Automate complex surface polishing by recording the tool path with a UR robot and an FT-300 using the Active Drive Toolbar. The demonstrated workflow covers both flat and complex surfaces, allows speed adjustment after the initial run, and supports reversing a recorded path.
Application Scope and Evidence Limits
The available demonstrations show path recording over a flat plane and a complex shape. They establish that the recorded motion can be replayed, accelerated after the first run, and reversed. They do not provide force settings, speed values, polishing-tool specifications, safety limits, controller versions, or acceptance tolerances; determine those items through the application risk assessment and process trials.
| Surface case | Supported programming action | Demonstrated adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Flat surface | Record and replay a path over a plane | Increase speed after the initial run |
| Complex shape | Record motion around the shape | Reverse the recorded path |
Record and Refine the Polishing Path
- Use the FT-300 and Active Drive Toolbar to guide the UR robot across the required polishing surface while recording the path.
- Run the recorded path once and observe whether the robot follows the intended surface coverage.
- For the flat-surface case, increase the replay speed only after evaluating the first run.
- For a complex shape, reverse the recorded path when the process requires travel in the opposite direction.
This approach reduces the need to repeatedly rotate a complex part merely to program access to its different sides. The evidence does not establish that every side will be reachable from one fixture orientation; confirm reach and coverage on the actual workpiece.
Apply the Workflow to Complex Geometry
Teach the motion directly along the required contour instead of constructing the entire complex path point by point. Path reversal can reuse the captured geometry for opposite-direction travel, but the evidence does not confirm whether polishing results remain identical in both directions.
Keep path programming separate from process qualification. Recording establishes robot motion; it does not, by itself, define acceptable contact force, abrasive behavior, finish quality, or safe operating speed.
Verify Before Production
Replay the recorded path and verify complete surface coverage, correct travel direction, adequate clearance, and an acceptable finish. After reversing the path or increasing speed, repeat the verification because either change can alter the observed polishing result even when the geometric path remains usable.
FAQ
How do I program a UR robot for a complex polishing surface?
Guide the UR robot over the required contour while recording the path with the FT-300 and Active Drive Toolbar, then replay the path and verify coverage on the actual part.
Can an FT-300 polishing path run in reverse?
Yes. The complex-shape demonstration shows the recorded path being reversed after its first run; verify clearance, coverage, and finish again after changing direction.
When should I increase the speed of a recorded polishing path?
Increase speed only after evaluating the initial run. The evidence supplies no speed value or limit, so qualify each change against the application’s safety and finish requirements.
