Design and SLM-based additive manufacturing of customized stainless steel biomedical grippers for surgical applications

Biomedical grippers are vital devices in biomedical applications, delicately handling biological specimens or tissues with features such as biocompatible materials, gentle handling mechanisms, sterilization compatibility with corrosion resistant capability. This study explores the development of customized biomedical grippers utilizing selective laser melting (SLM)-based additive manufacturing technology with 316L stainless steel powders. The prototypes of the manufactured two customized stainless-steel grippers function with a 1 mm diameter polyethylene fiber-based actuator that works antagonistically with integrated springs. The use of SLM-based additive manufacturing technology enabled having an innovative mechanical solution with amplified gripping mechanisms. Furthermore, a telescopic handle design for the grippers enhanced the functionality of the overall system to use in surgical applications.