Most parts for this project are purchased, however the manufactured gripper jaws were cast. Below is an image of the casting process at NorthStar where they were cast. The jaws were then machined to have an appropriate mounting surface.

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The two custom manufactured parts are the single and double gripper jaws. In order to machine these, two methods were considered.

1. Using the CNC mill would allow for manufacturing of these parts. A lack of CNC training means that assistance would be required for this method, and learning to code the CNC would mean this would take longer than wanted.

2. Another option for manufacturing would be to cast these parts, and then clean then up by grinding. This is a valid approach because of the fairly low tolerance required for the gripper jaws. This method could not be done at the CWU campus, and would be performed at Northstar’s Seattle location, where they have a functional foundry.

After evaluating the options, the team decided to have the part cast at Northstar’s Seattle plant because of the accessibility to a foundry setting, and the low cost because scrap metal could be used. The team will 3-D print a model of the part, slightly enlarged to account for shrinkage, to provide to Northstar as a pattern to make the needed molds.

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Below are images form the manufacturing process.