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Robotic solution · Gist Point

Robotic sanding and polishing for hardware

Hardware with the same sanding and polishing on every part, without fatigue or operator variation.

Ideal for: Manufacturers of levers, plates, rosettes, hinges and pulls.

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  • Consistent finish on varied-geometry parts
  • Less fatigue and variation than manual sanding
  • Controlled fixturing and consumables

What it includes

What a cell comes with

Robot and modular fixturing

Repeatable fixturing for flat and curved parts.

Tooling and abrasives

Belts, brushes or polishers depending on finish.

Force and wear control

Stable pressure and consumable-change strategy.

Dust extraction

Capture and enclosure for safe loading.

What it is for

What gets automated

Hardware combines curved shapes, edges and flat surfaces in the same part. The cell is defined by fixturing, tool access, force control and abrasive wear. The finish is validated with a sample and a part trial before quoting.

  • Levers, plates, rosettes and pulls
  • Hinges and decorative hardware
  • Polishing, satin finishing and brushing
  • Preparation for chrome or coating
  • Series with several sizes and finishes

Comparison

Finishes and what each stage controls

The specification is defined with a sample and validated in a part trial. No finish is promised without seeing the real part.

CriterionWhat it controlsWhere it is used
DeburringEdge, burr and radiusCasting, machining and cutting
SandingGrain, scratches and flatnessPreparation for polishing, paint or lacquer
Satin finishingGrain direction, Ra and glossStainless steel, aluminum and brass
Mirror polishingGloss, micro-scratches and cleanlinessFaucets, hardware and instruments
ValidationSample, Ra/gloss and acceptance criteriaBefore quoting the cell

In detail

What defines the cell

Force and path control

The difference between polishing and marking the part is pressure. The cell controls force, speed and tool orientation over the real geometry.

  • Stable pressure on flat and curved surfaces.
  • Paths adapted to the part, not a generic recipe.
  • Compensation for small part variation.
  • Sample validation before production.

Abrasives and consumables

The abrasive defines cut and finish. The cell needs a wear, change and verification strategy, not just a program.

  • Grits, belts, brushes or compounds depending on the stage.
  • Tool life and wear compensation.
  • Consumable change and usage record.
  • Consumption impact on cost per part.

Fixturing and holding

A part that moves cannot be polished repeatably. Fixturing is designed to hold without marking visible faces and to allow reference changes.

  • Dedicated or modular fixturing depending on the part.
  • Tool access to edges, curves and cavities.
  • Reference change with defined time and method.
  • Protection of delicate surfaces.

Dust extraction

Dust and compounds are part of the process. Capture protects quality, equipment and the operator.

  • Capture at the working zone.
  • Enclosure and safe access for loading and unloading.
  • Maintenance and filter changes.
  • Compound and waste handling.

Part trial

Without a published case, validation is done with a real part. The trial compares finish, fixturing, cycle and rework before quoting the cell.

  • We receive the part or a representative sample.
  • We define the finish with a reference sample.
  • We test tooling, force, path and extraction.
  • We document the result with photos and criteria.

To assess

What we need to assess your part

Send my case
  1. 01Part or representative sample.
  2. 02Material and required finish.
  3. 03Photos or drawing and visible areas.
  4. 04Monthly volume and batch size.
  5. 05Current tolerance and acceptance criteria.
  6. 06Available space, safety and extraction.

Visual reference

Cell and fixturing for hardware

Part handling for finishing (reference image)
Part handling for finishing (reference image)
Finishing cell with several robots (reference image)
Finishing cell with several robots (reference image)

Before you ask

Does your part qualify?

If your part meets these points, it is a candidate. Send us the drawing or a photo and we confirm it with a simulation.

Request a part trial
  1. 01The hardware repeats in series or regular batches.
  2. 02The finish can be shown with a sample.
  3. 03The part can be held without marking visible faces.
  4. 04The tool can reach curves, edges and cavities.
  5. 05Fixture change time is compatible with the batch.
  6. 06Dust can be captured and the operator can load safely.

Clear expectations

What it can and cannot do

Not sure it is worth automating? Consulting

It can

  • Sand, polish and satin finish varied-geometry parts.
  • Reduce variation between operators and shifts.
  • Combine stages in the same cell.

It cannot (without help)

  • Work single-unit batches without justifying fixturing.
  • Replace an unspecified artisan finish.
  • Avoid periodic abrasive changes.

What it takes

Robots and models for this application

What makes a robot industrial6-axis industrial robotsCobot (collaborative robot): what it is and when it fits
Peitian AIR7-920 industrial robotAIR7-920AIR desktop series · 7 kg payload · 920 mm reachView datasheetPeitian AIR10-1210 industrial robotAIR10-1210AIR desktop series · 10 kg payload · 1210 mm reachView datasheetPeitian AIR20-1700 industrial robotAIR20-1700AIR series (6-axis) · 20 kg payload · 1702 mm reachView datasheetPeitian AIR35-1700 industrial robotAIR35-1700AIR series (6-axis) · 35 kg payload · 1702 mm reachView datasheet
Used inRobots for the automotive industryRobots for the metalworking industry

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which hardware parts can be robot-sanded and polished?

Levers, plates, rosettes, hinges and pulls with repeatable geometry. The part trial confirms fixturing and finish.

How are curved parts held?

With dedicated or modular fixtures and supports that do not mark visible faces. Fixturing is validated with the real part.

Can sanding and polishing be done in the same cell?

Yes, with suitable tools and consumables and a defined stage sequence. Extraction is sized for the dust generated.

How is abrasive wear controlled?

With force and speed parameters, part inspection and a consumable-change strategy.

Is dust extraction integrated?

Yes. Capture and enclosure are part of the cell scope.

What data do you need to assess my hardware?

Part or sample, material, finish, volume, reference mix and photos or drawing.

Is it suitable for small batches?

It depends on repeatability and fixture change time. It is assessed with real volume and reference mix.

Can we start with a trial?

Yes. A part trial is the recommended step before defining the full cell.

Guides

Guides on robotic sanding and polishing for hardware

View all guides
Industrial robot polishing a metal partCosts · 7 minHow much does robotic polishing cost?Read guideIndustrial robot handling a flat metal partPolishing · 5 minRobotic polishing of musical instrumentsRead guideIndustrial robot polishing a metal partVision · 6 minMachine vision in robotic polishingRead guide

Other solutions

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Industrial robot welding a metal partRobotic weldingIdentical welds on every part, shift after shift, without depending on the welder's hand.Industrial robot set up for welding inside a cellSpot welding robotSpot welds in the exact place and with the same pressure, part after part.Robotic welding gantry with the welding arc litRobotic arc weldingRobotic MIG/MAG and TIG welding with even beads and less rework.

Next step · Gist Point

Want to automate this process?

Send us photos or a video of the part and the process, and we will tell you whether and how to automate it.

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