The research falls within the field of advanced manufacturing technologies and soft
robotics, which has been rapidly developing in recent years due to the increasing demand
for safe and adaptable handling of delicate objects in industrial environments. Soft grippers
represent a significant improvement over conventional rigid systems, as they provide
greater adaptability and reduce the risk of damage to handled objects. In this context, the
thesis focuses on the development of rotational molding technology for hydraulic soft
grippers with the aim of improving their functionality, reliability, and production
repeatability.
An experimental methodology was applied, including the analysis of key process
parameters such as molding temperature, rotation speed, and molding time, as well as the
selection of suitable elastomeric materials. More than 40 experiments were conducted, in
which process conditions and design parameters of the rotational molding device were
systematically varied. Special emphasis was placed on the influence of mold positioning
relative to the axis of rotation and on the selection of appropriate materials.
The results show that proper positioning of the mold at the center of rotation and
optimization of the temperature regime have a crucial impact on achieving uniform wall
thickness and overall product quality. By optimizing the process, a uniformly shaped soft
gripper without major defects was achieved, confirming the suitability of the developed
technology for further application.
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