A Performance Comparison of Force Compliance Approaches in Cobot-Driven Sheet Metal Deburring
摘要
Deburring sheet metal parts is a complex finishing process that necessitates continuous monitoring of cutting forces and edge positioning, especially when performed by robots. This task can be facilitated using external tools, including standalone force compliance systems, external force and torque sensors, and pneumatic compliance End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT). Although standalone systems and force sensors offer high force measurement accuracy, they tend to be expensive and may require extensive programming for effective integration. Force sensors facilitate active compliance by enabling continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments, while pneumatic tools provide passive compliance by controlling air pressure to maintain consistent contact forces, making their performance dependent on the quality of the pressure regulator used. Despite their advantages, the integration of additional tools often leads to higher investment costs. In contrast, the built-in force compliance flange sensor of collaborative robots (cobots) may have lower force measurement accuracy, yet it eliminates the need for additional integration. This paper presents a comparison of deburring results obtained using the built-in UR5e cobot force compliance system against a simple Vertical Force Compliance Tool (VFCT) that offers passive compliance similar to pneumatic tools but is easier to study and integrate. A series of straight edge 6061 Aluminum 0.0625″ thick samples were tested to analyze the surface roughness of the edges. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for tool selection and process parameters to enhance the deburring process performance.