Plastic gripper inserts designed for delicate small parts

In industrial automation, secure and gentle handling of delicate small parts plays a central role—especially for products such as unsintered powder compacts (“green compacts”) or fragile components.

For many years, ROBOWORKER utilized balloon grippers with silicone molded components (balloons) in various sizes and shapes. While these proved reliable in many applications, they also exhibit inherent system-related weaknesses.

Silicone balloons are flexible but also delicate. Due to the material, they are subject to natural wear and can tear quickly under excessive pressure. Additionally, pressure regulation requires precise adjustment to the specific balloon size—an extra effort that complicates handling and can affect process reliability.

At its in-house 3D printing center, ROBOWORKER has developed a solution that compensates for many of these drawbacks: membrane finger inserts made from special plastic. These gripper components are not only custom-tailored but also more durable, economical, and versatile.

Advantages at a glance

1. Precise, gentle gripping
   The inserts are specially optimized for delicate workpieces like green compacts — ensuring even force distribution and high process reliability.
2. Simple pressure control
   Unlike silicone balloons, no pressure-dependent adjustment to the geometry is required. The plastic membrane operates within a wider pressure range, simplifying handling.
3. Extended gripping range
   A single gripper insert can reliably handle workpieces of different sizes — a clear advantage in flexible manufacturing environments.
4. Long service life
   The plastics used feature consistently stable elasticity and mechanical durability, resulting in extended service intervals.
5. High environmental resistance
   The membranes are shape-retaining, dust-resistant, and heat- and chemical-resistant — ideal for continuous industrial operation.

>> This is how a membrane finger insert works...

Thanks to the positive feedback from our customers, we have consistently expanded our range of gripper inserts: They are now available for both internal and external gripping and are compatible with all ROBOWORKER gripper systems, whether in the basic version or with motorized functions such as rotating, turning, or tilting.

The new system also offers clear advantages in terms of setup time: with specially designed quick-change adapters, different inserts can be swapped within seconds — a decisive factor in boosting productivity.

With the new plastic gripper inserts, ROBOWORKER offers a sustainable, flexible, and durable solution for demanding gripping tasks. They replace silicone balloons in many applications — more efficient, more robust, and better adaptable.

We are happy to advise you. Contact us for your customized solution.

Johannes Sonntag
Production Manager Components at ROBOWORKER
+49 751 50920-36
johannes.sonntag@roboworker.de

>> Discover more about 3D printing at ROBOWORKER...