Page 12 - MetalForming March 2020

Post-Processing
Flap Discs for Aggressive Stock Removal
Pferd showcased its Polifan Z SG Power Steelox flap discs for aggressive stock removal at FABTECH 2019, and announced the addition of a 6-in. (Type 29) disc in 40 and 60 grit, in 7⁄8-in. arbor and 5⁄8—11 hub versions. The new flap disc, like others in the product family, maintains consistent performance throughout its life, with its Zirconia alumina Z abrasive handling demanding grinding work and delivering optimum stock removal on high- powered angle grinders, even at higher contact pressures, according to company officials.
The line of flap discs is specified for use on steel and stainless steel, and reportedly excels in work on weld seams, chamfering, blending and deburring. And, the line provides reduced vibration, noise and dust levels.
Pferd: www.pferd.com
Non-Woven Abrasive Discs
At FABTECH, Saint-Gobain Abrasives debuted Norton Rapid Prep XHD Coarse and Medium discs, made for aggressive-stock- removal and blending applications. The heavy-duty non-woven discs remove weld lines, weld splatter and weld discoloration, and blend surfaces in a single step.
XHD Coarse is ideal for surface blending on steels, while XHD Medium works well on softer metals/alloys. Compared with coated flap discs, users can save on labor and consumable costs by reducing application steps, according to company officials.
The Norton Rapid Prep XHD discs offer the combination of a conformable fiber matrix and premium ceramic grain, reportedly resulting in improved cut control and surface blending over traditional coated flap and fiber discs. A blended fiber web helps increase product life and maximize shape integrity by dissipating workpiece debris. In addition, the Norton Clean Bond resin system prevents smearing and produces a controlled wear rate.
Saint-Gobain Abrasives: www.nortonabrasives.com
The preconfigured automated weld-grinding system features a 3M Servo Rotary Tool, the motor that spins the abrasive discs. The tool, featuring and automatic tool changer and available with 3 or 5 hp, can be programmed to select and maintain speeds to optimize abrasive performance.
The 3M Active Compliant Force Tool gives the ready2_grind its “human touch,” attaching to the robot arm and allowing the Servo Rotary Tool and abrasive to maintain contact with the workpiece surface at a specific force or pressure. The system also includes the 3M Abrasive Starter Kit, with four options for grinding carbon or stainless steel.
With the system, users also receive two days of 3M application engineering support to provide proof of concept and abrasive- process recommendations, access to the 3M Customer Abrasives Methods Center-Robotics Lab, and on-call service provided by Kuka.
Kuka Robotics: www.kuka.com 3M: www.3m.com
Automated Weld-Grinding System
Kuka Robotics at FABTECH displayed ready2_grind, an auto- mated weld-grinding system combining Kuka and 3M tech- nologies. The system includes a six-axis Kuka KR 60 robot with control panel, 3M grinding components and abrasives, critical hardware and software, and the support of 3M and Kuka system integrators.
10 MetalForming/March 2020
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