Design of spinning-inflated-gasbag polishing tool and its automated system for free-form mould

A new polishing method for mould free curved surface called gasbag polishing technique is introduced in this paper, in order to reduce the polishing time and improve the polishing quality. Firstly, the design of two kinds of spinning-inflated-gasbag polishing tools used in different automated systems is analyzed in detail. Secondly, CNC polishing system and Robot polishing system utilizing passive and self-driven tool are presented respectively. Thirdly, the details of polishing experiments using gasbag polishing tool, the figure of surface quality compare after final polishing process between the conventional and gasbag polishing method and the best value of surface roughness are given based on experiments, observations and measurements. Lastly, through a discussion based on theoretical analysis and experimental research, it achieves a conclusion that gasbag polishing technique has particular advantages compared with conventional polishing methods--making polishing tool match free-form surface well when working; enhancing the efficiency of polishing; getting well-proportioned surface quality and good value of surface roughness.