polishing specific areas of the workpiece. Workpiece polishing robots are commonly used for parts that require fine processing such as curved surfaces, edges, or corners. Grinding tools can be rotary brushes, grinding wheels, or lasers, etc. Choose the appropriate tool according to the process requirements.
Rotating brushes, grinding wheels, and lasers are common tools used in robot polishing processes. They have different characteristics and application ranges.
① Rotating brush: It is a brush tool fixed on the end effector of a robot, which uses rotating bristles to perform grinding and deburring operations. Rotating brushes can use different types of bristles, such as wire bristles, nylon bristles, etc. Choose the appropriate bristles according to the material and requirements of the workpiece. Rotating brushes are suitable for processes such as roughness adjustment, deburring, and cleaning of workpiece surfaces.
② Grinding wheel: It is a common grinding tool that grinds by high-speed rotation. A grinding wheel is composed of abrasive particles and binders, with the abrasive particles mainly responsible for cutting and wearing the surface of the workpiece. According to the workpiece material and polishing requirements, different types of grinding wheels can be selected, such as sanding discs, sanding belts, etc. Grinding wheels are widely used in polishing processes such as surface leveling, precision finishing, and material removal.
③ Laser: Used for high-precision polishing operations such as laser deburring in robot polishing processes. Laser deburring removes burrs from the surface of a workpiece through the ablation or melting action of a laser beam. Laser deburring has the advantages of non-contact, high precision, and strong controllability, and is suitable for complex shapes and difficult to reach areas. The choice of laser depends on the workpiece material and polishing requirements, such as CO2 laser, fiber laser, etc.
The application of industrial robots in polishing processes has brought tremendous progress to industrial production. Their efficiency, consistency, and automation characteristics make them play an important role in improving production efficiency and quality. With the continuous development of industrial automation, the application prospects of industrial robots in polishing processes are even broader, which will further promote the development of industrial production and improve the quality of human life.