Advancing Automation in Material Removal: Insights and Innovations

Automation has revolutionized modern manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, precision, and scalability. One significant area where automation has made a considerable impact is material removal. From sanding to grinding and deburring, advanced robotic solutions have transformed these traditionally manual and labor-intensive processes. ATI Industrial Automation, a leader in robotic automation accessories and robot arm tooling, has been at the forefront of these innovations. We delve into the evolution of material removal automation, the challenges and innovations in the field, and how companies can adapt to these technological advancements.

Background of ATI and the Evolution of Robotic Automation

Founded over three decades ago, ATI has built a solid reputation for its focus on developing robotic end effectors. The company's commitment to engineering and innovation has driven its success in creating a wide range of end effectors designed for various applications. From its inception, ATI has invested heavily in engineering, ensuring that its products meet the highest standards of quality and performance. This dedication to engineering excellence has enabled ATI to grow into a leading company in robotics, with a primary goal of ensuring customer satisfaction through exceptional products and services.

Insights from Industry Leadership

Robert Little, former President and General Manager of ATI, has played a pivotal role in the company's journey. Robert now serves as the Chief of Robotics Strategy for Novanta, Inc. (parent company of ATI). With a background in mechanical engineering, Bob has expanded his expertise to include electronics and software, embodying the interdisciplinary approach that ATI values. His journey at ATI began with a strong focus on engineering, but over time, he also mastered the business aspects of sales, marketing, and administration through hands-on experience and customer interactions. This blend of technical and business acumen has been instrumental in ATI's growth and success.

Material Removal Automation: Challenges and Innovations

Material removal processes, including sanding, grinding, deburring, and filing, have traditionally been seen as complex and challenging due to the variety of shapes and materials involved. Early on, ATI recognized the potential for robotic automation in deburring, a process that involves smoothing out the rough edges of metal parts. The company developed passive tools with engineered compliance, allowing robots to perform deburring tasks with precision. These tools could adjust to the contours of the parts, ensuring consistent results.

As the field of material removal automation evolved, ATI expanded its range of end effectors to cater to different feeds, speeds, and orientations required by various processes. The company's recent advancements in robotic sanding, for example, have built on its deburring expertise. ATI's engineers have designed tools that can handle the specific demands of sanding, ensuring high-quality finishes on diverse materials.

To further support its customers, ATI has established robotic laboratories worldwide. These labs allow customers to test their parts and processes using ATI's tools, ensuring that the solutions meet their specific needs. This hands-on approach helps customers optimize their material removal processes and achieve the best possible results.

Adaptation and Training in Robotic Automation

One of the significant challenges companies face when adopting new automation technologies is the need for a diverse skill set among their employees. Operators must be proficient in running automation systems, which often requires retraining workers who were previously performing manual tasks. This transition involves learning about maintenance, programming, and operation of robotic cells.

To facilitate this shift, many companies invest in education and training programs. These programs are designed to equip workers with the skills necessary to operate and maintain robotic systems effectively. As a result, employees can transition from manual labor to more technical roles, contributing to higher efficiency and productivity.

The importance of education and training cannot be overstated. As automation technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled operators will only increase. By investing in their workforce, companies can ensure that they remain competitive in an increasingly automated industry.

Industry-Specific Applications

Robotic automation has found applications across various industries, each with its unique challenges and requirements. One notable example is the use of automation in processing exotic materials like titanium. These materials require precise handling and specialized tools to ensure high-quality results. ATI's range of end effectors has been designed to meet these stringent requirements, enabling manufacturers to work with a broader range of materials.

The wood market is another industry where automation has made significant inroads. Initially, woodworking was not a primary focus for automation due to the perceived complexity and high costs. However, as the cost of automation technology has decreased and tools have become more user-friendly, more woodworkers are adopting robotic solutions. This shift is driven in part by rising labor costs, which make automation a more attractive option.

Automation in woodworking not only addresses labor costs but also improves the consistency and quality of the finished products. By automating tasks such as sanding and finishing, woodworkers can achieve uniform results that are difficult to replicate manually. This increased precision translates into higher-quality products and greater customer satisfaction.

In Conclusion...

The advancements and benefits of robotic automation in material removal are clear. From enhancing precision and consistency to reducing labor costs and expanding the range of materials that can be processed, automation has transformed this critical aspect of manufacturing. Companies like ATI have played a crucial role in driving these innovations, providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.

As the field of material removal automation continues to evolve, the importance of education and training will grow. By investing in their workforce and adopting the latest technologies, companies can stay ahead of the competition and continue to deliver high-quality products to their customers. The future of material removal is undoubtedly automated, and those who embrace these advancements will be well-positioned for success.

Check out the full CalTV episode here: Automation on Material Removal & Progress of New Product Development

Photo Credit: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.