Computer-aided torch trajectory generation for automated coating of parts with complex surfaces

The work presented in this paper is concerned with the design and development of an efficient computer software package for off- line programming of robots for spray coating. The developed package (called CA- COATS) allows the spray torch to track a path, maintaining the specified spraying distance and proper orientation relative to the part surface at all points, and thus ensuring uniform coating thickness. This software package is done off- line and is complete in itself, eliminating the need for another computer-aided design database of the base surface (although the package can be made to interface with such a database if so desired). Because the algorithm has no iteration, it is computationally efficient. With minor modifications, this package can also be extended to waterjet coating- removal systems.