High-temperature robotic gripper with ceramic insulation for additive manufacturing

Abstract

Traditional robotic grippers designed for collaborative robots have often been constrained to specific part geometries or low-temperature operations, creating a need for more adaptable solutions. A high-temperature gripper has been developed with fingers made from alloy steel 4140 and an aluminium oxide ceramic insulator to support automation during post-processing in metal additive manufacturing (AM). Mechanical and thermal characterization tests have been performed to validate the insulator’s performance under extreme conditions. Thermal simulations have indicated a temperature difference of 767.58 °C across the insulator when subjected to a 1000 °C steel plate, confirming its role as an effective thermal barrier. The gripper has been designed to withstand temperatures up to 1000 °C and integrated with thermocouples for continuous temperature monitoring during manipulation. This advancement has enabled safe handling of heated components, reduced risks to human operators, and supported greater automation in high-temperature environments, thereby improving safety and productivity in demanding industrial settings.