Each model in my Medium-Duty Robot Gripper is designed specifically for 3D printing, and have the minimum-possible vertices/pixels. Each model has a specific orientation that you should print it (i.e. a specific bottom-side), so that each model prints right and looks good. :)

I printed this with ABS plastic, but it should be printable in PLA as well. I use a MakerBot Replicator 1-dual for all of my printing, and set my heated platform to 115C (prevents warping, you can set it to whatever works for your printer and plastic combo).

Printing:

You will need to print the following models to make a complete gripper:

1. One of DroidGripper-BackPlate

2. One of DroidGripper-SupportPlate

3. One of DroidGripper-GearPlate

4. One of DroidGripper-TopPlate

5. One of DroidGripper-ServoPlate

6. One of DroidGripper-LeftArm

7. One of DroidGripper-RightArm

8. One of DroidGripper-LeftDriveGear

9. One of DroidGripper-RightDriveGear

10. Two of DroidGripper-PressurePlate

11. Six of DroidGripper-InterfaceLinks

The numbered-images I uploaded in this thing will walk you through a typical installation process for the gripper, and I provide a number of installation tips below to aid you as well.

I'm using an Arduino Mega 2560 an Adafruit 16-Channel Servo Driver ; adafruit.com/products/815 to control the gripper and sensors, and I plan to add more sensors to the gripper in future releases.

TIP: I include my notes below on how to get the models off of a hot build platform without damaging them:

1. When each print is done, leave it on the build platform and let it sit there until the platform cools down to ~60C.

2. Then turn pre-heat ON and wait until the build platform gets back up to > 100C. Your object should pop off the platform with just finger pressure.

This works because at a molecular level the plastic will mold perfectly onto the platform and into every tiny crack, scratch, bump, and it's bonds to the klapton or surface. By first allowing the model to cool, and then re-heating the platform, you cause the platform to shrink and expand by a tiny fraction - it flexes - and this cooling/re-heating again will break that bond and allow the model to come off the surface with very little force. This does tend to bubble the klapton more than pulling a hot model off the build platform the moment it's done, but this method also prevents cooling-induced warping as well.

You'll need some #6 screws,bolts to secure the gripper arms together as shown in the photo's, I tried a number of ABS-plastic options but none could hold any weight or handle Medium-level duty applications. Here is the list of hardware I recommend if you want to make an exact replica of what I made:

1. Nine 1/4" tall, size #6 aluminum spacers: servocity.com/html/6-32_aluminum_standoffs__round.html

2. Eight 1 1/4" (one and one quarter) inch long, size #6 screws: servocity.com/html/6-32_truss_head_phillip_machin.html

3. Four 2" inch long, size #6 screws: servocity.com/html/6-32_truss_head_phillip_machin.html

4. Eight 5/8" inch long, size #6 screws: servocity.com/html/6-32_truss_head_phillip_machin.html

5. Fifteen+ #6-32 nuts: servocity.com/html/machine_screw_hex_nuts.html

6. Eight #6 screws: servocity.com/html/_6_flat_head_phillip_screws.html

That shouldn't cost more than $20-$25 total, and will secure all of the printed components together nicely, and you can get the parts anywhere. :) I'm going to work-up a Viseo diagram that describes how to bolt it all together.

Thanks for reading and printing the Mad Mare Medium-Duty Robot Gripper! =) All feedback is welcome!

Kris