Automated extraction of 3D printed parts from unfused PA12 powder using a one-shot 3D printed compliant gripper

Cormack, J., Fotouhi, M. , Adams, G. and Pipe, T. (2021) Automated extraction of 3D printed parts from unfused PA12 powder using a one-shot 3D printed compliant gripper. IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, 6(4), pp. 8655-8662. (doi: 10.1109/LRA.2021.3113383)

Abstract

Automated individual part extraction from powder based 3D printers has the potential to save time and cost compared with fully manual part extraction, or part sorting following automated bulk separation of parts and unfused powder. This work details the development of a novel one-shot 3D printed compliant gripping mechanism, able to extract individual solid parts from unfused PA12 powder. It was found that the unfused powder causes grip slip and instability as well as an increase in the perceived object width. A new toothed digit geometry was created, able to reduce the duration of the instability, and localised vibration was shown to eliminate the initial period of increased strain. A combination of toothed geometry and localised vibration showed a relative strain output on the gripper almost identical to that of the same grasp with no powder present. This allows individual solid parts to be extracted from unfused powder in a known pose, ready for automation of subsequent postprocessing steps.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This project was funded by HP Development UK Ltd, who also supplied the required PA12 powder and 3D printed sample parts produced using the MJF process.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fotouhi, Dr Mohammad
• Authors: Cormack, J., Fotouhi, M., Adams, G., and Pipe, T.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Journal Name: IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 2377-3766
• ISSN (Online): 2377-3766
• Published Online: 20 September 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters 6(4): 8655-8662
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy