Sanding and Polishing

The sanding and polishing process requires extensive know-how; the use of abrasives, the quality inspection throughout the multiple stages of the process along with which force and feed speed to apply are all essential to achieving the wanted results.

Sanding and polishing is tough work and combined with heavy, vibrating tools, it can be very difficult for the human laborer to remain consistent during the potentially strenuous tasks. When errors occur, it can result in having to discard the workpiece, and by doing so, the excess waste of materials increases.
At Nordbo, we have a number of ways to create solutions for sanding and polishing.

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Mimic for sanding and polishing

The Mimic platform records the user's movements and translates them into a robot program in real time.

Mimic makes it possible to teach the robot the operator’s movements - either by guiding to robot by hand or by using a customized joystick.

Learn more about the Mimic platform, the different ways of tracking motions and how to use it for sanding and polishing here.

CraftMate for sanding

The CraftMate platform scans the surface of the object and constructs a highly precise 3D model. From that model, the operator defines the area or path that needs to be grinded and adjusts the wanted parameters.

CraftMate is compatible with angle grinders, die grinders and (random) oribital sander tools. It knows how to land on the surface without damaging it, and the operator can easily set and modify angles, RPMs and force controls needed for the specific case.

Learn more about the CraftMate platform and how we 3D scan surfaces here: 

CraftMate NAC 3D Camera sanding finishing
Nordbo Components

Ensure proper compliance

When working manually with surface processing, we intuitively apply the force to the tool that is needed to achieve the finish we are aiming for. Robots are not able to do that sufficiently in material removal processes like grinding in an adaptive way. This can result in an uneven finish with some areas over treated and others not enough.

However, robots that are equipped to automatically adjust their work to suit the surface the moment they make contact are not only able to complete their work more reliably, but also in a more precise and economical manner.

We have developed a series of compliance units that apply consistent force in different orientations automatically to accurately apply the desired force needed in your case.

Bridge human skills and robot precision to automate grinding

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Fast and smooth force control
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Easy import of different tools
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Freely define path spacing and contact angle according to tool selection
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Selectable feed rate
Supported Robots
Mimic FT sanding a piece of wood with Mirka sanding tool
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Mimic spray painting with NACHI robot
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Craftmate platform on KUKA robot
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Application examples

Here is how you can use CraftMate

Craftmate on a NACHI robot, and SUHNER tool.
Polishing
Craftmate polishing the door of a car
Buffing