BLUE PHOTON SYSTEMS FAQ

Blue Photon is a revolutionary workholding system that utilizes specially formulated BlueGrip™ Workholding Adhesive® and UV light to bond and grip almost any part for machining without clamping.

The Blue Photon system is a highly versatile solution for fixturing complex geometries, enabling improved cutting tool access while enhancing overall part quality. Unlike traditional mechanical clamping methods, Blue Photon uses patented grippers combined with UV-activated adhesive specifically engineered for manufacturing applications. This approach eliminates clamping forces that can distort delicate components. The system addresses many common workholding challenges, including securely holding thin-walled parts, complex shapes, composites, ceramics, and additively manufactured components.

The Blue Photon system is strong enough to withstand heavy milling, turning, grinding, EDM, ECM, additive manufacturing and MORE. Contact your local Blue Photon representative or us directly to discuss compatibility with your current application(s).

BlueGrip™ adhesive typically cures in 60-90 seconds depending on your application setup.

Grippers are available in three sizes and the gap between part and gripper can range from .020" to .120". The ideal gap is .020" for small grippers and .040" for medium and large grippers. We are happy to consult with you to determine the ideal gap for your specific applications.

BlueGrip™ adhesive holds tightly even when used with water and most cutting fluids.

Your workpiece sits on the part or fixture datums, not directly on the grippers meaning that there is no interference with part loading.

We recommend that the adhesive joint temperature remains below 80°F in order to achieve maximum hold strength. The temperature of the adhesive joint, not the part, affects the holding strength.

This is common question and is very project dependent. There are several factors involved when determining the appropriate gripper quantity. Please contact your local Blue Photon representative or us directly to intiate discussions about your project and the optimal number of grippers required.

The workpiece is easily released from the fixture with a simple twist of the gripper to break the adhesive bond. For delicate parts, hot water offers a gentle, low-stress release option that helps protect part integrity.

Heat (≥200°), hot water, steam, hot water spray or dry ice blasting will remove the adhesive from the workpiece and the grippers. Blue Photon offers steamers, hot water washers and an adhesive grinder that can be used in a CNC machining center to automatically remove adhesive from the grippers.

BlueGrip™ Workholding Adhesive™ will hold ferrous and non-ferrous metals, superalloys, composites, ceramics, quartz, most plastics and more. If you have questions about your particular material, contact us directly.