Mechanical Claw – Dovetail Slider – Parallel Gripper

I. Design Inspiration

Based on the dovetail slider structure, this design employs a linkage‑based synchronous drive to achieve parallel opening and closing. It is specifically engineered for small robotic arms driven by SG90 servos, with the slider guiding mechanism enhancing gripping accuracy and stability, making it well suited for handling tasks in STEM projects.

II. 3D Printing Process

The main frame, sliders, and gripper are printed using PLA filament. The dovetail guide rails and sliders feature a 0.15 mm assembly clearance to ensure smooth, snag‑free sliding. Part wall thickness is set at 2 mm, with no large overhanging surfaces; only minimal support structures are added to the tip of the gripper.

III. Structure and Function

A servo‑driven linkage synchronously moves the dovetail slider, keeping the gripper in a parallel opening/closing configuration. Anti‑slip grooves on the inner surface of the gripper enhance friction during grasping. Standard mounting holes at the rear allow direct attachment to the end effector of a robotic arm, enabling versatile handling of small components.