Robot arms are becoming more generic and standardized. But industrial end-effectors are specifically designed for every job that a robot is doing. So finding compatible hardware to machine and the cost of machining itself can become very challenging. Especially when the point of the robot is to free-up human time.

So Part Mason has started designing 3D Models for Robot End-Effector Fingers and End Effector Blanks to be used with many of the more common robot end effectors on the market. Starting with end effectors compatible with Universal Robots UR Arms. These models can be 3D printed on site and serve as functional parts.

We have started with FabCo-Air Grippers to be used as functional models. The 3D models can be downloaded and printed and immediately mounted on to the respective Fabco gripper. The printed parts can then be manually machined for the specific task. 

We have also released a few editable 3D .STEP Files. These models can be downloaded and edited in CAD, saving engineering time.

Lastly we have begun collecting CAD models of common Robot components. These files can be used in CAD assemblies or printed in order to do physical prototyping and fit checks of robot end effectors. Here again we are starting with Universal Robots

This collection of 3D Models for printable Industrial Robot Grippers and Parts should be a great asset to any lean manufacturing operation trying to minimize down time and maximize flexibility. Just download and print the part and get to work.

Every month we design and add dozens of new 3D models to Part Mason. These 3D printable files may be downloaded directly or many of the parts can be ordered and shipped to you. Here are a few of the models getting attention this month.

This set of 3D Models create an quick and sturdy way to rapidly assembly 2020 extrusion. Currently the models are defined for 20mm aluminum extrusion. But let us know if you would like 3d models for other variants.

We have also prepared these models to be printed on demand. Just visit the product page and get the parts shipped to you in just a couple of days.

Acrylic is often used to a number of enclosures. But there are rarely all the pieces you need to quickly assemble and enclosure with acrylic. These new brackets all for quick and reliable assembly of acrylic boxes with very little hassle. 3D print the model.

Modeling parts for engineering and design projects is time consuming. And it can lead to parts being machined from scratch that could easily have been sourced with some slight adjustments. But the question is where to find those parts. What sites can both provide a good 3D Model and then potentially provide the actual parts as well. Here is a list of sites that provide the best 3D models and a couple that can actually provide the manufactured part affordably for that model.

McMaster-Carr has been providing 3D models of their parts for years. Not all of their over-hundred year history but a for a good part of the time CAD has been used.

Most Parts in the Mcmaster catalog can be downloaded in a number of different formats ranging from editable STEP to Solidworks files. This makes them ideal for finding and integrating parts into CAD and engineering projects. And when you are ready you can order the parts directly from McMaster and they will arrive in 1-2 days.

Part Mason is similar to McMaster-Carr. They also provide 3D models for CAD and 3D printing and can deliver the physical parts as well.
The difference is that the hardware found on Part Mason is explicitly designed and optimized for additive manufacturing. This allows you to download the files and immediately create functional physical prototypes for your project. Then as you scale up into production Part Mason can provide the manufactured pieces as you need them. Part Mason is a digital inventory of functional plastic hardware.

GrabCad has no manufacturing or supply capability. But the site does provide many free models created by professional CAD designers and engineers. While the designs are not all entirely hardware when compared to Mcmaster of Part Mason, GrabCad is an excellent resource for more complex CAD files and potentially creating relationships with high quality engineering design talent.

GrabCad also has the advantage of designers sometimes providing raw CAD files and editable versions from most different CAD programs. So it is possible to find a design that can be directly edited rather than modified from a STEP file.

Another repository of free and paid 3D models. Cults3D is a fairly informal place to find 3d models for 3D printing. Most models are more hobby based. But there are some functional pieces that have been created that can be implemented into professional engineering projects.

Another website dedicated to 3D printable models. MyMiniFactory is one of the most professional. With free and paid models the site gives a wide selection of toy and design-based models and projects that can be created with additive manufacturing.

The advantage that MyMiniFactory has over other repositories is that their models are all guaranteed to be 3D Printable. Since the entire collection is heavily curated.