Automation of a Metallographic Sample Preparation Station

This paper presents steps elaborated during the upgrading and automation of a metallographic sample preparation station and integration in a flexible manufacturing system. The station is upgraded to perform autonomous movements and positioning while being fed samples from an industrial robot controlled by a computer aided manufacturing system. The upgrade consists in the implementation of a motor on the station for actuating a mobile arm that is used for gripping and fixing metallographic sample received from the industrial robotic arm. The robot is interfaced via an industrial control panel, which by means of a program specifically software is programmed to perform synchronized movements and communication with the sample preparation station.