Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and services.

If you need further assistance, please contact us.

General Automation Solutions

What is an end of arm tooling (EOAT)?

End of arm tooling is the tool or device at the very end of the cobot arm. Dynabrade makes a variety of pneumatic and electric tools for surface finishing that can fit on the end of a cobot or robot.

The Autobrade team is here to start the conversation and ask questions to find our more about your future automation project. We start our Proof of Concept process and answer any questions/concerns you have along the way.

An employee's value can increase with the knowledge and skills gained since they are relieved of monotonous and dangerous tasks. With the introduction of cobots, there will be a demand for operators of these robots. There will always be a need for a human workforce to work alongside cobots with all the technological advances being made. With Industry 5.0 on the horizon, the collaboration between humans and robots will profoundly impact customization in the workspace and help further the growth of job creation. Industry 5.0 puts more emphasis on humans and robots working side-by-side. The impact of humans on a job will be needed in other ways and Autobrade is excited to be part of this.

An automation cell is a working cell that is created around a cobot or robot. The cell usually has at least one cobot or robot, end of arm tools, and the other accessories necessary to complete the task it is programmed to do. In this cell, some complex or complicated tasks may be performed as well. Usually a human is not working next to the cobot while it is in a cell.

Yes. The Autobrade team takes the time to figure out exactly what you need to achieve the desired finish for your product. We do not believe in adding more bells and whistles if not necessary. We take your budget seriously. The United States does offer a capital expense write off, per Seciton 179 of the tax laws. Many other countries offer capital expense write offs for robots as well. We can work with your team to help guide you in the right direction financially.

If your business involves repetitive tasks, high labor costs, or safety concerns, it may benefit from automation. Autobrade’s team will work with you to assess your operations and identify areas where automation can improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance worker safety.
Autobrade’s automation solutions can handle a wide range of tasks, including surface finishing, material handling, assembly, welding, and packaging. Our systems are designed to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline processes in industries such as manufacturing, metal fabrication, and automotive.

Cobot Capabilities and Maintenance

A cobot is able to work side-by-side with humans while a robot works independently. These robots are usually classified as Industrial Robots.

A cobot can relieve a human of strenuous jobs and allow that human to work alongside it. Costs associated with the process or task can be reduced since there is much more flexibility with a cobot. A cobot can work longer than the usual shift of a human in a “lights out” environment.

The lifespan of the cobot depends heavily on the amount it is used in the application. Is it used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or is it used one shift a day, 5 days a week. The Fanuc CRX that Dynabrade uses claims that it can be used for 8 years straight without any maintenance on the robot whatsoever. Universal Robots has claimed they have robots in the field running for 5+ years without any parts being changed out. One thing that can be certain is that the productivity gain will outweigh the cost of the robot over its lifespan. Robots can be used to increase production, reduce errors, and cut costs.

Collaborative robots (cobots) offer several distinct advantages over traditional industrial robots. Cobots come equipped with advanced safety sensors and force limiters to detect and respond to human presence, minimizing the risk of injury. They feature user-friendly programming interfaces that often require little to no coding knowledge, allowing for quick setup and reconfiguration. Cobots can be easily reprogrammed and redeployed for various tasks, making them ideal for dynamic production environments. Designed to work closely with human operators, cobots assist with tasks such as assembly, packing, and material handling without the need for extensive safety barriers.

Technology and Innovation

Robots are not sensitive enough or as fast as a human operator. This technology helps bridge the gap and allows the robot to “have feeling”.

Programming involves setting process parameters, creating detailed instructions, mapping tool paths, integrating sensors, and conducting simulations to ensure optimal performance. To support this, we also offer a proof of concept program to demonstrate and validate the system’s effectiveness.

Autobrade utilizes the latest advancements in robotics, including collaborative robots (cobots), active compliance technology, Place and Go technology, and advanced sensor systems. These innovations allow for precise surface finishing, greater flexibility, and adaptability across a wide range of industrial applications.
Active compliance technology enables robots to adjust their force and movement in real-time, mimicking the sensitivity of a human operator. This allows for more accurate and consistent surface finishing, especially on complex or delicate parts where precision is critical.

Installation and Support

The installation timeline depends on the complexity of the setup and customization required. However, most installations are completed within a few days to a few weeks. Our team will work with you to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process that minimizes downtime.
Autobrade provides comprehensive support throughout the installation process. Our team of experts will be on-site to handle everything, from setting up the automation cell to conducting initial tests, ensuring that the system integrates seamlessly with your operations.
Yes, we offer hands-on training for your team to ensure they are comfortable operating and maintaining the new system. Our training covers everything from basic operations to advanced troubleshooting, empowering your staff to maximize the potential of the automation solution.
Autobrade offers ongoing maintenance and support services, including regular system checkups, troubleshooting assistance, and software updates. Our team is always available to address any issues and ensure your automation system continues to run at peak performance.

Financing Options

Autobrade offers a variety of flexible financing options, including $0 down and terms ranging from 12 to 72 months. We also provide special financing promotions such as deferred payments for 6 months, ensuring businesses can implement automation without upfront financial strain.
The financing approval process is quick and easy. Most credit decisions are made within 2-4 hours after submitting your application, allowing you to move forward with your project without delay.
Yes, many businesses can benefit from tax deductions like the U.S. Section 179 deduction, which allows for the immediate write-off of capital expenses. Our team can guide you on tax benefits that may apply to your region and how financing can maximize your savings.
Yes, in some regions, businesses may qualify for government grants or subsidies to support automation and innovation projects. Autobrade can assist you in exploring available grant options and help guide you through the application process to secure additional funding for your automation investment.

Benefits for Businesses

Automation comes in many forms. A manufacturer can have their welding automated, packaging and shipping could have an automation cell, and various steps in a process can be automated to save labor and time. Surface finishing applications are considered for automation since a lot of time and labor are allocated to them.

Automation helps businesses by saving money and time due to labor constraints. It also helps make employee’s jobs less strenuous and provide a better working environment. The goal of Dynabrade's automation solutions is to remove employees from dirty, dull, and dangerous jobs. These jobs can be hazardous or unsanitary. Another positive of having a cobot implemented is that it can take over tedious and highly repetitive work so employees are able to do more rewarding work. This greatly reduces workplace injuries since the more dangerous tasks are being taken over by cobots.

Our automation cells offer flexibility, consistency, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. It enables the shop to handle a variety of parts with high precision, improve productivity, and adapt to changing production requirements.

A surface finishing cell in metal fabrication is designed to automate and optimize the process of treating and finishing metal surfaces. By automating processes with Autobrade, a metal fabricator can expect consistent results and precise control over the finishing process, increased efficiency for higher throughput and reduced production time, enhanced safety, and improved quality control through integrated systems that monitor and ensure accuracy.

Customization and Integration

No. We create an ultra-customized setup that aligns with your goals and replaces the manual process you are looking to automate. Each setup will be completely unique to the business, their situation, requirements, and needs. Our team walks you through the process and explains the relevancy of each piece selected for your cell. We strive for honesty throughout our process and want to ensure our clients are empowered with the knowledge and confidence they have selected the premier partner in Autobrade.

Yes, every business has unique needs, and Autobrade specializes in creating fully customized automation cells tailored to your specific processes and requirements. We work closely with you to design and integrate a solution that aligns with your production goals and optimizes efficiency.
Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your current setup to ensure seamless integration. We design the automation cell to work harmoniously with your existing equipment, minimizing disruption and maximizing compatibility, so you can enjoy a smooth transition to automation.
Absolutely. We can integrate automation solutions into specific parts of your workflow without requiring a complete overhaul. Whether you need to automate a single task or multiple steps, we can implement a targeted solution that complements your current system.

Order and Delivery Process

Lead times vary depending on the complexity and customization of the automation cell. On average, it takes 4-8 weeks from the time an order is placed to delivery, but we provide specific timelines after the project scope is finalized.
Autobrade manages the entire logistics process, from packaging to shipping. We work with trusted carriers to ensure your system is safely delivered to your location on time. We also coordinate with your team to schedule the most convenient delivery window.
Yes, once your order is placed, you will receive regular updates on its progress. We provide tracking details and maintain open communication throughout the production and delivery stages, so you know exactly when to expect your automation system.
In the rare event of a delay, Autobrade will immediately notify you and provide an updated delivery timeline. We work diligently to resolve any issues and minimize any impact on your operations. Our priority is ensuring timely and efficient delivery of your system.