Compliant Tool for Robotic Grinding and Finishing

The CGV-900 angle grinder has built-in compliance, allowing the tool to compensate for irregularities in part surfaces and maintain contact with a workpiece. Photo courtesy ATI Industrial Automation

ATI Industrial Automation has introduced the CGV-900 compliant angle grinder to provide an automated alternative to grinding and finishing by hand. The tool brings versatility to robotic grinding processes while reducing employee safety concerns.

The CGV-900 offers built-in compliance, allowing the tool to compensate for irregularities in part surfaces and maintain contact with a workpiece. The compliance force is adjustable, enabling engineers to fine-tune finishing processes in real time. The CGV-900 also provides position sensing data to help indicate media wear. This lets engineers establish media replacement intervals, eliminating unexpected rework and downtime. Additionally, the data can be used for process verification.

The angle grinder contains a governed, vane-style motor which provides a more consistent speed during grinding and finishing processes. This ensures an even finish throughout the contact path of the tool.

It is compatible with industry-standard grinding media, such as flap wheels, sanding discs and wire brushes that are commonly used with handheld grinding tools. Combining familiar grinding media with adjustable compliance force makes the compliant angle grinder a safe and efficient replacement for the dull, dirty, dangerous work of grinding by hand.

For more information on grinders, force sensors, tool changers and other robot accessories, click www.ati-ia.com or visit the company’s booth at The ASSEMBLY Show. ATI is one of many robotics suppliers that will be exhibiting at the show, which will take place Oct. 24-26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Besides suppliers of test systems, you’ll find 225 suppliers of automation, motion control technology, parts feeders, fastening tools, software and other assembly technologies. For more information, visit www.theassemblyshow.com.

John has been with ASSEMBLY magazine since February 1997. John was formerly with a national medical news magazine, and has written for Pathology Today and the Green Bay Press-Gazette. John holds a B.A. in journalism from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism.

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