Robotic polishing of free-form surfaces using scanning paths

Hon-Yuen Tam, Osmond Chi-Hang Lui, Alberet C.K. Mok

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    135 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This paper presents the results obtained from an investigation of loose abrasive polishing of free-form surfaces using a robot. The focus is on polishing tool paths. From the viewpoints of surface roughness reduction without introducing undesirable surface waviness and time efficiency, a tool path should provide even coverage of the free-form surface during polishing. In this investigation, scanning paths are explored for polishing path generation. Effort has been made to enhance path evenness through pitch adaptation according to the changes in the surface slope, and through the selection of line spacing based on tool-size as well as surface-profile considerations. Also discussed is the use of scanning paths for continuous bi-directional scanning to facilitate the realization of continuous polishing. The effectiveness of the resulting paths has been verified by experiments in which mirror-like surface finishes were obtained when a free-form surface was polished by a robot following such a scanning path.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)191-200
    JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology
    Volume95
    Issue number1-3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 1999

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