Towards collaborative robotic polishing of mould and die sets

Abstract

Dies and moulds are fundamental elements in the manufacturing of a wide variety of products. The surface polishing of dies and moulds with complex features largely relies upon time-consuming manual work of skilled workers and, as a result of the diminishing availability of skilled people, has become the most costly step in the manufacturing system. Robot-assisted polishing (RAP) technology has been investigated as an alternative or supplement to the conventional manual polishing process in the manufacturing of dies or moulds because of its high efficiency, improved reliability and robustness. This paper presents the preliminary work investigating RAP as a collaborative technique to complete the major finish a die or mould. Including a brief review of current approaches and methodologies to support automated polishing. A classification of common feature types currently polished in moulds and dies, to allow targeted research on the most appropriate surfaces and functional relevant edges. A set of preliminary testing and analysis to allow the setting up robotic polishing parameters in order to reach a desired final roughness of the dies.