Workpiece temperature as the key to greater efficiency

Innovative measuring method for optimising polishing processes

A new method makes it possible to measure all polishing parameters. The isolated analysis allows the influence of individual factors to be mapped so that polishing processes can be systematically optimised. This can be ideally illustrated using an example: The workpiece temperature has a decisive influence on the efficiency of the polishing process.

The most important findings at a glance:

1. New innovative process for inline measurement of all relevant polishing parameters
2. Precise determination of the performance differences between abrasives and polishing agents as well as the process settings
3. Sound decision-making aid for the development of polishing process designs based on measurement data
4. Identify opportunities for improvement and systematically optimise polishing processes
5. Development of customised polishing processes can be realised
6. Uncomplicated, cost-effective implementation through the use of standardised sample plates instead of original parts

Inline measurement for polishing processes as a sound decision-making aid

An innovative process approach now allows the inline measurement of all relevant polishing parameters in order to precisely determine differences in the performance of various abrasives and polishing agents. The same applies to the individual process settings. Based on this data, industrial companies can optimise their parameters in a targeted and well-founded manner; they receive a reliable decision-making aid for the development of polishing process designs. The new method can be used to visualise individual factors: the influence of the workpiece temperature on the efficiency of the polishing process is ideally suited as an example, but several factors have an influence on the polishing result. The most important factors are the material, the type and quantity of polishing agent, the polishing time, the contact pressure and the type of polishing tool. The ability to consider each of these parameters in isolation makes the complexity of automatic polishing processes manageable for the first time. Based on this data, the polishing processes can then be systematically optimised in the next step, for example by defining the optimum working temperature in the polishing process. The aim here is to find the temperature range with the best polishing results. The melting point of the polishing compound must be taken into account.

Latest measuring technology for polishing processes directly in the robot cell

The workpiece temperature can be determined precisely and reproducibly using inline measurement technology during the process - also depending on the contact pressure, for example. The cooling effect, the heating curves and the heat contribution of polishing wheels can be visualised and measured using a thermal imaging camera and manufacturer specifications can therefore be objectively evaluated. This makes it much easier to choose the right polishing tool. Standardised polished sample plates can be measured more accurately than ever before. This test setup offers the opportunity to analyse a large number of parameter combinations quickly and precisely. Individual parameters can also be varied while all others remain constant in order to directly measure the effects on the polishing result. This special process revolutionises the development of cost-effective polishing processes and products. Trial-and-error tests and subjective judgements are a thing of the past. Reliable and reproducible measurement data provide the basis for application engineers to develop customised polishing processes that optimise polishing results, cycle times, consumption values and polishing tools. The process creates a data-based decision-making aid for more economical polishing.

Conclusion: The development of customised polishing processes is only possible on the basis of reliable data. Corresponding measurement data is now provided by a new, innovative process that precisely determines the influence of individual parameters by analysing them in isolation. More economical polishing processes can thus be systematically developed on the basis of a test setup.