Problem

Earthbound additive manufacturing requires support structures to prevent sagging and deformation of overhanging geometries. Support removal is the most labour intensive part of AM post-processing. When accounting for surface witness removal it can make up to 25% of total part cost. This skilled, hazardous and unpleasant manual task requires years to perfect and results in variability between parts and from person to person.

Solution

A combination of pneumatic and electro-mechanical tools can remove supports and surface witnesses in a wide range of metallic and plastic materials. Rivelin's metalworking robots adapt to part variability using a grinding-specific force control algorithm and our Scan & Plan system. Our no-code programming interface enables engineers and technicians to quickly create metalworking recipes using their knowledge and intuition.

Problem

Additive manufactured components often exhibit high surface roughness and visible layers. Parts that require or will benefit from localised polishing are typically finished by hand or in a rigid machine tool. Both methods are expensive and suffer from quality issues due to the surface variability often found in AM parts. Manual polishing varies over time and from worker to worker leading to unacceptable inconsistencies in production.

Solution

Rivelin's metalworking tools are used to finish, fettle, linish and polish in a wide range of metallic, plastic and composite materials. Our robots adapt to surface feature variability using a 3D vision system and dynamic planning capability. Our force control system reacts to machining forces and tracks a desired polishing pressure to achieve a consistent surface finish. Our no-code programming interface allows users to select individual surfaces for finishing.

Problem

Components often leave additive manufacturing machines attached to a rigid metal or polymer platform. Wire EDM is frequently used to de-platform parts, but can be unreliable around metal powder due to shorting and wire breakages. Conventional tools such as bandsaws are susceptible to drift without any form of positional feedback and may cause rework or scrap. An EDM or bandsaw are expensive and large-footprint machines that require skilled operation.

Solution

Rivelin's end-of-arm tools can remove plates and platforms in a wide range of materials, while adapting to warping and variability using a 3D vision system and dynamic planning capability. Our grinding-specific force control system reacts and stabilises non-linear machining forces. Our no-code programming interface empowers engineers and technicians with no prior programming experience to quickly create robot trajectories and tool operations.

Problem

Un-sintered and semi-sintered powder can be found within holes and internal channels of additive manufactured components. If left unchecked, residual powder can have serious consequences in use. The manual work to remove powder is hazardous and often varies from part to part and from site to site. This variability presents a complex risk that can be costly to manage.

Solution

A combination of pneumatic and electro-mechanical tools are used to release caked, semi-sintered and un-sintered powder. Rivelin's metalworking robots adapt to variability in the condition and location of holes, corners and channels using a 3D vision system and dynamic planning capability. Our no-code programming interface allows engineers and technicians to quickly guide the robot and tools with no prior robotics experience.