3D Printed Gripper Fingers

Gimatic Utilizes 3D Printing Technology From HP to Innovate Faster and Better Optimize Its Production Capacity

Link to Case Study

Benefits of 3D Printing:

• Develop ideas faster
• On-demand printing provides immediate feedback
• Prototyping mitigates risks
• Minimize downtime
• Inexpensive when compared to machining
• Custom to your application

Since 2013, GimaticUSA engineers have been utilizing Additive Manufacturing (AM) in robotic handling applications for the automotive, medical, consumer good and plastic injection molding industry.

As an industry leader in robotic End-of-Arm-Tooling (EOAT), we have found new, innovative ways to approach the traditional EOAT application. From custom nests to advanced gripper fingers, GimaticUSA is continually pushing the limits of 3D printing to support automation in the plastic injection molding industry.

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Custom 3D Printed Fingers for your Application

From 1 part to 100 parts, simple or complex, GimaticUSA’s 3D printing service is fast and economical.

Machined vs 3D Printed Fingers:

Our engineers will work with you to develop an optimal product by analyzing your project requirements and time considerations. 3D printing materials have advanced significantly, and the resins we use are well suited to 3D printing gripper fingers and other EOAT components. See our comparison chart below for more information.

3D Printed Components used in EOAT:

3D printed components offer solutions for parts with geometries where gripping is often difficult. They are also useful in applications with tight space restrictions. These components are tailor made to fit your parts for an improved process.

Additive Manufacturing vs Machine made Parts

Material Specs

The nylon (PA12) that our components are printed in is a suitable material for end of arm tooling in the injection molding industry. Heat deflection temperature gives a good look at the temperature that our parts can withstand, keeping in mind that these values are measured when the entire plastic sample is saturated at the tested temperature. Tensile strength and elongation values help quantify that the material is both strong and to some degree flexible, these are beneficial properties for gripper fingers that have to withstand many cycles and still retain their precision. Strength and flexibility are assets that can be tuned through design, this becomes appropriate when creating rigid nests or fixtures that have to be precise and stable to hold parts in the exact orientation desired.