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Top 5 Reasons to Automate with Material Removal Robots

Material removal applications are often necessary in manufacturing in order to finish or shape a product. They include grinding, cutting, de-burring, de-flashing, sanding, polishing, milling, and buffing. These processes have a reputation for being tedious, repetitive, and erroneous. Fortunately, advancements in robotic technology has led to the automation of material removal applications with robots, helping manufacturers to overcome the challenges associated with these processes. Below is a list of the top five reasons manufacturers are forgoing manual labor for automation with material removal robots.

Reduce Material Waste

One of the biggest issues with manual material removal processes is it is very error prone. Workers lack the accuracy needed to remove precise amounts of material from a workpiece. This results in the scrapping of large amounts of materials and high production costs. Implementing material removal robots helps manufacturers significantly reduce wasted materials and keeps costs in check. They are programmed to remove only the excess material needed and nothing more. In addition, material removal robots operate with a high level of repeatability, so every part has the same amount of material removed, unlike manual removal which lacks consistency. The pinpoint accuracy of the FANUC M-710ic/50 makes it popular choice for manufacturers looking to automate their material removal processes.

Improve Cycle Times

Speeding up cycle times is key to helping manufacturers see a healthy bottom line. The longer it takes to produce a product the more money it will likely cost the manufacturer. Material removal robots operate at much faster speeds than humans. The Yaskawa Motoman MH50 can polish the surface of a part in half the time than if it were done manually. Industrial robots are programmed to move from part to part without hesitation. This allows for higher productivity as more parts are moved through material removal processes at faster rates, resulting in lower cycle times.

Improve Worker Safety

Material removal applications can be hazardous to workers. They may be exposed to toxic dust or fumes that can have adverse effects on their health. The repetitive nature of material removal jobs along with the operation of heavy machinery can lead to extreme fatigue or injury to the worker. This can be costly to companies in time, employee morale, and monetarily. Replacing workers with material removal robots eliminates these issues. An ABB IRB 4400-45 can handle repetitive cutting processes without tiring or the risk of losing a limb, unlike with humans. Stoppages due to injury are eliminated and workers will be happier in more comfortable conditions.

Improve Product Quality

Producing high quality products should be of upmost importance to manufacturers. This helps to retain customers and increase sales. However, turning out consist high quality products can be difficult with manual material removal. Workers lack the capability to repeat these processes with the precision and accuracy needed for quality. By automating with robots, products will always meet high standards since robots are programmed for repeatable accuracy. By integrating a FANUC R-2000ib/125L manufacturers can rest assured all products are uniform and meet the highest quality standards.

Reduce High Turnover Rates

Material removal jobs have a high turnover rate. Workers become burnt out from the repetitive and laborious work. It can be challenging for companies to find workers to fill vacant positions as they require great skill but are lowering paying. Automating with material removal robots eliminates the headaches associated with high turnover. Operations will always be productive and allow for businesses growth.


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