Benefits of Robotic Coating

Coating applications involve applying substrates, powders, sealants, or other finishes to the interior or exterior of workpieces in order to protect or seal them. Coating processes can be repetitive, time consuming, and hazardous which is why many manufacturers have opted to automate them with industrial robots. Coating robots are built with explosion proof arms and can control coating parameters such as air flow, fluid flow, and voltage. These features of the FANUC Paint Mate 200ia/5L along with other coating robots ensure complete optimization. Implementing robotic coating provides a number of benefits and will significantly improve the process overall.

• • More Efficient - Robotic coating is more efficient than manual methods. FANUC paint robots can apply coatings with a single pass as opposed to two or more with manual methods. Cycle times are reduced as less time is needed to coat each workpiece. The controlled movements of industrial robots mitigate errors along with their ability to manage all aspects of spray parameters. Workpieces can be completed in less time using less material than manual coating.


• • Less Waste - With the programmed control of robots along with the control of spray parameters, wasted materials are significantly reduced. Coating robots are accurate and precise ensuring the correct amount of coating is applied to each part. With manual coating it is difficult to regulate and control materials with issues such as overspray, dripping, and rework being common. These are all eliminated by automating coating with robots.


• • Minimize Environmental Footprint - Robotic coating can help manufacturers minimize their environmental footprint. With less waste there are fewer harmful or hazardous substances to cleanup and dispose of. VOC volumes are lower and fewer coating substances are sprayed into the environment with robot accuracy. Articulated robots are also more energy efficient. All of these factors help reduce the number of pollutants caused by coating applications.


• • Mitigates Hazards - Not only can coating processes be harmful to the environment, but they can also be hazardous to humans. Many coating substances contain harmful chemicals, fumes, or flammable gases that can pose safety or health risks to workers. Coating robots allow for a safer work environment by removing workers from being exposed to coating substances. Robots are not subject to the health and safety risks of coating applications. Their explosion proof arms ensure they can safely and effectively automate coating.


• • Improves Quality - The accuracy and programmed control of spray parameters in robotic coating improves quality. Coatings are applied evenly to every workpiece ensuring no spots are missed. Parts will be completely protected from corrosion or premature wear. Manual coating is inconsistent and error prone which can negatively impact the overall quality of the part.


• • Reduces Costs - Overall costs can be reduced by automating coating with a FANUC coating robot. The reduction of errors saves the amount coating substances used which reduces material costs. The accuracy of robots ensures the correct amount of coating is applied, also helping to keep materials costs down. Automating coating reduces labor costs as less workers are needed. Fewer utilities are consumed as robots are energy efficient. Reducing costs help manufacturers expand their profit potential.