AWFS News
Small Robots Take Up Hand Sanding and Wood Finishing
By Bill Esler
Biesse_Opera-R-sander.jpg

Biesse put a small Fanuc robot to work in its Opera R to hand sand doors and parts with a conventional hand-held orbital hander. It sands like a woodworker would, swapping out orbital sanders, selecting a square sander for getting into the corners on a recessed cabinet door panel, then selecting a round orbital sander to the rails and stiles, just as a human operator would. (photo below)

Prime Heat Inc. (video above) UV cures varnishes on already completed cabinets and furniture, navigating all around the shape of the furniture to dry the varnish, getting all the nooks and crannies. Read more: http://bit.ly/1LHU7iY

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

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