Robotics Sanding Cell – Gupta

Gupta Permold Corporation is a world-class aluminum engineered component supplier serving industries ranging from Fortune 100 OEMs to emerging startups. With in-house aluminum casting, extrusion, and precision CNC machining capabilities, Gupta has long been recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation.

In Gupta’s beam sanding process, manual operations were creating limitations in both throughput and consistency. Variations in sanding pressure and positioning affected surface quality, while staffing constraints made it difficult to maintain the desired production rate. Gupta set out to implement a robotic solution that could deliver repeatable results, meet cycle time targets, and optimize use of available floor space.

Designing an automated sanding cell that could meet Gupta’s performance goals required a highly engineered approach. The system needed to fit within space constraints, handle varying beam geometries, and achieve a consistent surface finish through precise force control. It also had to integrate advanced vision guidance, intuitive operator controls, and robust safety measures — all while maintaining Gupta’s target cycle times and production flow.

Premier partnered with PushCorp, a global leader in robotic sanding and surface-finishing technology, to design and implement a fully integrated Robotic Sanding Cell.

The solution features:

• Fanuc M-710 Robot: Provides the flexibility and reach needed to perform precise sanding operations.
• Custom End-of-Arm Tooling: Designed and built by Premier Automation to securely hold and manipulate each beam through the sanding process.
• PushCorp SBS82 (Servo Belt Stand) Backstand: Provides precise, consistent robotic sanding, grinding, and polishing through compliant force control and high-torque performance.
• 3D Vision and AI Guidance: Automatically detects infeed part position and orientation to guide the robot for accurate picking and placement.
• HMI with Visual Feedback: Allows operators to monitor performance and receive notifications when operator attention is required.
• Safety and Cleanliness Features: Plexiglass guarding isolates the sanding area for a cleaner, safer environment.

The automated cell allows operators to focus on other production tasks while the sanding process runs autonomously, reducing hands-on labor and improving throughput.

By combining intelligent vision, precision tooling, and reliable robotics, the new cell delivered the consistent performance Gupta needed — setting the stage for measurable improvements in throughput and quality

The Robotic Sanding Cell delivered measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and overall production flow at Gupta Permold. By automating the sanding process, the system eliminated variability in surface finish, reduced manual labor, and improved operator safety.

Key outcomes include:

• Consistent quality: Active compliance technology ensured uniform sanding results across every beam.
• Labor optimization: Operators were redeployed to higher-value tasks while maintaining production output.
• Reliable performance: The cell runs independently with minimal operator involvement, supported by automated alerts through the HMI.

A Collaborative Success

This project was a true collaboration between Gupta Permold, PushCorp, and Premier — each bringing specialized expertise to achieve a shared goal.

• Gupta Permold identified the opportunity to improve efficiency and consistency within its sanding operation, providing the production insights and performance criteria that guided the system design.
• PushCorp supplied the advanced sanding technology, including the SBS82 backstand and active compliance device, and worked closely with Premier’s engineering team to integrate and tune the tooling for optimal performance.
• Premier served as the system integrator — designing the robotic cell, custom end-of-arm tooling, and vision-guided automation that tied every component together into a seamless, high-performing solution.

Through open communication, technical collaboration, and a shared commitment to innovation, the team delivered a system that exceeded expectations — enhancing throughput, consistency, and safety across Gupta’s production process.