Grinding technology
New 3M training center in Neuss
3M has invested around one million euros in the Center of Abrasive Technologies (CAT) at its Neuss site in order to provide customers with better training in abrasive technologies.
The training center was opened in the presence of more than 180 guests. In particular, a modern robot cell helps to ensure that 3M is also equipped for future customer requirements in the new training center.
It took just under a year to renovate the new rooms. The entire spectrum - from sanding technologies to specific applications - can now be taught there in theory and practice alike.
In addition to a new training room, a selection of machines is available for processing various sanding applications. These include a station for finishing/deburring, a polishing unit and an angle grinder test station.
Robot cell as a highlight
In addition to the classic processes, the CAT's highlight is a robot cell with various grinding and polishing machines, which are fed by a Kuka robot arm. "In a sense, tradition meets modernity at CAT. There will still be small and medium-sized workshops where traditional hand sanding is carried out and we will continue to train them here. But of course we also have to meet our customers' demands for more automation and digitalization. This is where we see sustainable growth opportunities," says Andreas Boxberger, Head of Department for the 3M Grinding and Polishing Systems division. The new robot cell is intended to demonstrate to training participants what automation can achieve in metalworking and especially in the field of grinding.
Holistic production approach
Industrial robots such as those in the robot cell can perform the required movements of a component relative to the sanding belt accurately and reproducibly. However, all components of the sanding process, i.e. the robot, the sanding machine and the abrasive, must be optimally coordinated. The new CAT in Neuss therefore also focuses on cooperation between the abrasive manufacturer and the processor when designing the sanding process.
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