Document Type
Undergraduate Project
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Engineering Technology
Committee Chair
Dr. Craig Johnson
Second Committee Member
Dr. John Choi
Third Committee Member
Professor Charles Pringle
Abstract
Pneumatic Gripper for Cast Products
By: Jacob VanBlaricom
Mentors: Craig Johnson (craig.johnson@cwu.edu), Kurt Gray (kgray06@northstarcasteel.com ),
Ted Bramble (ted.bramble@cwu.edu) , Travis Lamberte (travis@northstarcasteel.com )
The Team was tasked by NorthStar Casteel to create a device that would allow for easy mobility and manipulation of unfinished cast products. The device is needed to increase manufacturing time and decrease worker strain. In order to do this the team designed a custom gripper to match the castings produced at this facility. The gripper was powered by a pneumatic system due to the speed and reliability in this environment. Design choices were guided by Kurt Gray at NorthStar, as well as other employees and listed mentors and CWU. A 3D printed pattern was manufactured in order for a cast gripper jaw to be manufactured. The pattern went through various modifications of size and 3D print properties such as raft and infill. After a successful pattern was printed, the jaw was cast and assembled at NorthStar’s facility. The jaws were assembled to a pneumatic angular gripper with a 32 bore in order to lift the 50-80lb castings. This system was mounted to an electric chain hoist previously available at the NorthStar facility. Testing was conducted at this facility to determine the viability of this design. Testing yielded results that suggested the overall finishing time for a given casting was reduced by 20%. Additionally, a questionnaire provided to employees regarding the new equipment allowed the team to determine the effect it had on employee toll. 90% of the questioned employees stated that the pneumatic system allowed for a less tiresome workday, verifying that the system solved the original problem.
Keywords: Pneumatic, Pattern (casting), infill, Raft (3D printing)
Recommended Citation
VanBlaricom, Jacob, "Mechanical Lift Assist Hoist" (2020). All Undergraduate Projects. 149.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/undergradproj/149