Needle Grippers For Non-Rigid Materials

Automated handling of non-rigid and of non-metallic deformable materials poses unique challenges due to their deformable nature and different characteristics under different conditions. Traditional grippers used in mechanical and electrical engineering are not suitable for these tasks. The increasing use of synthetic materials requires specialized grippers, especially when working with fabrics, leather, textiles and some foodstuffs that can deform under their weight.Grippers are classified into mechanical, vacuum, magnetic and other types. For non-solid materials, three main classes are identified: mechanical, needle and planar grippers. Needle grippers, which pierce materials with needles, are particularly effective for porous objects. The design of needle grippers varies with needle type, piercing method, drive type and material, allowing customization for different materials, applications and conditions.Experimental research conducted at the University of Ruse is aimed at optimizing needle grippers for textiles and synthetic materials. Key parameters such as punching force and inclination angle are critical for effective design and operation. The results show that the optimal punching force varies with needle diameter and inclination, highlighting the need for experimental validation in gripper design. These findings enhance the application of needle grippers in industrial automation, providing efficient handling without damaging materials.