Robot Polishing Machine

Overview of Robot Polishing Machine

The Robot Polishing Machine is an advanced precision processing solution that combines a six-axis industrial robot (such as KUKA, ABB, or Staubli) with a high-performance polishing system. The Robot Polishing Machine is equipped with an electronic pressure cylinder and an adjustable rotary axis, enabling the use of flexible airbag polishing heads, rigid grinding heads, and wheel-type tools. With a precision worktable and optical-grade measurement systems, the Robot Polishing Machine delivers exceptional surface correction and polishing performance.

Controlled by dedicated polishing software, the Robot Polishing Machine integrates seamlessly with the robot control system. It supports the full manufacturing workflow, from workpiece modeling and path planning to real-time force control and process monitoring. Compared with manual operations, the Robot Polishing Machine significantly increases efficiency, improves repeatability, and ensures the extremely high accuracy required in industries such as optics, aerospace, and precision manufacturing.

Working Principle of Robot Polishing Machine

Six-Axis Coordinated Motion

The Robot Polishing Machine uses the industrial robot’s six-axis motion to achieve full-surface coverage, enabling precise polishing of complex contours. This flexibility allows the Robot Polishing Machine to adapt to diverse geometries while maintaining consistent tool alignment.

Constant Electronic Pressure Control

With its electronic pressure cylinder, the Robot Polishing Machine maintains constant contact force based on real-time sensor feedback. This ensures that the Robot Polishing Machine avoids both over-polishing and under-polishing during processing.

Rotary Axis Adjustment

The adjustable spindle on the Robot Polishing Machine can be set to match the curvature of spheres, aspheres, off-axis aspheres, and freeform surfaces. This adaptability allows the Robot Polishing Machine to handle a wide range of optical components.

Closed-Loop Sensor Monitoring

Force and position sensors form a closed-loop monitoring system that continuously tracks the Robot Polishing Machine’s performance. This protects both the equipment and the workpiece while ensuring that the Robot Polishing Machine maintains high accuracy throughout the operation.

Optical Processing Software

The Robot Polishing Machine includes advanced optical processing software for 3D surface modeling, tool path optimization, and inspection data analysis. These functions enable the Robot Polishing Machine to consistently deliver optical-grade surface finishes.

Key Features of Robot Polishing Machine

Patented Technology – The Robot Polishing Machine features proprietary hardware and software developed in-house, with control algorithms optimized for optical polishing. These innovations allow the Robot Polishing Machine to maintain both high efficiency and accuracy.

Digital Monitoring – A comprehensive sensor network in the Robot Polishing Machine provides real-time feedback and protection, ensuring safe and stable operation.

Wide Application Range – With interchangeable polishing heads, the Robot Polishing Machine can process ultra-large flats, spheres, aspheres, off-axis aspheres, and freeform surfaces.

High Stability – Capable of continuous operation for ≥300 hours, the Robot Polishing Machine uses a dual impedance-matching design to maintain stable clamping and constant polishing force.

Integrated Software Platform – The Robot Polishing Machine supports the entire optical fabrication workflow, including modeling, simulation, process analysis, and data visualization.

Technical Specifications of Robot Polishing Machine

The Robot Polishing Machine supports flexible airbag, small-tool, and wheel-type polishing heads, with maximum spindle speeds of up to 1500 rpm.

Application Cases of Robot Polishing Machine

Optics – The Robot Polishing Machine is used for large telescope mirrors, high-power laser optics, and precision optical elements. The flexibility of the Robot Polishing Machine makes it ideal for high-end optical systems.

Aerospace – The Robot Polishing Machine processes satellite remote sensing optics and deep-space imaging components with ultra-high surface accuracy.

Precision Manufacturing – The Robot Polishing Machine is applied in semiconductor optics and ultra-precision mold finishing.

Automotive – The Robot Polishing Machine produces high-gloss finishes on headlamp molds and decorative components.

Typical Advantages of Robot Polishing Machine

High Precision – The Robot Polishing Machine can achieve optical surfaces with RMS better than 10 nm, meeting the most demanding surface quality standards.

High Flexibility – With quick-change polishing heads, the Robot Polishing Machine adapts to different sizes, shapes, and materials with minimal setup time.

High Efficiency – The Robot Polishing Machine uses multi-axis motion and optimized path planning to shorten production cycles significantly.

High Stability – The Robot Polishing Machine offers extended continuous operation with low maintenance requirements.

Fully Digital Workflow – The Robot Polishing Machine integrates processing, measurement, and data analysis in one complete platform.

FAQ – Robot Polishing Machine

Q1: What surfaces can the Robot Polishing Machine process?
A1: The Robot Polishing Machine can handle a wide variety of surfaces, including large flats, spheres, aspheres, off-axis aspheres, and freeform surfaces. With its adjustable rotary axis and interchangeable polishing heads, the Robot Polishing Machine adapts to both simple and complex geometries.

Q2: What is the typical surface accuracy achievable with the Robot Polishing Machine?
A2: Depending on the material and application, the Robot Polishing Machine can achieve optical-grade surface quality with RMS better than 10 nm and PV well below 100 nm, meeting the strictest standards in optics and precision manufacturing.

Q3: How long can the Robot Polishing Machine operate continuously?
A3: The Robot Polishing Machine is designed for high stability, with a continuous operation time of ≥300 hours without requiring major maintenance. This makes it ideal for long-cycle, high-volume production.

Q4: Can the Robot Polishing Machine work with different polishing heads?
A4: Yes. The Robot Polishing Machine supports flexible airbag polishing heads, rigid grinding heads, small-tool configurations, and wheel-type polishing heads. Quick-change capability allows for minimal downtime between tool changes.

Q5: What industries use the Robot Polishing Machine?
A5: The Robot Polishing Machine is widely used in optics (telescope mirrors, laser optics), aerospace (satellite sensors, deep-space imaging), precision manufacturing (semiconductor optics, mold polishing), and automotive (high-gloss parts, headlamp molds).