Episode 12: Trends in Automation for Finishers

DeGeest Corp. showcases Lesta robotic paint technology at FABTECH 2021. 
Photo Credit: Products Finishing

The second half of 2021 has seen a return of tradeshows, conferences and networking events. One of the largest trends seen at these shows was automation solutions aimed at the finishing industries.

Fischer Technologies displays the latest in XRF technology at FABTECH 2021.
Photo Credit: Products Finishing

While automation isn’t new and has been working its way into the manufacturing world at an increasing rate, it seems that we have reached a tipping point where it’s on the mind of even old-school shops. Finishing operations have been a slower adopter of IoT and automation solutions, but many factors have been influencing a ramp-up for much of the industry. The COVID pandemic itself forced many operations to consider alternate ways of getting things done as staffing concerns worsened with people sick and with a segment of workers exiting the workforce.

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Omnirobotic’s autonomous spray robotics platform is based on an infared 3D vision system.
Photo Credit: Products Finishing

The factors influencing automation trends include aforementioned workforce shortages, but also a need for succession planning, increased production to keep up with just-in-time manufacturing. Basically as manufacturers move toward increasingly automated facilities with increased production, finishers are finding themselves needing a way to keep up.

This trend feels like a new era for the industry and an opportunity to reimagine the perceptions of what surface finishing involves.

Carlisle Fluid Technologies’ IntelliFlow Metering, Mixing, and Flow Control Technology
Photo Credit: Carlisle Fluid Technologies

In this episode of On the Line, we hear insights into automation trends for finishers from some of the exhibitors on the show floor at this year’s FABTECH. Featured interviews include Derek DeGeest of DeGeest Corp., Rob Weber of Fischer Technology, Jacob Fortmeyer of Carlisle Fluid Technologies and Robert Ravensburgen of OmniRobotic. Each offer insights into what their companies are doing to address the factors that are driving the proliferation of automation solution for finishers.