One Piece 3D Printed Robotic Gripper
July 12, 2019
Additive manufacturing (AM) is an enabler to robotic automation, providing greater design freedom, lower cost and shorter lead time in producing custom components for robotic applications.
IAM 3D Hub, recently developed and 3D printed a robot gripper using HP Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) technology. Cleverly designed and consolidated to a single part and 3D printed in one piece, no assembly was required.
Further, the fully dense polymer of the build, HP’s 3D High Reusability PA 12, delivers the airtightness that allows for pneumatic operation. That polymer also offers the necessary resiliency, allowing the gripper’s spirals to function as springs.
The material has proven durable, too. IAM 3D Hub reports it has been used successfully in a pick-and-place operation through one million cycles.
Data courtesy of IAM 3D HUB, Continental Automotive Spain S.A and HP.
Author
Craig Alexander
Craig leads the marketing and brand strategy at Formero, where he communicates complex manufacturing capabilities in a clear and practical way. He works across Formero’s advanced manufacturing services to create content that informs, educates, and supports engineers, designers, and procurement teams in making confident production decisions.
