SHOWN ABOVE A PHOTO OF A FANUC ROBOT WITH ROUTER SPINDLE ATTACHED TO END OF ARM. THIS IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF A MATERIAL

REMOVAL ROBOT. THIS CONFIGURATION CAN BE USED IN ANY NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE.


A material removal industrial robot application is when industrial robots are used to automate processes that remove material from workpieces to achieve specific shapes, sizes, or finishes. These robots perform tasks such as grinding, cutting, deburring, sanding, polishing, routing, and machining, which includes milling and drilling. This automation helps manufacturers work faster, maintain consistent quality, and keep workers safer by reducing exposure to hazardous tasks.

For example, in the automotive industry, robots might deburr metal parts to ensure they fit perfectly, while in aerospace, they could polish aircraft components for a smooth finish. An unexpected detail is that these robots can be more flexible than traditional CNC machines, especially for handling large or complex parts, making them ideal for modern manufacturing needs.

Functionality and Processes

The functionality of material removal robots centers on their ability to perform a wide range of tasks, each requiring precise control and often advanced sensing. The processes include:

  • Grinding: Removes excess material to achieve a desired surface finish or dimensional accuracy, shaping metal parts or smoothing surfaces.
  • Cutting: Divides materials into specific shapes and sizes, using methods like laser cutting for metals and plastics, waterjet cutting for temperature-sensitive materials, and plasma cutting for structural steel.
  • Deburring: Removes burrs or sharp edges left from machining to ensure safety, functionality, and perfect part fit, reducing injury risk.
  • Sanding: Smooths surfaces for painting or assembly, ensuring uniform texture on materials like wood, metal, and composites.
  • Polishing: Achieves a mirror-like finish to enhance aesthetics and corrosion resistance, often used for automotive components or jewelry.
  • Routing: Creates intricate designs or shapes components, such as carving patterns in woodworking or plastics manufacturing.
  • Machining: Includes milling and drilling, where robots remove material to create precise shapes, often used for large or irregular parts that challenge traditional CNC machines.

These robots are typically equipped with multi-axis arms, force control devices, and vision systems to ensure accuracy. For instance, PushCorp offers force compliance devices that allow robots to maintain consistent force during sanding or grinding, emulating a "human touch" for surface finishing