MACHINES AND ROBOTS FOR
POLISHING, BUFFING AND BRIGHTENING

What is it

Metal Buffing and Polishing Machines

Polishing is that surface finishing process that allows to obtain increasingly reduced roughness until giving the object a reflective effect, offering smooth and shining surfaces.

The polishing process can have a dual purpose:

Aesthetic polishing

for components requiring polished surfaces solely for their reflective and polished appearance. Components of this type are accessories for furniture, aesthetics elements for automotive and much more.

Functional polishing

dedicated to those components that due to their mechanical application require extremely reduced roughness. In this case polishing is required by their function. Typical examples are found in components for automotive.

Automated robotic buffing machines

Buffing is a finishing process designed to produce a smooth, shiny surface on materials like metal, plastic, or wood. As the last operation in the production sequence, buffing enhances the product’s final appearance and quality, but any mistake can potentially render it defective and waste all prior work.

Robotic buffing automates the process by using robotic arms equipped with buffing wheels and compounds. Unlike manual buffing, it doesn’t rely on the operator’s skill or fatigue, ensuring consistent, mirror-like, and uniform finishes.

Eliminate costly post processing retouches

Variability in pressure, angle, and technique during manual buffing, along with operator fatigue, can lead to uneven finishes. Manual methods may also introduce or fail to remove small scratches and blemishes, often necessitating additional touch-ups to ensure consistency and meet quality standards.

Robotic buffing applies consistent pressure and follows precise paths, ensuring uniform finishes and reducing the likelihood of defects. Some robotic systems are equipped with sensors and vision capabilities to detect and correct imperfections in real-time, preventing minor defects from becoming major issues.

Consistent quality, even on different shapes

Buffing complex shapes, intricate details, or hard-to-reach areas can be challenging with manual methods, often requiring additional work to achieve an uniform finish. Variations in material properties also demand different techniques and attention.

Robotic buffing systems can be programmed to follow specific paths tailored to each product’s shape, ensuring the buffing wheel contacts the surface at the optimal angle and pressure. These robots can make real-time adjustments for shape variations, ensuring consistent finishes. They can also be equipped with various buffing tools and attachments that adapt to different shapes and contours.

Additionally, some systems can automatically switch tools to match specific requirements, ensuring the right tool is used for each part of the product.

Type of processing

Polishing process it’s a more delicate process than grinding, less aggressive abrasives are applied. Typically cotton wheels or brushes are used, Sisal or impregnating Tampico with solid or liquid compound.
The Arcos’ automated systems offer the latest generation of automatic dispensers for the dosing of solid and liquid compound.

polishing and finishing

Case studies for polishing/buffing/brightening

Watch the video

Rotary table for polishing high-fashion components and accessories

The rotary table system for processing high-fashion components and accessories allows the polishing of various items. The system adapts to different object sizes and shapes.

...

Features > Request information >

Watch the video

Robotic system for polishing aluminum furniture components

The Robotic System enables automatic polishing of aluminum furniture components. The system features fully automatic component loading and unloading.

...

Features > Request information >

Watch the video

Automotive: robotic system for roof rail polishing

Robotic cell for polishing roof rails-luggage carriers. The process performed is capable of delivering 100% complete finishing, eliminating the need for manual post-processing touch-ups.

...

Request information >

ARCOS MACHINES

Recommended machines for polishing/buffing/brightening

ROBOTISED SYSTEMS

Robotic work cells for surface finishing. Polishing, deburring and much more: Perfect for literally any material. The extreme simplicity of use and versatility have made robotic systems the best answer for every finishing problem.

Discover more

CONTINUOUS ROTARY TABLES

Continuous revolving tables for polishing. An ideal solution in the case of production of many pieces, with simple and symmetrical shapes like rosettes, cylinders, knobs, handles etc.

Discover more

INDEXED-CNC ROTARY TABLES

Snapping rotary table and CNC for polishing . Ideal machine for large quantities and for processing of pots, cookware, flat buckles, lids etc. With the introduction of CNC it is possible to combine high productivity even with medium-complex pieces.

Discover more

MANUAL MACHINES

Arcos manual machines for satin finishing of metal. Cleaning machines, polishing machines and manual grinders set at two speeds with or with an inverter, these are equipped with full safety control systems.

Discover more