Multi-Robot Six-Axis Flexible Deburring & Cleaning Machine: Integrated Two-Process Solution for Flexible Production

Overview

Powertrain components such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts, housings, valve bodies, shafts, and gears often require both high cleanliness and effective burr removal after machining.

Big Bird Industrial’s six-axis multi-robot flexible deburring and cleaning machine combines these two processes on a single platform. With adjustable cleaning pressures from 0.5 to 60 MPa and a wide production cycle range of 20 seconds to 20 minutes, the system can be configured for both high-volume production lines and standalone machine applications.

By integrating robotic deburring and precision cleaning into one flexible platform, the solution is designed for manufacturers seeking greater flexibility, reduced workpiece handling, and more compact powertrain production processes.

Why Combine Cleaning and Deburring?

After machining, powertrain components typically face two major process requirements: burr removal and contamination removal.

Machining can leave burrs around edges, holes, and internal passages, while chips, cutting fluids, and other residues may remain on the component surface or inside critical passages.

A conventional production setup may use separate deburring and cleaning machines. This requires the workpiece to be transferred between different stations, which can introduce:

• Additional handling and transfer time
• Risk of workpiece collision or surface damage
• Secondary contamination
• Increased work-in-process inventory
• Additional floor-space requirements
• Reduced flexibility when switching between different components

The flexible deburring and cleaning machine integrates both processes on one platform. This reduces unnecessary transfers and floor-space requirements while allowing process programs to be adjusted for different workpieces.

Equipment Configuration and Process

The system uses a multi-robot architecture with six-axis robots to perform different processing operations according to the workpiece and production requirements.

Equipment Configuration

• Equipment type: Six-axis multi-robot flexible system with integrated deburring and cleaning processes
• Application: Mass-production lines or standalone production
• Control systems: Siemens or Mitsubishi
• Robot brands: FANUC, ABB and other industrial robot platforms
• Workpiece transfer: Pallet conveyor system
• Customized tooling: Application-specific fixtures, brushes and tooling
• Filtration: Automatic backwash filtration with automatic residue discharge, bag filtration and paper-band filtration
• Filtration stages: 1–3 stages according to process requirements

Integrated Process Chain

The processing sequence can include:

Deburring → Turbulent Overall Cleaning → Scanning Cleaning → Targeted Cleaning → High-Pressure Water Cleaning & Deburring → Rinsing → Air Blow-Off → Vacuum Drying → Cooling

Different process combinations can be configured according to the component geometry, cleanliness requirements, burr locations, production cycle, and customer process specifications.

Cleaning and Deburring Technologies

The system combines several technologies to address different contamination and burr-removal requirements:

• Turbulent overall cleaning
• Targeted high-pressure water deburring
• High-pressure water cleaning
• Rinsing
• Mechanical brush deburring
• Tool-based deburring
• Compressed-air drying
• Vacuum drying
• Water cooling or conditioned-air cooling

This combination allows different technologies to be assigned to different processing areas instead of relying on a single deburring or cleaning method.

Key Technical Parameters

Applicable Industries

Automotive and engineering machinery applications, including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, and other powertrain components, as well as precision industrial cleaning and deburring applications.

Applicable Workpieces

• Engine blocks
• Cylinder heads
• Crankshafts
• Camshafts
• Connecting rods
• Housings
• Valve bodies
• Shafts and gears
• Other precision powertrain components

Approximate Equipment Dimensions:
10 m × 7 m × 4.5 m

Production Cycle:
20 seconds to 20 minutes, configurable according to the workpiece and process

Cleaning Pressure:
0.5–60 MPa

Cleanliness:
≤1–5 mg

Main Oil Passage Particle Size:
≤600 μm

Drying:
Compressed-air blow-off and vacuum drying

Cooling:
Water cooling or conditioned-air cooling

Noise Level:
75 dB

Key Advantages

1. Two Processes in One System

Deburring and cleaning are integrated into a single production platform, reducing workpiece transfers and the floor space required for separate equipment.

2. Flexible Multi-Product Production

The system can accommodate different types of powertrain components. Cleaning and deburring programs can be adjusted according to the workpiece, supporting multi-product production on the same flexible platform.

3. Wide Cycle-Time Range

The configurable cycle range of 20 seconds to 20 minutes allows the system to cover very different production requirements.

High-speed processing can be configured for smaller components and high-volume production, while longer cycles can accommodate larger components requiring more extensive precision cleaning and deburring.

4. Combined Mechanical and High-Pressure Deburring

Mechanical brushes and tools can address accessible edges and openings, while high-pressure water can target internal cavities, holes, and areas that are difficult for conventional mechanical tools to reach.

Combining these technologies provides broader coverage for different burr locations and geometries.

5. Multiple Filtration Options

The system can be equipped with automatic backwash filtration, bag filtration, and paper-band filtration. One to three filtration stages can be configured according to the required cleaning process and contamination load.

6. Suitable for Production Lines or Standalone Operation

The equipment can be integrated into automated production lines or configured as a standalone flexible cleaning and deburring machine, allowing manufacturers to select an appropriate layout according to their production environment.

FAQ

What are the advantages of combining cleaning and deburring compared with separate production lines?

An integrated system reduces workpiece transfers, which can help lower the risk of collision and secondary contamination. It also reduces floor-space requirements and work-in-process inventory while allowing different products to be processed through programmable process changes.

What does the 20-second to 20-minute cycle range mean?

The wide cycle-time range allows the equipment to handle very different production requirements.

Short cycles can be configured for smaller components and high-volume production, while longer cycles can be used for larger components or applications requiring more extensive cleaning and deburring processes.

How are high-pressure water deburring and mechanical deburring used together?

High-pressure water deburring is particularly useful for internal cavities, passages, hole openings, and other areas that are difficult to access with conventional mechanical tools.

Mechanical brushes and cutting tools are suitable for accessible edges, surfaces, and specific burr locations.

Using both technologies allows the process to address different burr types and component geometries within the same production system.

What size of workpieces can the machine process?

The overall equipment dimensions are approximately 10 m × 7 m × 4.5 m, providing a large processing platform suitable for various powertrain components such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, and crankshafts.

The actual maximum workpiece dimensions and loading configuration should be determined based on the component geometry, weight, required process, tooling, and production-line requirements.

Conclusion

Big Bird Industrial’s six-axis multi-robot flexible deburring and cleaning machine combines robotic deburring and precision cleaning on a single flexible platform.

With cleaning pressures from 0.5 to 60 MPa, a configurable cycle range of 20 seconds to 20 minutes, cleanliness of ≤1–5 mg, and main oil passage particle size of ≤600 μm, the system can be adapted to a wide range of powertrain components.

By combining high-pressure water processing, mechanical deburring, turbulent cleaning, rinsing, drying, and cooling, the solution provides a flexible approach for manufacturers looking to integrate multiple post-machining processes into a more compact and automated production system.