ABB Robotics Launches New Automated Surface Finishing Cell
ABB Robotics launched its first fully automated sanding and polishing cell, the OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell, empowering a new wave of manufacturers to automate key surface finishing tasks, such as sanding and polishing.
“A growing number of companies are looking to automate processes such as sanding and polishing, but many smaller businesses lack in-house robotics expertise — so while they need to deliver perfect quality every time, until now, many have not had a solution that fits their needs,” ABB Robotics Managing Director of Business Line Industries Craig McDonnell said. “Many businesses are wary of investing in complex, bespoke automation, while off-the-shelf tools lack the scalability and capability they require. With our new OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell, we’re introducing industrial-grade robotics in a simple, affordable and scalable solution.”
ABB Robotics’ OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell bridges the gap between customized automation and entry-level tool kits with its turnkey solution, using a GoFa collaborative robot to execute high-quality, precision surface finishing, without the need for robotics expertise.
The cell is entirely self-contained, delivered as a complete plug-and-play solution, including the GoFa cobot and safety components. The fully CE-certified cell does not require any additional engineering to switch on and begin production, and the easy addition of new tools and accessories makes it highly adaptable in high-mix environments.
By automating repetitive sanding and polishing tasks, the cell increases throughput and reduces the traditional scrap and rework, saving time, effort and costs, according to the company. Integrated dust extraction readiness helps maintain a clean, healthy work environment while further enhancing finished product quality. Automation also reduces physical strain and frees skilled workers to concentrate on more valuable tasks.
Matching the new cell’s industrial-grade quality and efficiency is its operational simplicity, enabled by ABB Robotics’ intuitive software developed to govern the entire finishing process. Its tablet-style interface is user-friendly for those without robotics expertise and needs no custom programming. Features such as lead-through 3D path recording, 2D preset path creation and intuitive path editing, integrated into Wizard Easy Programming blocks, can reduce programming time by up to 90 percent.
The OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell demonstrates how collaborative robots can deliver application-specific solutions that boost competitiveness, even for businesses and operators who are new to robotics.
