The main goal of the project is to strengthen the innovation capability and willingness to invest in and utilize more material and energy-efficient, as well as employee-friendly, modern robotics technologies for businesses in the Central Ostrobothnia region. The project also aims to enhance robotics expertise at Centria University of Applied Sciences, thereby promoting the availability of research and development services for companies. Robotic 3D printing with thermoplastics is an excellent manufacturing method that offers numerous possibilities across various industrial sectors. It is suitable for printing with bio-based and recyclable plastics, technology is waste less, and emissions are low which reduces the carbon footprint over the product's lifecycle. For example, 3D printing can be used in the boat industry for mold production or custom part printing. This method is also applicable in furniture manufacturing, construction, consumer product production, and many other segments. However, the surface quality achieved is a limiting factor that hinders its broader industrial use. Mechanical surface treatments such as milling and grinding are common methods employed by several businesses in the region, including boat building, woodworking, and metal product processing. Finishing processes enhance product precision, surface durability, and aesthetics. For instance, milling can be used to refine specific parts for assembly or create a smoother, dirt-repellent, or aesthetically pleasing surface. In current production methods, many surface treatment steps are often performed manually or with hand-operated machinery. Challenges associated with manual processes, such as grinding, include issues related to quality and production efficiency. Additionally, manual machining exposes workers to harmful particles, dust, vibrations, and loud noise. The objective of the ROBOPINTA project is to develop and demonstrate a multifunctional robot station. This station will be capable of producing products through 3D printing and finishing them to the desired quality by milling and grinding. Integration can significantly impact productivity by maximizing the efficient use of equipment, minimizing unnecessary transitions and waiting times, and reducing the occurrence of errors. The multifunctionality of the robot station also saves space compared to using multiple separate robot stations. The goal is also to demonstrate the suitability of the robot station's milling and grinding functions for processing not only plastic but also metal and composite surfaces. Through the project's actions, innovation activities of businesses will be supported both now and, in the future, technology transfer will be facilitated, and risks in making investments in enterprises will be reduced. The project will create a research and development environment and know-how expertise that can be utilized as a platform for rapid experimentation by businesses. In the future, it can be employed in training company personnel, preparing and implementing potential national and international projects, and further enhancing the region's innovation capability.
