Compact flexure-guided gripper combines 0.5mm jaw travel and integrated force sensing

Providing up to 4N (0.9lb) of clamping force and 500m of jaw travel with opening width up to 1.9mm, the new gripper securely holds small optical components during high-dynamic positioning and alignment processes.

As photonics manufacturing becomes increasingly automated, positioning an optical component is only part of the challenge. Fibres, lenses and other miniature components must also be picked up and held with sufficient rigidity to prevent unwanted motion during rapid scanning and alignment. At the same time, the gripping force must be controlled to avoid damaging delicate components.

The P-606.1P micro-gripper addresses these requirements with a monolithic flexure design, piezoelectric actuation, and an integrated piezoresistive force sensor. The combination provides fast response, high structural stiffness and controlled gripping force in a compact package suitable for integration with precision positioning and photonics alignment systems.

The gripper is particularly suited for active alignment processes where an optical component must remain mechanically stable while the positioning system performs rapid scanning or optimisation routines. High structural rigidity helps minimise relative motion between the gripper and component during acceleration, settling, and alignment.

With a clamping force of up to 4N, the P-606.1P can securely hold optical components and fixtures while its piezoelectric drive provides fast, precise jaw motion.

At the core of the P-606.1P is a monolithic flexure mechanism. Flexure guidance eliminates conventional bearings, providing friction-free motion without mechanical play.

Interchangeable jaws allow the gripping interface to be adapted to different component geometries and manufacturing processes. This modular approach makes the gripper suitable for integration into automated assembly equipment as well as photonics alignment systems.

The gripper provides 500 um of typical jaw travel and supports opening widths from 0.5 to 1.9 mm, depending on the jaw configuration.