Next-Generation Automated Elastomeric Polishing

Project Möbius Engineering, 2025–26

Advisor(s): Qimin Yang
Students(s): Josaphat Ngoga (TL-S), Vikram Krishna (TL-F), Isaiah Jeter, Emmett Stralka, Ken Tu (S), Christian Wu (S), Sebastian Heredia (F), Diego Weiss (F)

Compression molding enables the efficient production of elastomeric components; however, the resulting surfaces require a labor- and time-intensive polishing process to meet quality and cosmetic standards. The Project Möbius Clinic team was tasked with evaluating the feasibility of automated elastomeric polishing as an alternative to the industry’s current manual processes. By integrating a six-axis robotic arm with custom-fabricated hardware and software, the team has developed a solution to improve part quality beyond existing standards while maintaining high yield and minimizing cycle time.