AFD1200 Series

The AFD1200 Wet Sander is part of the family of active force tools. As such is incorporates the same patented force control technology as the 1000 Series and 1100 Series. The AFD1200 packages this technology in a rugged, water-resistant tool with many innovative features.

Creating a very accurate, high-speed robotic wet sanding system. A system which will produce a consistent, high quality finish in a fraction of the time required by traditional manual wet sanding techniques.

Features:

Constant force regardless of tool orientation
Automatic acceleration compensation
Water resistant
Hydrostatic linear bearings (self-cleaning)
Integral sanding water supply
All fittings, fasteners and threaded holes are METRIC

SPECIFICATIONS:

Maximum applied force: 100 lb. (445 N)

Force resolution: ± 0.5 lb. (± 2.2 N)

Weight: 49 lb (22.2 kg)

Compliant stroke: 3.0 in. (76mm)

Mounting flange: Standard or user specified

hole pattern

Supply air: Dry 5µm filtered

Non-lubricated, 80-90 psi (5.5-6.2 Bar)

Supply water: Filtered, 60 psi (4.1 Bar) min.

Required controller: FCU1000

Specification subject to change without notice

U.S. Patent No. 5,448,146

The AFD1200 Wet Sander and FCU1000 Active Compliance Controller provide a superior robotic surface finishing system. The AFD1200 is an end of arm robotic tool specifically designed to perform wet sanding operations. The wet sander system enables a robot to manipulate an abrasive media over any countoured surface with an extremely precise, consistent, compliant force. This unique capability gives the robot the ability to excel in a traditionally expensive and inconsistent manual process. The wet sander coupled with a robot delivers results that are virtually impossible to duplicate with a manual operation.

To achieve this superior performance, the AFD1200 wet sander utilizes patented active force control technology (US Patent No. 5,448,146). This technology is realized through the use of a pneumatic actuator to provide the sanding force and a load-cell force sensor to provide closed-loop feedback to the FCU1000 controller. The pneumatic actuator provides the force and necessary compliance by moving the sanding motor along linear rods. These linear rods allow a 3.0 inch (76mm) stroke enabling the sanding pad to remain in contact with the part surface, and apply the correct force, regardless of any robot / part misalignment. Also, the AFD1200 contains an accelerometer that monitors the tool's spatial orientation and allows the unit to automatically compenste for gravitational and inertial effects to maintain the desired sanding force. Finally, a linear potentiometer, located within the pneumatic actuator, senses the position of the the wet sander motor along the linear rods.

The AFD1200 has several unique features to endure the harsh conditions found in a typical wet sanding environment. A primary feature of the AFD1200 is water-resistance, allowing the device to be washed down. The main linear bearings are hydrostatic and float on stainless steel linear rods using water pressure. This method has been chosen to resist rust and corrosion while maintaining the low friction required for precise force control. All of the electronics are sealed in the base housing to prevent any water contamination.

The AFD1200 is equipped with a variable speed servo motor. The motor is controllable over a -6200 to + 6200 rpm speed range. The servo motor is also equipped with an integral water feed-through to supply the wet sanding abrasive pad with flooding capability.

To control the AFD1200 wet sander the FCU1000 must be used. The FCU1000 contains a high-speed microprocessor executing proprietary control algorithms. The microprocessor controller provides several features including automatic motor weighing, automatic motor weight / gravity compensation, and automatic compensation of acceleration induced forces. To facilitate system integration, a remote host computer or PLC controller can be interfaced through high level communications including RS-232 serial, 24 VDC parallel, or analog interfaces.