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Cool Tools: Easy-setup orbital sander for cobots launched by OnRobot

Sanding is often dirty and dangerous work that carries a range of potential health risks for workers -- from the debilitating "white-finger syndrome" caused by high-vibration hand tools to lung damage caused by particulate matter. The OnRobot Sander tool can help eliminate these risks.

The complete Sander package incorporates everything needed (except a cobot or robot) to get a sanding application started quickly and easily: a plug-and-play sanding tool, a variety of standard 3M sanding and polishing pads, easy-to-use programming software, an optional force/torque sensor, and a Grit Changer that enables automated switching between different sanding grits without operator intervention.

Programming simple surface-finishing applications on the Sander is easy, thanks to the intuitive built-in software. OnRobot takes usability a step further with the addition of a "Save Position" button on the tool that allows users to set waypoints manually without using the robot's teach pendant. The Sander software comes with different path-planning options -- handguide, shape, and points -- and allows users to adjust the rotation speed, optimizing cycle time and consistency.

"OnRobot Sander is a versatile sanding tool that provides all the features and benefits our customers expect of automated sanding technology, but without all the hassle and cost traditionally associated with automated sanding tools," says Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot.

The Sander supports flat, curved, and uneven part geometries and comes with replaceable standard pads that can be used on a wide range of materials. Adding a force/torque sensor enables the sander to adapt to surface variations or part misalignment, while improving consistency and quality and reducing scrap rate. All of the advanced features of the OnRobot Sander are supported on Universal Robots cobots, but the tool is easily integrated with any major robot brand.

The Sander is a lightweight solution (2.64-lb with pad) that combines the power of its durable, reliable, and long-life brushless electric motor (up to 10,000 rpm) with operating costs as little as 5% of that of competing pneumatic sanding systems. Traditional pneumatic sanding machines use external air compressors, which are very expensive and prone to leaks.

"At OnRobot we're seeing increased interest from companies that are completely new to robotics but are looking for ways to supplement existing labor through automation. These companies are looking for simple, user-friendly solutions, like OnRobot Sander, that can be easily deployed on a wide variety of tasks within each application domain," says Iversen.

Learn more at https://onrobot.com/en/products/onrobot-sander.

Source: OnRobot

Published September 2020

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