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Robotic solution · Gist Point

Robotic sanding and polishing for locks

Locks with clean edges and even finish, without depending on the operator's hand.

Ideal for: Lock and security hardware manufacturers with repeatable series.

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  • Uniform finish on small parts
  • Less rework from marks and edges
  • Repeatable fixturing and controlled reference changes

What it includes

What a cell comes with

Robot and fixturing

Dedicated fixturing for bodies, shackles, cylinders and keys.

Sanding and polishing tool

Belts, brushes or polishers depending on material and finish.

Force control

Stable pressure on small parts and visible edges.

Extraction and safety

Dust capture and enclosure for safe loading.

What it is for

What gets automated

Locks combine small parts, visible edges and finishes that cannot show marks. The cell is designed around fixturing, tool access, force control and dust extraction. The finish is defined with a sample and validated in a part trial.

  • Brass, zamak or steel lock bodies
  • Shackles, cylinders and keys
  • Deburring, sanding, polishing and satin finishing
  • Finishes before nickel, chrome or paint
  • Series with several sizes and references

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 locks

Finishing cell with several robots (reference image)
Finishing cell with several robots (reference image)
Polishing head on a part (reference image)
Polishing head on a part (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 lock or its components repeat in series.
  2. 02The current finish can be shown with a reference part.
  3. 03The part can be held without marking visible faces.
  4. 04The tool can reach edges, shackles and cavities.
  5. 05Volume justifies the fixturing and setup.
  6. 06Dust and compounds can be captured and managed.

Clear expectations

What it can and cannot do

Not sure it is worth automating? Consulting

It can

  • Repeat the same finish across small-part batches.
  • Combine deburring, sanding and polishing in one sequence.
  • Change references with defined fixtures and programs.

It cannot (without help)

  • Work one-off parts that never repeat.
  • Replace an artisan finish that depends on visual judgment.
  • Avoid consumable and fixture maintenance.

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 AIR4-560 industrial robotAIR4-560AIR desktop series · 4 kg payload · 560 mm reachView datasheetPeitian 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 datasheet
Used inRobots for the metalworking industry

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which lock parts can be automated?

Bodies, shackles, cylinders and keys with repeatable geometry. The part trial defines the fixturing and achievable finish.

How are such small parts held?

With dedicated fixtures, indexing tables or multi-cavity plates. Fixturing is designed so the part does not move or get marked.

Can sanding and polishing be done in the same cell?

Yes, with suitable tools and consumables and a defined stage sequence. If dust or compounds are incompatible, stations are separated.

How is finish quality controlled?

With a reference sample, visual inspection and, where applicable, gloss or roughness measurement. Criteria are agreed before commissioning.

Is dust extraction integrated?

Yes. Capture and enclosure are part of the cell, along with system maintenance.

What data do you need to assess my lock?

A part or sample, material, required finish, monthly volume, photos and the current acceptance criteria.

Do you work with brass, zamak and steel?

Yes. Material drives tooling, force, speed and extraction; it is validated in the part trial.

Can we start with a trial before investing?

Yes. A part trial is the recommended step to confirm finish, fixturing and feasibility before quoting the full cell.

Guides

Guides on robotic sanding and polishing for locks

View all guides
Industrial robot polishing a metal partCosts · 7 minHow much does robotic polishing cost?Read guideIndustrial robot polishing a metal partVision · 6 minMachine vision in robotic polishingRead guideRobotic gantry installed in an industrial plantProgramming · 9 minTeaching-free robots: what it means and what remainsRead guide

Other solutions

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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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