ODENSE, Denmark -- OnRobot has launched OnRobot Sander, an all-electric random orbital sander for automated finishing applications, including sanding and polishing. Traditional sanding automation systems may require a background in robotics to implement and maintain.

With the launch of OnRobot Sander, manufacturers now have access to a complete out-of-the-box sanding tool that can be used with all major collaborative and lightweight industrial robots.

The complete OnRobot Sander package incorporates a plug-and-play sanding tool, a variety of standard sanding and polishing pads, programming software, an optional force/torque sensor and a grit changer that enables automated switching between different sanding grits without operator intervention.

Programming simple surface finishing applications can be done with the intuitive built-in software. OnRobot also has a Save Position button on the tool that allows users to set waypoints manually without using the robot’s teach pendant. The sander software comes with different path planning options, handguide, shape and points, and allows users to adjust rotation speed, optimizing cycle time and consistency.

OnRobot Sander supports flat, curved and uneven part geometries and comes with replaceable standard pads that can be used on a wide range of materials. Adding a force/torque sensor enables the sander to adapt to surface variations or part misalignment, while improving consistency and quality and reducing scrap rate. All of the advanced features of the OnRobot Sander are supported on Universal Robots cobots, but the tool can be integrated with any major robot brand.

OnRobot Sander is lightweight (2.64 lb with pad) and combines the power of its brushless electric motor power (up to 10,000 RPM) with operating costs reported to be lower than pneumatic sanding systems.

Sanding is often dirty and dangerous work that carries a range of potential health risks for workers, from the debilitating ‘white-finger syndrome’ caused by high vibration hand tools to lung damage caused by particulate matter. OnRobot Sander eliminates these risks and uses 3M clean sandpaper discs, which allow more dust to be extracted, thereby ensuring a safer environment for workers compared to competing systems.

“At OnRobot we're seeing increased interest from companies that are completely new to robotics but are looking for ways to supplement existing labor through automation. These companies are looking for simple, user-friendly solutions, like OnRobot Sander, that can be easily deployed on a wide variety of tasks within each application domain,” said Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot.

See www.onrobot.com