This study investigates the structural stability of a telescopic arm designed for a painting robot through finite element analysis (FEA). As factory automation progresses, robots are increasingly used to replace hazardous tasks like painting. However, the heavy weight of telescopic arms poses significant control challenges. This research specifically examines the structural stability of a 7.4-meter telescopic arm, designed for use in a 14m x 14m large-scale block painting environment. The telescopic arm consists of six steel links, each ranging from 700 mm to 1500 mm, and supports a 50 kg painting robot mounted at the end of Link 6. Using Dassault System’s Abaqus2022 software, simulations were performed in both stretched and rotated modes to analyze self-weight effects and structural stability. The results revealed maximum deflection of 92.3 mm in stretched mode and 127.3 mm in rotated mode, with the highest stress concentration of 416.8 MPa occurring at the Link 3 and Link 4 connection. To improve stability, additional reinforcement materials and an increase in connector thickness from 40 mm to 80 mm were applied, successfully reducing maximum stress to 94.3 MPa. These findings suggest an effective enhancement in the stability of the telescopic arm under various operational modes.

The paint removal of fighter jets is just as important as the painting, because perfect paint removal ensures the quality of the exterior painting on the aircraft. However, the current conditions for paint removal work of the ROKAF’s are poor. It is identified that the painting process currently implemented by the ROKAF is not only exposed to harmful compounds such as harmful dust and hexavalent chromium, but also consumes a lot of water. Thus, the introduction of advanced facility is considered. This study compares the fighter jets painting removal process currently applied by the Korean Air Force with the improved laser coating removal process of the US Air Force, and conducts an incremental analysis to perform economic analysis for the introduction of advanced facility. Four scenarios were envisioned on the premise of an increase in the number of fighters in the future, incremental analysis shows that laser coating removal method is advantageous in all scenarios. In addition, it is recommended that paint removal cycle keeps the current 12-year and the outsourcing amount to civilian depot is reduced.