First steps towards an automated polishing process chain using one robot

Abstract

Manufacturing precision optics is a complex process chain, which requires many operations on different machines. This is combined with operator-dependent steps such as manual cleaning, loading and measuring. In order to realize this process chain on a smaller shop area and to achieve a higher level of automation we build an operator-independent polishing cell. In this cell, an ABB robot serves as the actuator handling the workpiece. We positioned the robot in the center of the polishing cell to operate several workstations, so the whole process chain works with one single actuator. This arrangement allows a smaller and cheaper system, since no additional handling is required.