Gripper
Reliable & Light, Flexible & Smart
Automation is moving forward, and all types of production and intralogistics processes are becoming increasingly networked thanks to digitalization. Robotics and gripping systems play a key role in this. But gripping technology in particular is constantly facing new challenges. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to address rapidly changing market trends in a targeted manner.
Robotics is no longer just viable for large corporations – SMEs can benefit too. The background: lighter gripping tools designed for smaller, more cost-efficient robots can be placed on the market. As a result, automation solutions require significantly less investment and pay for themselves more quickly. Besides lower costs, a lightweight gripper with the same load capacity supports faster movements and hence shorter cycle times – a central objective in the manufacturing world.
Advantages of 3D Printed Grippers
-
The gripper can be directly adapted to its product using design data
- The extensive design freedom makes it possible to incorporate safety elements and predetermined breaking points
- The method enables intelligent functionality to be integrated directly into the part, which makes sensor technology and process monitoring easier
- Parts are manufactured in a single piece, saving on assembly times
Success Story
Tangible Success - Bronchial Gripper with Functional Base Plate
The Wittmann group was looking for a lightweight solution with a flexible membrane to control a pair of gripper tongs by compressed air. The solution needed to incorporate all pneumatic connections and channels directly into the plate itself. After simplifying the design, stable grippers on a functional plate were successfully manufactured in small series production on a FORMIGA P 100.
FESTO
Process safety plays a key role with gripping systems to avoid handling errors. However, grippers that are more flexible are also desirable, allowing them to handle different workpieces. Ideally, production should be monitored in real time to identify any faults or potential optimizations using the recorded data.
Additive manufacturing is the key to integrating additional functionality such as sensors, intelligent valves, or automatically customized suction cups. Hinges, air ducts and sensor mounts can be integrated directly into the design of the gripping system and realized during production. This also eliminates unnecessary assembly steps, reducing the manufacturing costs.
Trinckle & Kuhn-Stoff
Design work costs money and time. Another factor is that the necessary design and CAD expertise may not be easy to acquire. Using gripping systems as an example, trinckle and Kuhn-Stoff teamed up to investigate how an efficient development and design process can be automated without requiring in-depth knowledge of 3D design and CAD.
3D Printed Extraction Gripper
Success Story | SSI Schäfer
Individual special gripper from PA 2200 leads to reduction of set-up time and increase of production time while achieving a wheight reduction by more than 70%.
End-of-Arm for Smarter Packaging
Success Story | Anubis 3D
An innovative, industrial, 3D printed end-of-arm enables Langen Group to lighten the load on their customer’s robotic packaging line.
Polyamide Robotic Hand
Success Story | ASS Maschinenbau
Manufacture of a lightweight robotic hand with integrated air channels from polyamide using the EOSINT P 396.
Get Inspired
Turbomachinery & Turbines
Industries
Its high-performance parts feature complex, high-tech designs that need to be more and more robust and powerful as the demand for energy increases.
Tooling & Mold-Making
Industries
The most complex of shapes can be designed and produced in the highest quality, quickly and cost-efficiently, even for small batch sizes.
Heat Exchanger
Industries
Whether you need heat exchangers, housings, communication parts, drones, three-dimensional circuit boards or inductors – the diversity of possible additive manufacturing applications spans the entire industry.
