ABB OmniVance Automates Surface Finishing With Cobots

ABB’s OmniVance surface-finishing cells are designed to dramatically improve the consistency and throughput of finishing operations while enhancing employee safety. The OmniVance is a plug-and-play, fully-contained robotic cell that performs sanding and polishing operations using an ABB GoFa cobot. By automating finishing operations, surface finish and perceived market value of the final product increase, and workers are less likely to be exposed to dust or repeated vibration strain hazards.

ABB’s complete OmniVance surface finishing cell. Image used courtesy of ABB

Surface Finishing Applications

At first glance, surface finishing operations seem like a minor detail. However, the final quality of the product is often judged by its appearance; a sloppy finish, burrs, unpolished or rough edges, detract from the market value of the entire product. Even a minor defect in the surface finish can cast doubt on the product's overall quality.

Besides economics, surface-finishing operations are particularly prone to causing ergonomic injuries among workers. The unchecked, repetitive vibration of powered sanders and grinders leads to “white knuckle syndrome.” Also, these operations generate dust, which can pose a health hazard and, in some situations, an explosion or fire hazard. Rather than writing extensive SOPs and work plans to minimize grinding time per employee, it is simply safer and more efficient to automate this task.

OmniVance Features

At the core of the OmniVance surface finishing cell is the ABB GoFa cobot. This cobot can lift 12 kg and reach up to 1270 mm. It also features integrated force control, which is a system designed by ABB for tactile sensing. This is essential to performing a uniform finishing operation. Inside the cell, there is a 1800 mm x 800 mm workbench to support parts during finishing operations.

The entire cell is a plug-and-play solution, requiring very little installation and setup. To program the robot’s actions, the technician can move it through the motions in a “teach” mode and then verify the steps on an intuitive display, just like any other ABB GoFa cobot.

A technician moves the ABB GoFa through the finishing motions while it is in the “teach” mode. Notice the protective cover to keep abrasive material out of the cobot’s joints. Image used courtesy of ABB.

Two models are available: sanding and polishing. The sanding version features storage for sanding disks and the ability to use standard sanding wheels 77 mm to 125 mm in diameter. To minimize health and safety risks, each OmniVance Sanding cell is fitted with an integrated dust extraction system. The OmniVance Polishing cell features a grip for holding a polishing cloth, depending on the specific application.

Potential Market Segments

ABB envisions the OmniVance system impacting small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities. These automated sanding and polishing cells will be used in conjunction with metal casting facilities, additive manufacturing cells, injection molding facilities, and other such operations where flashing and support structures need to be removed. They will also be used extensively for final sanding and polishing of wood products, automotive parts, and other markets where aesthetically pleasing surface finishes are required.