ATI Industrial Automation, a supplier of tool changers and end effectors for robots, has introduced the CGV-900 Compliant Angle Grinder, which offers an automated alternative to grinding and finishing by hand.

The CGV-900, which is expected to reduce employee safety concerns, enables the unit to compensate for irregularities in part surfaces and maintain contact with a workpiece.

Source: ATI Industrial Automation

ATI suggests that the compliance force of CGV-900 is adjustable, thereby enabling users to modify their finishing processes in real time. The CGV-900 also offers position sensing data to help indicate media wear, thereby allowing users to establish media replacement intervals, which eliminates unexpected rework and downtime. Additionally, the data can be used for process verification.

Further, the compliant angle grinder features a governed, vane-style, which offers a more consistent speed during grinding and finishing processes, thus ensuring an even finish throughout the contact path of the tool.

The CGV-900 is also compatible with industry-standard grinding media such as flap wheels, sanding discs and wire brushes that are frequently used with handheld grinding tools.

Its developers suggest that by combining familiar grinding media with adjustable compliance force, the compliant angle grinder is a safe and efficient replacement for the dull, dirty, dangerous work of grinding by hand.

Possible applications for the CGV-900 include metal fabrication, automotive, aerospace and general industry.