Automated grinding Grinding: Human-robot collaboration could soon be setting the pace

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Verein Deutscher Werkzeug- maschinenfabriken e. V. (VDW)

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DIPROFIL Diamantprodukter AB

The pressure to raise productivity and the shortage of skilled workers are making it more important than ever to invest in production technology, regardless of the short-term economic prospects. Grinding is no exception here.

Incorporating manual grinding, polishing or brushing processes into automated production might sound good on paper, but it is very difficult to achieve in practice. More and more machine manufacturers are responding to this challenge by offering grinding technology combined with flexible automation systems. Unlike many OEMs, however, SME users are likely to prefer an incremental approach involving moderate individual investments. Existing machines and retrofits can play a special role here.

When it comes to automating processes, 3M Deutschland from Neuss demonstrates just how many factors need to be taken into account. The specialist in industrial abrasives is cooperating with Schunk, Lauffen/Neckar, manufacturer of gripping systems and clamping technology. Both are exhibiting at Grinding Hub (from 14 to 17 May 2024 in Stuttgart) — a platform which provides comprehensive information and advice on this topic. 3M has put its decades of experience in the automation of grinding into its manual designed to help users determine their exact automation requirements when preparing for projects. The manual includes questions on the optical and technical requirements of surface finishes, on the sequence of process steps for specific workpieces, on tools and abrasives. As 3M points out, the number of factors to be considered can be overwhelming. According to experts, this is no doubt the reason why around two thirds of all companies seeking to automate processes in their factory bring in external consultants or system integrators. Support is also offered by the university and Fraunhofer institutes affiliated with the WGP (German Academic Association for Production Technology). The primary focus of these is on conducting research into new production technologies, and their effective transfer to industrial production.