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 postprocessing 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.