Robotic automotive paint curing using thermal signature feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a new closed-loop radiative robotic paint curing process that could replace less efficient and bulky convection-based paint curing processes in automotive manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach: The proposed robotic paint curing processes uses an Ultraviolet LED panel for a heat source, an infra-red camera for non-contact thermal signature feedback of cure level, and a robot control strategy that incorporates the cure-level information in an inverse dynamics control of the robotic manipulator. To demonstrate the advantage of the closed-loop process in improving cure uniformity, detailed models and discussions of the irradiation process, the robotics and the control strategy are presented. Findings: A simulation-based comparison of the closed-loop robotic curing with the open-loop robotic curing clearly shows the benefits of using thermal signature feedback in improving cure level uniformity. Originality/value: This is a new approach proposed to exploit immerging technology and improve the efficiency of energy use in an automotive manufacturing process without sacrificing product quality.