Field: Precision engineering, automation, and manufacturing industry
Technologies Used: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS / 3D Printing – Sintratec Kit, Sintratec TPE and PA12 Materials)
About the Project
Werder Feinwerktechnik AG specializes in the production of precision and unique components. Robots used in manufacturing and automation processes must safely pick up and handle highly delicate, easily damaged parts, avoiding surface scratches or other defects.
Engineering and Manufacturing Solutions
Traditional methods for manufacturing custom grippers required significant time and resources. By implementing SLS 3D printing equipment, new opportunities opened up to adapt grippers to specific manufacturing tasks:
Dual Material Application: The company uses two 3D printer kits – one for flexible, soft parts made from Sintratec TPE material, the other for rigid and stable parts made from Sintratec PA12.
Protection Against Damage: Soft TPE grippers serve as a buffer protecting scratch-sensitive metal products, while harder PA12 grippers are used in processes requiring greater mechanical resistance (e.g., during sandblasting).
Parameter Control and Small Batches: The ability to freely configure printing parameters enables precise control of part hardness and flexibility, while SLS technology allows cost-effective production of single-unit or small gripper batches according to individual dimensions.
Results Achieved
Efficient Automation: Highly precise robot grippers were created, perfectly matching the geometry of manufactured parts.
Reduced Manufacturing Costs: Production of unique components in small quantities became more cost-effective.
Reduced Defect Rate: Safe handling of delicate metal components during manufacturing was ensured.
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