In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of using painting robots and their applications in various industries. Additionally, we'll guide you through the process of sourcing the right paint robot for your needs.

Painting Robots: Benefits, Applications, and Sourcing Tips

Klajd Lika | Bota Systems

A perfect paint job is an excellent indicator of a high-quality manufactured product. But achieving a flawless coating isn't easy — especially in high-volume production. That's where painting robots come in.

Whether you want to enhance the quality of your products, accelerate production times, or create a safer working environment, paint robots offer many benefits that can transform your facility. 

In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of using painting robots and their applications in various industries. Additionally, we'll guide you through the process of sourcing the right paint robot for your needs.

 

What Is a Painting Robot? 

Imagine a tireless worker with a mechanical arm capable of wielding a paint sprayer with unparalleled precision and speed. That's essentially what a painting or spraying robot is. 

Spraying robots are equipped with advanced automation technology and are programmed to follow precise paths and apply paint with remarkable consistency. 

Whether you want to paint delicate furniture pieces or large automotive parts, spray painting robots can paint various surfaces.

 

Benefits of Painting Robots

Spray painting robots offer various benefits that go beyond automated painting. Here are some of the benefits of integrating robotic painting into your operations:
 

1. Unmatched Consistency 

Regardless of their experience and expertise, human painters can experience slight variations in the painting technique, leading to inconsistencies in the paint finish. Painting robots aren't susceptible to the same issue. They can replicate the same motions with unparalleled precision, ensuring every product is coated evenly.

They can replicate the same motions often with sub-millimeter accuracy because they rely on pre-programmed instructions that guide brush strokes, paint application thickness, and spray patterns.

This consistency eliminates the need for paint reworks due to paint runs, sags, or incomplete coverage, enhancing the finish of manufactured products and customer satisfaction.

 

2. Enhanced Efficiency

Unlike human painters who work at variable speeds and require breaks, painting robots can operate at constant speeds, tirelessly. Additionally, spray paint robots paint faster than human workers, with some sophisticated models of painting surfaces at top speeds of up to 1000mm/sec. That's exceptionally faster than human painters.

These capabilities translate to increased production output, allowing you to meet tight deadlines and fulfill large orders easily.

 

3. Minimized Waste

Traditional painting methods often involve overspray, resulting in wasted paint and increased costs. Spraying robots are programmed for precise application, minimizing overspray and ensuring paint only reaches intended areas. 

As a result, paint robots reduce paint waste by up to 30% while promoting sustainability by decreasing the environmental impact of manufacturing. 

 

4. Improved Worker Safety

Working with paints can expose workers to hazardous fumes and chemicals. Painting robots eliminate this concern. They can handle harmful materials without risk of exposure, creating a safer workplace for your employees. 

Additionally, paint robots can access hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for workers to maneuver into potentially dangerous positions.

The safety features robots have can improve your teams’ satisfaction, as over nine out of ten employees consider physical safety a top priority within the workplace.

Additionally, enhanced safety can make your organization a more attractive employer, as nearly eight out of ten individuals are more likely to join or stay with a company that prioritizes workplace safety.

 

5. Improved Flexibility and Scalability

Painting robots aren't one-size-fits-all machines. You can program them to perform various painting tasks. Whether you want to paint small intricate parts or large objects, there's a paint robot suited to your needs. This adaptability allows you to adjust quickly to new product lines without significant downtime when reconfiguring your production line.

Furthermore, scaling up production becomes easier — you can simply add more robots to your production line to match increased demand.

 

6. Reduced Labor Costs and Training Requirements

While the cost of industrial robots has steadily declined over the past two decades, they still cost thousands of dollars. Nonetheless, although the upfront cost of painting robots might appear steep, the potential for significant long-term savings is considerable.

By automating the painting process, you can reduce reliance on manual labor, potentially lowering your labor costs. For instance, one Chinese company ITOCHU Logistics reduced labor costs by over 50% by implementing robots into its workflow. 

Moreover, you can reduce the need for specialized training in painting techniques, as paint robots can handle complex tasks.

Uses of Painting Robots

Painting robots are used in various industries due to their exceptional versatility and precision. Here are some of the most common applications of paint robots:
 

Automotive Industry

Spray painting robots have been a staple in the automotive industry since the early 1980s. They are ubiquitous on many production lines, and automakers use them to apply paint to car bodies, hoods, doors, and other components.

For example, the Mazda Motor Corporation has used a unique vehicle body painting robot that moves horizontally and vertically to apply paint to vehicle components since the 1980s.

The precision of spray painting robots ensures uniform paint application, resulting in a flawless finish that's tough to achieve manually.

Furthermore, painting robots can easily handle complex shapes and surfaces of automotive parts, ensuring every surface is perfectly coated.

 

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry requires rigorous attention to detail during every stage of the manufacturing process, and painting isn't an exception. Aircraft components require specialized coatings for corrosion resistance, durability, and aerodynamic efficiency. 

Painting robots excel at this, applying critical coatings with unmatched precision and consistency. This accuracy is vital to the safety and performance of aircraft.

For instance, to enhance the accuracy and speed of the painting process, Boeing uses robot painters to paint its aircraft. The system is known as the Automated Spray Method (ASM), and the company acknowledges it's a massive improvement over human painters.

 

Furniture and Home Appliances

Paint robots have transformed the furniture industry, ensuring a consistent, high-quality finish on various furniture components, such as cabinets, beds, tables, chairs, and dressers. Their versatility has enabled manufacturers to switch between different materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic, with ease. 

Similarly, in appliance manufacturing, robots ensure a flawless finish on various appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens.

SRG Global Inc., headquartered in Warren, Michigan, employs over 50 painting robots to paint components for the household appliance and automotive industries.

 

Consumer Electronics

The consumer electronics industry is incredibly fast-paced, with manufacturers releasing new models of laptops, smartphones, and other electronics every so often. Robots can accommodate the rapid changes in production cycles by applying consistent, scratch-resistant coatings that are durable and attractive.

Xiaomi has a smart factory that almost entirely relies on robots to produce its smartphones, with an estimated annual production capacity of about 10 million devices.

 

Customized Applications

Beyond these industries, painting robots are also making inroads into other sectors like construction and healthcare.

In construction, paint robots are used to paint large structures like bridges, industrial tanks, and wind turbine blades. Their ability to access hard-to-reach areas and handle harsh environments makes them perfect for this application.

In the healthcare industry, robots ensure a sterile and evenly coated finish on delicate instruments.

Sourcing Painting Robots

Integrating painting robots into your production offers many benefits. But what should you consider before integrating them into your operation? Here's a guide to help you source the perfect paint robot for your needs:
 

Define Your Needs

First, determine what you need from a paint robot. Consider the size and complexity of the items you want painted, the types of paint or coatings you'll use, and the production volume. Understanding these requirements will help you narrow down the options and focus on robots suitable for your needs.

 

Research Robot Manufacturers

Once you determine your needs, scout potential manufacturers. Look for manufacturers with a proven track record producing robotic painting systems and those that offer support and service arrangements. 

Comparing different manufacturers will give you insight into the various products they offer, as well as pricing. Don't hesitate to request demonstrations or visit facilities to see the robots firsthand.

Some popular painting robot manufacturers include:

 

Consider Integration and Compatibility

You certainly don't want to purchase a robot that you can't integrate into your current production line or one that's incompatible with other equipment. So, consider how the paint robot will interface with other equipment and whether any modifications to your facility are necessary.

Bearing that in mind, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Payload capacity: This refers to the weight the robot's arm can handle. Ensure it can handle the weight of your materials and the paint applicator.

  • Reach: The robot's arm should be able to access all the areas you need to paint.

  • Programming ease: Consider how intuitive the robot's programming software is and whether your team might require extensive training to use the software.

 

Evaluate Training and Support

Look for manufacturers that offer comprehensive onboarding and continuous support. Effective training ensures your staff can fully leverage the capabilities of the painting robots while reliable support services minimize downtime and help resolve any issues quickly.
 

Consider Costs

The initial cost of purchasing and installing a painting robot can come at a substantial cost. However, the long-term benefits may make the initial investment worthwhile. 

If you want to integrate a spraying robot into your operations, weigh the cost of acquiring one against the potential cost savings.

 

Plan for the Future

Consider the scalability and flexibility of the painting robots. As your business grows, you might need to expand your production line. Choosing robots that you can adapt or upgrade will protect your investment and support your long-term business goals.

Force Torque Sensors for Paint Robots

In the realm of industrial automation, the integration of force torque sensors significantly enhances the capabilities of painting robots, further elevating the efficiency, precision, and adaptability of automated painting processes. 

These sensors provide real-time feedback on the forces and torques experienced by the robot's end-effector, allowing for adjustments to be made dynamically during the painting process. 

By incorporating force torque sensors, painting robots can achieve even greater consistency in paint application, ensuring uniform coverage across a variety of surfaces and geometries. 

Moreover, these sensors contribute to improved safety by enabling robots to detect unexpected collisions or obstacles, preventing damage to both the equipment and surrounding environment. 

As industries continue to embrace automation for enhanced productivity and quality, the integration of force torque sensors with painting robots emerges as a pivotal advancement, offering unprecedented levels of control and performance in automated painting applications.

 
 
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow
Bota Systems AG

Bota Systems AG

We give robots the sense of touch - Bota Systems' vision is for robots to work and move safely and as naturally and freely as human beings.​ As a developer and manufacturer of multi-axis force-torque sensors, torque sensors, and custom sensors, we strive to provide the best force-torque sensing solutions and user care experience. Our team of robotics, software and mechanical engineers continually develops highly-integrated and advanced sensors to support a wide range of applications.

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