How to Use Rubber Grinding Stones | Polishing Tips
with a Grinder and Automation Considerations

When polishing with rubber grinding stones, the finish may vary depending on how the operator uses the grinding stone. Especially in manufacturing environments where the same operation is repeated, stabilizing the process or automating the operation may be considered.

On the other hand, automating polishing operations requires organizing even the movements that operators perform intuitively.

This article explains how to use rubber grinding stones and the key considerations when automating polishing operations.

How to Use Rubber Grinding Stones

Rubber grinding stones are attached to tools such as grinders, and the rotating grinding stone is applied to the workpiece surface for polishing. Select the appropriate product according to the material and shape of the workpiece and the required finish.

Tips for Polishing with Rubber Grinding Stones

When using a rubber grinding stone, keep the following points in mind.

When polishing with a rubber grinding stone, the basic approach is to avoid pressing the grinding stone too hard and move it steadily along the workpiece surface.

In particular, paying attention to the following points can make the operation easier.

• Do not press the grinding stone too hard against the workpiece surface
  Avoid applying excessive force and use the rotation of the grinding stone for polishing.
• Maintain a stable angle against the workpiece surface
  If the angle at which the grinding stone is applied varies each time, the finish may differ.
• Do not keep the grinding stone concentrated on one area
  Avoid continuously processing the same location and move the grinding stone to polish the surface evenly.
• Move the grinding stone at a consistent speed
  Large variations in movement speed may cause differences in the amount of material removed and the finish.
• Observe the maximum allowable rotational speed
  Check the specifications of the tool and grinding stone being used, and do not exceed the maximum allowable rotational speed.

During manual operations, the finish may vary depending on the position and direction in which the grinding stone is applied, how it is moved, and the amount of force applied.

What Are Rubber Grinding Stones Used for?

Rubber grinding stones are mainly used for the following processes.

• Deburring: Fine deburring of metal components and other workpieces
• Grinding and polishing: Removal of cutting marks (tool marks), scratches, and weld beads
• Surface conditioning: Removal of rust, oxide films, and contaminants, as well as surface preparation before plating or painting
• Intermediate and final finishing: Polishing and surface finishing of molds and metal surfaces, including intermediate processing before mirror finishing

Conventional rubber grinding stones are characterized by being used more often for polishing and finishing rather than removing large amounts of material.

On the other hand, Daiwa Rabin Co., Ltd.'s elastic rubber grinding stones, "DAIWA RABIN," include products such as the CM type, which features cutting performance based on a proprietary abrasive grain design, and can be used for processes ranging from light grinding and deburring to polishing and surface finishing. However, the applicable processes vary depending on the product specifications and machining conditions.

How to Automate Polishing Operations

When automating polishing operations, the process begins by organizing the movements involved rather than simply replacing the work performed by an operator with a machine.

Organizing Manual Polishing Movements

During manual operations, the operator adjusts the position and direction in which the grinding stone is applied, how it is moved, and the movement speed according to the workpiece.

For example, these include:

• Processing position
• Direction in which the grinding stone is applied
• Grinding stone movement path
• Movement speed
• Processing range

By organizing the work performed by the operator into specific movements, it becomes clear which operations need to be automated.

What Is Teaching?

Teaching refers to setting the working positions and movements for robots and other equipment.

For polishing operations, the processing position, direction in which the grinding stone is applied, movement path, and other parameters are set. The movements are adjusted while checking the machining results on an actual workpiece.

Considerations When Using Rubber Grinding Stones for Automated Processes

When using rubber grinding stones in an automated process, it is necessary to consider not only the characteristics of the grinding stone but also the combination of the workpiece and machining conditions.

Consider the Grinding Stone and Machining Conditions Together

Rubber grinding stones have different characteristics depending on the product. Therefore, select the grinding stone according to the material and shape of the workpiece, the area to be processed, and the required finish.

Then, set parameters such as the rotational speed, movement speed, and the way the grinding stone is applied. Since changing the grinding stone may result in different machining results even with the same movements, it is important to consider the grinding stone and machining conditions together.

Check the Machining Results on an Actual Workpiece

Once the grinding stone and machining conditions have been determined, check the machining results on an actual workpiece.

Since the results may vary depending on the shape of the workpiece and the area being processed, check the finish and adjust the grinding stone, machining conditions, and movements as necessary.

Try Rubber Grinding Stones on Your Actual Workpieces

At Daiwa Rabin, we recommend rubber grinding stones suitable for your application based on the material and shape of the workpiece, the processing requirements, and the required finish.

Please contact us regarding specific machining requirements, such as "I am looking for a rubber grinding stone suitable for my current polishing process" or "I would like to check whether my workpiece can be processed."

We provide samples free of charge so that you can test the machining results on your actual workpieces.

Conclusion

Rubber grinding stones are attached to tools such as grinders and are used for deburring, polishing, and surface finishing. When polishing, the basic approach is to avoid pressing the grinding stone too hard and move it steadily along the workpiece surface.

When automating polishing operations, first break down the movements performed by the operator and organize the processing position, direction of the grinding stone, movement path, and other factors. Then perform teaching and check the machining results on an actual workpiece.

Rubber grinding stones have different characteristics depending on the product. Therefore, even when considering automation, it is important to select the appropriate product according to the workpiece and processing requirements.