Cast cleaning robot feels its way to lower manufacturing costs and higher surface quality

摘要

The system provides the user with a ready configured, tested and verified Function Package Force Control Machining for different robot-machining applications. In addition ABB developed a ready to produce Flex Finishing Cell concept. At the heart RobotWare Machining FC contains two advanced software features. The first, FC Pressure, lets robots grind, polish or buff castings while maintaining a constant pressure between the tool and the work surface. The second software feature, FC SpeedChange, enables a robot to debur or deflash part line and surfaces of castings at a controlled speed, slowing down when encountering excessive burr. Traditionally, the foundry finishing process has been extremely labour-intensive with inconsistent end product quality because casts are ground, deburred and polished by hand. Until now, robots used for this task have been position controlled, moving according to defined positions and speeds. If the robot is struggling to trace the programmed path, the robot's servo will increase power until maximum torque, causing a collision with the excess material along the way. As a result the robot stops; the tool breaks; or the work piece gets damaged. To limit such damage, conventional cast cleaning robots are typically run at a slower pace, limiting productivity.