Customer: MASCHINENBAU
Industry/Application area: Automation, EOAT
Technology: innovatiQ TiQ 2 Plus industrial 3D printer
Material: PA-CF (carbon fiber reinforced polyamide)

Introduction/challenge
Robotic arms are used in automated production lines to transport components from A to B, insert them into an assembly device or transfer them from one machine to another. The parts have complex, delicate or irregular geometries. Standard grippers are not suitable for every component. The production of a customized metal gripper is expensive and the machining is time-consuming. In addition, a metal gripper would often be too heavy, which reduces the maximum payload of the robot and increases the cycle time.

End effectors, i.e. the tools at the end of the robot arm, can be printed using the FDM process from lightweight but stable material such as PACF. 3D printing makes it possible to design grippers that are precisely adapted to the geometry of the component to be handled.

• • Weight reduction: The lower weight of the printed gripper allows higher speeds and accelerations of the robot, resulting in a faster cycle time.
  • Perfect fit: The gripper encloses the component precisely, prevents it from slipping and protects sensitive surfaces.
  • Cost efficiency and speed: Changes in product design only require the printing of a new gripper, without long waiting times or high machining costs.
  • Function integration: Special functions such as integrated air channels for vacuum grippers or mounting options for sensors can be integrated directly into the design.

Print example: END EFFECTORS FOR ROBOT ARMS

Printer: innovatiQ TiQ 2 Plus

Material: PA-CF