Greater efficiency thanks to robot-assisted surface machining

The deburring, polishing and grinding of workpieces is still often done by hand. Processes that take time and pose risks to workers. So there is great potential for automation, but often robots still lack the "feel" to take over these tasks. Using tools from SCHUNK, many processing steps can already be automated. The result: higher productivity, consistently perfect machining results, and lower unit costs. They are now complemented by the RCE electric deburring spindle, an energy-efficient, adjustable tool that can handle a wide variety of workpieces. 

There are several reasons why many companies hesitate to switch to automated methods of finishing their pieces. Human sight and feel are often considered irreplaceable and more accurate than the "insensitive" machine. 

The challenges associated with automating machining processes also seem too great. Companies working with a wide variety of parts and complex workpiece geometries fear great effort in programming the robot and integrating it into existing processes. Particularly in finer operations, the prevailing opinion is that automation can be applied only at very high cost. Indeed, until now, detailed knowledge about the parameters of a deburring or grinding process has been lacking, as well as universally applicable standard solutions.

Robots can do both: loading and editing

There is a large and underutilized potential here, because many benefits can also be achieved with automated processes during machining: companies that already use a robot to load and unload their machine tool can also use it to deburr workpieces and thus make much better use of capacity. Thanks to the new SCHUNK tools for automated machining and their various functionalities, numerous deburring operations can be automated and thus take place directly after machining in the machine tool. Meanwhile, the machine tool can continue to produce. The throughput time and production costs of workpieces can be significantly reduced in this way - with a relatively low investment volume and a quick return on investment.

Energy efficient and quiet

SCHUNK R-EMENDO tools allow robots - in addition to parts handling - to perform other tasks. For example, the AOV pneumatic orbital sander with axial compensation guarantees perfect sanding results. They can be connected as needed via the automation specialist's quick-change systems. The new electric deburring spindle RCE complements the existing SCHUNK portfolio of pneumatic tools and offers even more flexibility. The energy-efficient tool operates particularly quietly and can handle a wide variety of workpieces thanks to its adjustable speed of up to 50,000 rpm and adjustable pressure force. Users can adjust these parameters for optimal finishing results. The compensation mechanism also compensates for workpiece contour tolerances. 

In addition to deburring, the versatile tool can also be used for brushing, grinding and polishing tasks, significantly expanding the system's range of tasks. Integrated process monitoring provides feedback on spindle load and rotational speed. This reduces waste and improves product quality. 

Easy implementation with expert support

More efficiency and flexibility with little effort and manageable costs: that's how cost-effective switching to automated processes can be, with the right tools. Those who want to have their application validated by experienced engineers are in good hands at SCHUNK's CoLab robotic application center. The guarantee for optimal results.