Article From: 5/8/2007 Production Machining
ATI Industrial Automation offers the VersaFinish, an axially compliant finishing tool designed for automated operations on aluminum, plastics, steels and other materials. The low-speed, high-torque tool features a “floating” motor and a spindle arrangement that is engineered to provide the finishing tip with the axial compliance needed to perform consistently on irregular part patterns. Mounted to a robot or CNC machine, the tool is equipped with a vane-type air motor with gear reduction.
It uses remotely adjusted air pressure to control and maintain the constant axial force on the floating spindle, allowing users to compensate for deviations in the part’s profile. The rotating spindle’s 3/8" chuck can hold a variety of finishing devices, including abrasive and wire brushes, sanding disks, polishing points, chamfering tools and more. Spindle speed is 2,600 rpm, and the compliance force ranges from 3.2 to 16.7 lbs at air supply pressures ranging from 5 to 60 psi. The axial motion of the spindle allows fast, simple programming in robotic applications, the company says. Optional sensing devices can detect spindle speed and forward and retracted spindle positions, and all units feature a forward sensor that detects the tool’s engagement with the workpiece.
