Fairlane Products, a manufacturer of workholding and positioning components, has launched the web-based GripShape application, which lets users design and purchase custom robot gripper fingers. GripShape offers design services, a design configurator, and manufacturing services for tooling robot grippers. The interface is easy-to-use and requires no CAD experience to customize a one-of-a-kind design — within minutes.
The GripShape configurator is an intuitive application that’s changing how custom robot gripper fingers are designed and purchased. The configurator offers an automated process for users to design their own gripper fingers in as little as 10 minutes.
The design is made and assembled by Fairlane, using additive manufacturing and CNC machining. As an alternative, a user can choose to purchase the CAD download to machine or 3D print at their facility or with another vendor. 
“Since the beginning, our products have supported ‘points of contact,’” explains Justin Gordon, president of Fairlane Products. “From serrated gripper inserts in lathe chuck jaws, swivel positioners, and rest pads in stationary fixtures to rollers and bumpers in material handling applications, Fairlane products can be found in industrial automation at the point of workpiece contact. It is with this same attention to workpiece contact that we developed GripShape.”
With GripShape, users start by choosing a representative workpiece and adjusting its size. Next, they adjust the finger length, grip width, grasp type, and more. As the design is fine-tuned, users can refresh the model to see the changes instantly.
If the gripper fingers require revisions or other design optimization, users may request a quote in the purchasing section of the configurator and complete the form. Once complete, users can download parasolid CAD files to review the designs in their own CAD projects. As an additional option, Fairlane will review the design, provide basic feedback and quote the requested revisions.
For many applications, designing functional robot gripper fingers can be complex and sensitive. GripShape Solutions is for applications and customers who require full service gripper design. An engineer will work with customers to understand the specifics of your application and help design a gripper for your project. This option includes a parasolid CAD model, prototype finger set and/or a production ready finger set. Examples of design revisions range from incorporating a user’s workpiece, to adding basic features for part centering.
For more information, visit www.fairlaneproducts.com.
Filed Under: NEWS • PROFILES • EDITORIALS, ENGINEERING SOFTWARE, MOTION CONTROL, Robotics • robotic grippers • end effectors
