Dimensional monitoring of silicone beads using a collaborative robot and a laser profiler

• Grant number: 25/13103-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Tácito Malavolta
• Grantee: Fernando Yukio Suzuki Benitez
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The sealing process is essential in industries such as automotive, civil construction, and aerospace, ensuring thermal insulation and protection against vibrations. The quality of silicone sealant application depends on dimensional accuracy and bead continuity; however, traditional inspection methods are manual and subjective, making real-time quality control difficult. This project proposes the integration of an intelligent system for dimensional analysis of silicone beads, using an applicator gun coupled to a Hanwha Robotics HCR-14 collaborative robot. Monitoring will be performed using a Keyence LJ-X8060 laser profiler, which captures 3D point clouds in real time. The system will enable the evaluation of bead height, width, cross-sectional area, and uniformity during application. Bead deposition tests will be conducted at different speeds (10, 50, and 100 mm/s), loads (2500 N and 5000 N), and linear and semi-circular trajectories. Based on the collected data, criteria will be established to classify bead quality and identify defects such as discontinuities and insufficient width. As a result, this project aims to provide an innovative technological solution for optimizing the sealing process, with potential application in advanced industrial environments, contributing to improved efficiency, quality, and reduced rework in industrial operations. (AU)