ABB Robotics: Fully automated cell for surface processing
ABB Robotics has launched its first fully automated grinding and polishing cell - the OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell. It offers small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in particular the opportunity to automate core surface finishing tasks.
Surface treatment is a crucial production step in practically every industry. However, more complex production requirements and a shortage of skilled workers are placing a double burden on companies. ABB Robotics' new collaborative machining cell is a turnkey solution that bridges the gap between customized automation and standard entry-level solutions. It uses a collaborative GoFaTM robot that enables high-quality and precise surface processing - without the need for in-depth robotics expertise. "More and more companies want to automate activities such as grinding and polishing. However, many smaller companies do not have their own robotics expertise. And although they must always deliver perfect quality, until now there has often been no solution that met their requirements," emphasizes Craig McDonnell, Head of Business Line Industries at ABB Robotics. "Many companies are reluctant to invest in complex, customized automation solutions. At the same time, standard solutions often lack the necessary flexibility and performance. With our new OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell, we are introducing industrial robotics as an easy-to-use, cost-efficient and scalable solution."
Surface grinding and polishing cell as a plug-and-play solution
The cell is supplied as a ready-to-use plug-and-play solution, including the GoFa cobot and all safety components. It is fully CE-certified and requires no additional technical adjustments to get up and running and start production. It is also particularly adaptable: New tools and accessories can be easily retrofitted, which is particularly advantageous when many product variants need to be manufactured. Thanks to the automation of repetitive grinding and polishing tasks, the cell increases throughput. It also reduces rejects and the time and effort required for reworking, resulting in cost savings. The integrated dust extraction system contributes to a clean, healthy working environment and at the same time improves the quality of the end products. In addition, skilled workers are relieved and can concentrate on higher-value activities.
Solution for companies and users without robotics experience
The new machining cell combines industrial quality standards and efficiency with ease of use, thanks to ABB Robotics' intuitive software designed to control the entire finishing process. The tablet-like user interface is easy to use even for users without robotics knowledge and requires no individual programming. Functions such as 3D path recording, setting up preset 2D paths and intuitive path editing, which are integrated as programming blocks in the "Wizard Easy Programming" software, can reduce programming time by up to 90 percent. The OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell demonstrates how collaborative robots enable application-specific solutions that increase competitiveness - even for companies and users with no previous robotics experience.
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