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<\/p>\nWe use aluminum robot parts for most of our robotics projects because they are lightweight, durable, and easy to fabricate. From robot arms to sensor housings, we require the highest level of precision.<\/p>\n
We always apply the right surface finishing methods after machining to remove marks and enhance the finish, durability, and protection against wear and corrosion. In this article, I’ll go over the best surface finishing methods for aluminum parts used in robots and when to use each.<\/p>\n
Surface finishing is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for the aluminum robot part’s performance and reliability.<\/p>\n
Robots are designed to move; their joints can spin thousands or even millions of times. They also have moving parts that can rub against each other in dusty, moist, and chemically filled environments. If we polish the aluminum robot parts properly, they will not corrode and will be smooth enough to allow the moving parts to slide against each other.<\/p>\n
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Not every finish suits every robotics application. Here are some considerations when choosing a finishing technique.<\/p>\n
Aluminum robot parts that are in continuous movement require finishes that can withstand friction and mechanical stress. These include:<\/p>\n
Industrial robots are exposed to:<\/p>\n
Corrosion protection is crucial in such environments.<\/p>\n
Robotic applications call for precise engineering. The addition of some coatings can adversely affect positive and negative overlaps. For such robotics components, I prefer finishing methods that do not compromise on precision.<\/p>\n
For consumer robotics and collaborative robots, the finishing technique is often central to the overall product design. Manufacturers use coloring finishes to:<\/p>\n
Surface finishes that allow for some electrical operation are essential to certain robotic components, such as:<\/p>\n
The surface finish in these components must ensure the required electrical properties.<\/p>\n
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Anodizing is among the most popular used finishes on aluminum robot parts<\/a>. It uses an electrochemical finishing method to create a layer of aluminum oxide that chemically becomes part of the base material and is therefore extremely durable. For robotic components, there are typically two forms of anodizing.<\/p>\n It is the most common type. It increases corrosion resistance, provides the ability to dye the oxidized layer, and is used for robot arm components, structural brackets, and cosmetic housings of robots.<\/p>\n Type III Anodizing produces a thicker, harder layer of aluminum oxide. This finish provides great durability and wear resistance and is used in robot joints that are subjected to heavy wear, as well as in moving parts and mechanisms of industrial robots.<\/p>\n Anodizing provides additional benefits to aluminum robot parts:<\/p>\n A process where glass beads are projected at high velocity against the aluminum surface to remove machine markings and create a uniform, matte finish. Bead blasting is commonly done prior to anodizing as part of the pre-treatment process in robotic manufacturing<\/a> before aluminum parts receive an anodized or coated finish.<\/p>\n Bead blasting is particularly good for:<\/p>\n Powder coating applies a dry powder to a metal surface. It is then heated to melt the powder into a protective and durable layer. Powder coating is a good surface finishing process for industrial robots used in harsh conditions, as it results in a thick and durable coating.<\/p>\n The polishing technique is used when an extremely smooth surface is desired. This technique eliminates small imperfections and mitigates surface roughness. In robotics, polishing is occasionally applied to components that necessitate a high surface quality for aesthetic purposes.<\/p>\n Polishing is best used for:<\/p>\n Some benefits of a polished surface are:<\/p>\n Chromate conversion coating is a chemical treatment that can be applied to aluminum. It differs from anodizing in that, whereas anodizing creates a thick oxide layer, chromate conversion coating forms a thin protective layer.<\/p>\n One of the main benefits of chromate conversion coating is that it preserves electrical conductivity. This property is very important for electronics in robots and other delicate components.<\/p>\n The mechanical brushing of the aluminum surface is the technique that creates a brushed finish. This technique leads to the formation of a pattern in the form of lines. Although the primary purpose of this technique is to make a component visually appealing, it is also possible for the technique to be used to enhance the grip on components that are designed to be handled.<\/p>\n Brushed aluminum is commonly used in:<\/p>\n The finish offers several advantages:<\/p>\n For components that experience heavy wear and tear from contact with other surfaces, we want to help maximize their service life while reducing maintenance, which is why we use hard anodizing or DLC coating.<\/p>\n We use hard anodizing on components that are continuously in contact with one another since it increases surface hardness and wear resistance over time.<\/p>\nTypes of Anodizing<\/h4>\n
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Bead Blasting<\/h3>\n
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Powder Coating<\/h3>\n
Applications for robot components:<\/h4>\n
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Advantages of Powder Coating<\/h4>\n
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Polishing<\/h3>\n
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Chromate Conversion Coating (Alodine)<\/h3>\n
Common uses in robotics:<\/h4>\n
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Brushed Finish<\/h3>\n
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Summary Table of Surface Finishes for Aluminum Robot Parts<\/h2>\n
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\n Finish<\/strong><\/td>\n Corrosion<\/strong><\/td>\n Wear<\/strong><\/td>\n Appearance<\/strong><\/td>\n Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n Use Case<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Anodizing<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n Matte\/color<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n General parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hard Anodizing<\/td>\n Very High<\/td>\n Very High<\/td>\n Dark<\/td>\n Higher<\/td>\n High-wear parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Bead Blasting<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Matte<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Pre-finish<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Powder Coating<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n High<\/td>\n Thick\/color<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n Frames \/ Covers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Polishing<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Smooth<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n Precision parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Chromate<\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Light Tint<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Electrical parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Brushed<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Textured<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n Decorative parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Best Finish for High-Wear Robot Components<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nHard Anodizing<\/h3>\n
Diamond-Like Coatings (DLC)<\/h3>\n
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