3-axis automated wall sander

• Main Authors: Caw, Heston, Llanos Dee, Randy, Sy, Armyn, Sy, Reginald, Yu, Cliff
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Sanding machines
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/14529
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study focuses on the automation of the manual sanding process in the construction industry. The automation of the process reduces worker involvement thus reducing health risks that they may incur. It also increases productivity through a reduction in the time it takes to perform sanding. The thesis deals with the conceptualization, design and development of an automated wall sander. The machine is based on the concept of a gantry robot system with pneumatic components acting as the principal actuators of the machine. It is capable of sanding areas within its frame of 1m x 1.2m. It comes with specially designed attachments which enables it to be integrated onto commonly used construction scaffoldings. This also enables the machine to be easily moved in order to sand other areas of the wall. The sanding element is a customized 60 cm diameter propeller powered by a pneumatic motor. It is then supported by sets of guide railings, ensuring a flat surface finish. The thesis also utilizes a vacuum system in order to reduce the amount of dust emitted during the process. Experiments conducted show that the machine could indeed sand the required area on concrete walls and even wooden surfaces. Results also show the decrease in the time it takes to perform sanding when the process is done using the automated process. The machine requires a set-up time of less that 20 minutes and is capable of completing sanding cycles of less than 3 minutes per square meter thereafter. Sandpapers have to be changed every five cycles which takes no more than 3 minutes.