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Gripper-jaw design with replaceable contact inserts

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Opposing rigid jaws with shaped, mechanically retained contacts around a cylindrical workpiece.

An original Vekform CAD design study, shown through CAD views and a rendered workshop scene.

Exploded CAD view of opposing rigid jaws, shaped soft inserts, retainers and a cylindrical reference workpiece — The jaw bodies, shaped inserts and reference workpiece shown separately.

Shaping contacts around a cylindrical part

The cyan inserts follow the cylindrical sample’s profile. Separating the contact from the rigid carrier allows a different contact shape without redesigning the whole jaw. The sample rests directly on the bench.

Assembled CAD view of opposing jaws around a cylindrical sample resting on the bench — The workpiece between the opposing jaw inserts.

A concave cyan contact above the open T-slot in a graphite carrier, with the amber end stop set aside — A T-shaped key slides into the rigid carrier.

Mechanically retained contacts

Each insert slides down a T-shaped track. The wider key sits behind the carrier’s shoulders, while a removable end cap closes the top of the track.

Close CAD view of a seated contact and raised end cap revealing its downward stop feature — The removable cap closes the insertion path.

Separate jaws and contact pieces

An accessible top screw releases the end cap so the insert can slide out. The two-hole mounting feet connect the rigid carriers to a larger fixture.

CAD layout showing the separate rigid jaws, soft inserts, retainers and workpiece — The individual jaw and contact components.

The assembly in context

The cylindrical sample sits on the bench between the opposing jaw assemblies.

Rendered workshop scene showing the jaws around a bench-supported cylindrical sample — The assembled jaws and workpiece.

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