BRITISH pneumatics supplier Thorite has supplied products for the RadiGrip, a pneumatic gripper which they say multiplies the gripping power and accuracy of robot arms.
The RadiGrip was invented by John Ridehough, a partner in Lancashire-based Radical Technologies.
The secret of the RadiGrip lies in its use of a Thorite-supplied SMC pneumatic rotary actuator, rather than the linear actuator normally used in this type of device. Linear actuators are difficult to synchronise, but RadiGrip works through 180 degrees, operating by either pulling or pushing on two rods, combined with linear slide rails.
The resulting unit can carry huge amounts of load. Tests at Lancaster University have demonstrated that with 100psi input the RG 600 is able to multiply this force 300kg of gripping power. The gripper also features a toggle closing action, which ensures the gripper cannot open if the compressed air supply should fail.
Add a comment