Polishing process is one of the most critical manufacturing processes during a metal part production because it determines\nthe final quality of the product. Free-form surface polishing is a handmade process with lots of rejected parts,\nscrap generation and time and energy consumption. Two different research lines are being developed: prediction models\nof the final surface quality parameters and an analysis of the amount of material removed depending on the polishing\nparameters to predict the tool footprint during the polishing task. This research lays the foundations for a future automatic\nconformal polishing system. It is based on rotational and translational tool with dry abrasive in the front mounted\nat the end of a robot. A tool to part concept is used, useful for large or heavy workpieces. Results are applied on different\ncurved parts typically used in tooling industry, aeronautics or automotive. A mathematical model has been developed\nto predict the amount of material removed in function of polishing parameters. Model has been fitted for different abrasives\nand raw materials. Results have shown deviations under 20% that implies a reliable and controllable process.\nSmaller amount of material can be removed in controlled areas of a three-dimensional workpiece.
Loading....