Force control is a technology that has developed to fill a void in the automated manufacturing process. In many manufacturing processes parts are brought to a net dimensional shape by machining, casting, forging, or molding. These parts often meet the dimensional specifications, but still require additional processing to achieve a desired surface finish. In the case of machining operations, residual marks and scallops are removed from the part. Other processes, such as injection molding, casting, and forging, require the removal of flashing, gates, and parting lines. These blending and finishing operations are applications where switching to a force controlled process rather than a dimension driven position controlled manufacturing process is required. Blending of parting lines or removal of cutter mismatch, scallops and flashing requires a human touch. This human touch is a form of compliance and is a property that rigid, position based machine tools do not have. Compliance in the context of automated surface finishing is the ability to compensate for mismatch between, a tool and a part surface, and is based on maintaining contact rather than position. The primary consideration when contacting a part surface is controlling the amount of force being applied by the tool. In automated surface finishing the tool is often an abrasive media and the amount of force applied directly affects the Material Removal Rate (MRR). The MRR is the amount of material in volume removed in a specific time. It is important to note that in most applications the abrasive media moves with the compliance.
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