A Smarter Way to Sand: Gupta Permold Automates
Gupta Permold tackled beam sanding with robotic automation, partnering with Premier Automation and PushCorp to deliver repeatable quality at high throughput.
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Challenges
Difficulty achieving production goals due to staffing shortages
Inconsistent surface quality due to manual sanding pressure and positioning
Limited floor space on manufacturing floor
Results
Optimized labor by redeploying operators to higher value responsibilities
Productivity boosted by a minimum of 60%
Consistent, high quality finishing on beams of all varieties
Ongoing, independent operation of the sanding cell across all three shifts
Story
Pittsburgh-based aluminum engineered component manufacturer Gupta Permold had come to a crossroad in its beam sanding finishing. Between constant labor shortages and inconsistent surface quality in its manual operation, the company was having difficulty achieving desired production rates.
In order to maintain its longstanding commitment to quality and reliability, the company reached out to FANUC Authorized System Integrator Premier Automation, who partnered with PushCorp—a global leader in robotic sanding and surface finishing technology—to design a custom automation solution.
Together, partners Gupta Permold, PushCorp, and Premier Automation teams developed a fully integrated Robotic Sanding Cell, which incorporates the reach and flexibility of FANUC’s M-710iC/45M Robot, custom end-of-arm tooling by Premier Automation that securely grips and manipulates each beam throughout the sanding cycle, and a PushCorp SBS82 Servo Belt Stand that delivers consistent sanding, grinding and polishing via compliant force control and high-torque capability. Paired with 3D vision, AI guidance and an operator-friendly human-machine interface, the system automates the entire process—from identification of part position and orientation to accurate robotic picking and placement and real-time monitoring of performance. An automated alert system lets operators know if and when attention is required.
With the automated cell in place, operators can now focus on higher value tasks while the sanding process runs autonomously — improving throughput and reducing hands on labor.
The Robotic Sanding Cell produced measurable improvements across Gupta Permold’s sanding operation. By eliminating manual variability and introducing automated consistency, the system strengthened both production output and product quality.
This project has changed this company. Our productivity has probably increased 60-70% with the robot system; we’re getting twice as many parts done per shift as we were. They’re coming out better and it’s much more reliable… We’re just thrilled.
Arun Gupta Vice President – Gupta PermoldFANUC Products Used
M-710iC/45M
The FANUC M‑710iC/45M is a 6 axis robot with compact design and slim wrist make it a great choice for handling operations where space is at a premium.
- Max Payload:
- 45 kg
- Reach:
- 2606 mm
Premier Automation LLC
Premier Automation designs, deploys, installs, maintains and upgrades production lines, robotized cells, power and control solutions for automation that give clients confidence. We are reaching the highest level as a global supplier of robotized systems and controls solutions for industrial automation. Premier Automation operates within all major sectors of engineering, delivering complex projects with a proven blend of creativity, confidence and control.
Gupta Permold
For decades, Gupta Permold has distinguished itself as a world-class aluminum engineered component supplier. Whether your project calls for aluminum casting, aluminum extrusion, or precision CNC machining, Gupta has the in-house resources and technology to exceed your expectations. From servicing fortune 100 OEM to small start-ups, there is hardly a single sector of the global economy that Gupta doesn't touch in some way.