Abstract
A viscoelastic polymer with high scratch resistance was developed as a product coating material. However, it is difficult to finish the polymer-coated surface due to its characteristics, such as viscoelasticity. Thus, polishing is carried out by trained technicians and depends on the skillful adjustment of the polishing pressure according to the situation. To realize automation of polishing, high-precision and highly responsive force control is required. Typically, force control is done with force sensors. However, use of external sensors is associated with problems, such as high-cost, reduction of machine stiffness, and thermal drift. The thermal drift, which is caused by polishing heat, prohibits accurate measurement of force. The purpose of this study was to develop a polishing pressure control method without any additional sensors. In addition, the control method was applied to a buffing machine, and buffing performance of viscoelastic polymer was experimentally analyzed.
