Experimental investigation of Robotic Surface Finishing Using Abrasive Disc

Abstract

This study is based on the optimization of process parameters in abrasive robotic finishing process. The effect of certain process parameters on the surface finish of the abraded surface is to be studied using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology. The finishing or polishing operation is vital in any manufacturing processes. Methods have evolved from hand finishing operations to automatic finishing using CNC machines used currently. This research pertains to the next level of finishing with the usage of a robot. A set of influential parameters that are critical in a grinding operation was chosen as the input parameters. The influence of the selected parameters on the output response, which is the surface roughness, is to be analyzed and investigated. The material removal would be brought about with the help of abrasives in the form of discs. Coated abrasives and non-woven type surface conditioning abrasives in the form of discs were chosen as the cutting tools. Minitab statistical software was used in determining the factors with significant impact on the output response and for optimizing the parameters to obtain the best surface roughness. The expected outcome of this research work will be in the form of experimentally verifying the set of optimized parameters in abrasive robotic finishing operation.