Automation is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern production processes, as businesses increasingly turn to robotic technologies to streamline operations and reduce production times, while ensuring a consistently high-end product.
Mirka is seeing a significant change in surface finishing, which traditionally was a labour-intensive process. Due to the advances in automation in terms of tools and technology, higher quality finishes, improved workplace safety, and greater operational efficiency are being achieved. Taking the example of sanding, manual operations are physically demanding, repetitive, and difficult to standardise across large production volumes. In addition, there are variables such as operator technique, fatigue, and production pressures that can all impact the result.
Automated sanding systems are being installed to help overcome these challenges by delivering precise and repeatable performance day after day. Robotic solutions and the programmes used ensure there is consistent pressure, speed, and movement throughout the sanding process. This, in turn, leads to uniform surface quality while reducing costly reworks that would eat into the margins of a job and create material waste.
Alongside this, there are additional benefits that automation brings to the table such as increased throughput, optimised labour resources and a safer working environment, as the operator is not exposed to dust, vibration, and repetitive strain injuries.
With automated processes, the operation relies on more than just the robot itself; it relies on abrasives, tooling, dust extraction, and software integration working in harmony to achieve optimal performance. From Mirka’s side of the process, this is highlighted in a number of ways. The first is that its range of robotic tools are lightweight, with a compact design that reduce strain on robotic arms, while maintaining the performance required for demanding industrial applications.
The second is the breadth of Mirka’s abrasive portfolio that enables manufacturers to achieve faster material removal rates, improved surface quality, and less downtime as abrasives need to be changed with less frequency.
The final one is Mirka’s dust-free sanding expertise, which helps manufacturers minimise airborne particles, improve workplace cleanliness, and protect both the equipment and operators from the particles.
As we look to the future, we know that automation, robotics and processes will continue to evolve. What Mirka’s team of technical experts is seeing on the ground is that companies are looking for a complete solution for automated manufacturing processes. To meet this demand, the company’s AIROS line-up includes both sanding and polishing heads in a range of sizes and dimensions.
In addition, the developments in the line-up have opened doors to new business, and Mirka is constantly looking to evolve the offering, with the help of the R&D team, ensuring the needs and requirements of the users are met and exceeded.
Alongside the tools, Mirka is seen as a reliable partner for several reasons. The first is that the technical team is regularly talking to customers about their automated processes, so the right tool is provided for the job. The second, and probably most important, is Mirka’s product portfolio is constantly evolving based on new surfaces and processes that are being introduced.
Overall, the adoption of robotic sanding is no longer limited to large-scale manufacturers. Advances in automation technology, combined with greater accessibility and improved return on investment, are making automated solutions viable for a growing number of businesses.
