Can the AR4 Robot Be Used for Powder Coating or Spraying?

Yes, the AR4 is well-suited for automating powder coating, paint spraying, or other fluid dispensing tasks. Its 6-axis design allows it to articulate a spray gun through complex paths to ensure consistent, even coverage on parts.

The robot can handle the weight of a typical powder coat gun and can be programmed to follow precise trajectories, making it ideal for automating this process in a small shop or for prototyping.

Key Considerations:

• Payload: Ensure your spray gun and hose weight are within the AR4’s 4 lb (1.8-2.3 kg) payload capacity.
• Tool Mounting: You will need to design or purchase a custom bracket to securely mount the gun to the robot’s wrist (J6 faceplate).
• Programming: Paths can be taught manually or by using waypoints programmed into the AR4 software.
• Safety: As with any automation project, ensure proper grounding and safety measures are in place for the spraying environment.

Getting Started:
To begin, you would:

1. Design a mount for your specific spray gun.
2. Attach it to the robot’s wrist.
3. Program the robot’s path for your specific part.
4. Integrate the gun’s trigger control via the AR4’s I/O (Input/Output) ports to automate the spraying.