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Flexible grippers for industrial robots – comparison of features of low-cost 3D printed component
Last modified: 16. 12. 2018
Abstract
The aim of presented work was to analyze the feasibility of using 3D-print technology in robotics based on the production of industrial robot flexible grippers. For selected geometry of gripper single finger available 3D printing techniques has been analyzed. The study made by authors uses the following additive technologies and devices: SLS (Selective laser Sintering) on Formiga P100 printer and FDM (Fused deposition modeling) with use of Stratasys Dimension Elite and Zortax The M200. As a prior an analyses of capabilities of individual technologies were done by testing the quality of the 3D CAD model recreated on test print-outs. Based on the printed gripper, its functionality, workmanship and strength properties were examined.To measure test models and gripper specimens geometry, the optical microscope measurement have been made. Strength of grapplers was tested with a use of an MTS test machine under repeating deflexion simulating standard operational cycle of a gripper. Test proved that at least few thousands of cycle are possible to be made by a 3D printed gripper. What interesting gripper made with use of the less advanced printer showed different wear behavior than an one made on the more advanced. First one showed almost instantaneous start of slow and constant strength degradation while the second one proved to have a stable deflexional capability by almost twice an number of cycles. More isotropic structure of an SLS printed gripper caused the best results of all tested ones. Numerical simulations and fatigue tests has been compared showing a good convergence of prediction of possible failures.