Optimization of the polishing procedure by using a robot assisted polishing equipment

Abstract: Nowadays, the polishing process is one of the most important steps of the manufacturing of moulds and dies. Occupying up to 40% of the total production time and cost, it is decisive for the final appearance and quality of a surface. Because of its complexity, the polishing is mainly carried out manually; and the final quality depends of the expertise of the operator. That is why an automation of the polishing process is necessary. The purpose of this project was to find out the optimized sequence of polishing for a Mirrax ESR steel (Uddeholm Tooling AB) using the Strecon RAP-200 (robot assisted polishing equipment). Using a Design of Experiment, the machine parameters were tested in order to better understand their influences and interactions. The report starts with a description of general polishing knowledge and ends up with the results from a Design of Experiment. The information from this test are a first step in the evaluation of the Strecon RAP-200. Even if many results have been found out, only four parameters have been tested, and to be able to optimize the polishing sequence, further studies need to be carried out.