So you’re in the market for an industrial Sanding robot. There are a few types of Sanding robots to consider based on your needs.
When evaluating Sanding robots, consider the types of surfaces and materials you want to sand, the size and shape of the parts, production volume, required finish quality, and available floor space.
To get started, you’ll need to determine which type of end-effector, or “sanding tool”, will work best for your needs. The term ‘end-effector’ refers to the tool attached to a robot. The two most common options are abrasive belts/disks and sanding pads.
Other considerations when choosing an end-effector include:
With the right end-effector for your needs, Sanding robots can help streamline your production and reduce costs. The key is finding a solution tailored to your specific operation and materials.
When evaluating Sanding robots for your factory floor, there are a few key things to consider.
Look at what kinds of sanding tasks the robots can perform. Some can do broad sanding over large, flat surfaces. Others are designed for edge sanding, contour sanding, or detail sanding in tight spaces. Think about all of the sanding needs in your production process and whether one robot could handle multiple types or if you need dedicated robots for each task.
The selection of the appropriate end-effector depends on the specific application and task the robot is intended to perform. Typically, end-effectors are purchased separately from the robot, which allows you to find the right end-effector from a variety of compatible third-party manufacturers. If in doubt, your robot arm supplier will be able to point you in the right direction.
Consider how much programming is required to get the robot sanding accurately and efficiently. Look at the available control and programming options for the Sanding robots you’re considering. You can often get started with simple, no-code programming software and basic training, but for more complex jobs, you may need an experienced robot programmer.
Since sanding produces fine dust particles, look for robots with vacuum systems, and other features that minimize debris in the environment. Proper grounding, emergency stops, and other safety mechanisms are also important, especially if workers will be in close proximity to the operating robot. A Collaborative robot is often the safest option when working around humans since these robots have built-in sensors that can detect collisions.
Assess the robot’s maintenance requirements and the availability of technical support from the manufacturer. Regular maintenance is essential for long-term reliability and performance. Robots need regular inspections, lubrication, and component replacements. Motors, joints, and end-effectors typically require the most maintenance.
When evaluating Sanding robots, you’ll want to consider the major manufacturers currently producing industrial solutions. These companies offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
FANUC is a large Japanese robotics company that produces several models of Sanding robots, including the ARC Mate 100iC and LR Mate 200iD. These are Articulated robots suitable for sanding curved and uneven surfaces. FANUC uses force control sensors and 3D vision systems to guide the robots.
KUKA is a German robotics company and another major player, with their KR C4 and KR AGILUS robot models which are utilized for sanding applications. Like FANUC, KUKA offers Articulated arm robots with force sensors and vision guidance. KUKA also produces linear robots that move along tracks, suitable for sanding large flat surfaces.
ABB is a leading Swiss robotics company and provides IRB series Articulated robots and linear models for industrial sanding. Their RobotStudio software allows you to program sanding paths and visualize the process. ABBs Sanding robots can handle materials like wood, metal, plastic, and glass.
Standard Bots are a US-based robotics manufacturer. Their RO1 Six-Axis robot is compatible with most sanding applications while the company is well-known for its competitive pricing, advanced programming, and precision which is great for sanding.
Once you've decided to implement Sanding robots in your factory, you likely have some questions about what's involved. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and what you need to know.
Robots can handle most basic sanding tasks like belt sanding, orbital sanding, and random orbital sanding. Some robots can also do polishing and buffing. The specific end-effectors and sanding pads required will depend on your needs. Types of Sanding robots include Cartesian, SCARA, and Articulated.
The end-effector is the "hand" at the end of the robot arm that holds the sanding tool. Common options for sanding include pneumatic grippers to grasp sanding pads, and spindle mounts to attach power sanders. The end-effector you choose depends on the sander and how much control you need.
Key factors include:
So now that you know all about Sanding robots and the options out there, it’s time to start optimizing your factory floor. These automated sanders can transform your production process, improve quality, increase throughput, and reduce costs.
Whether you need a simple sander to smooth edges or a fully Articulated robot to handle complex curved surfaces, there’s a solution for your needs. Do your research, understand how these robots can integrate into your existing operations, and find a trusted partner to help implement the right Sanding robot technology.
Interested in bringing a Sanding robot to your own business? RO1 by Standard Bots is a great choice for machine shops large and small:
Speak to our solutions team today to organize a free, 30-day onsite trial and get expert advice on everything you need to deploy your first robot.