Choose a pneumatic gripper by workpiece geometry, contact method and the force available at the real finger length and air pressure. Include dynamic loads, part detection and release behavior with the robot or assembly machine, using custom fingers as engineered tooling. Handle representative tolerance limits through the complete motion and process cycle. Measure slip, marking and reliable part/release confirmation at the lowest agreed pressure. Demonstrate the approved interruption and restart behavior and retain finger drawings, air settings and robot acceleration with the accepted results. Submit the intended configuration and any OEM/ODM changes for project-specific feasibility review.
Choose a pneumatic gripper by workpiece geometry, contact method and the force available at the real finger length and air pressure. Include dynamic loads, part detection and release behavior with the robot or assembly machine, using custom fingers as engineered tooling.
Shown as a configuration reference. Availability and the equipment offered for your project are confirmed separately.
Describe internal or external gripping
Supply part drawings, grip surfaces, mass and acceptable marking. Internal expansion and external clamping can use different stroke positions and effective forces. Explain whether the part is held by friction or mechanically supported so the proposed finger geometry can be assessed against the actual task.
Evaluate force at the working contact
Finger extension changes moments and may limit usable gripping force. Include robot acceleration, orientation and forces from the process. Compare calculations at minimum operating pressure rather than applying a nominal force from a short standard test finger to a long custom jaw.
Match opening stroke and tolerance
Check approach clearance, part size variation and the space required to release it. Jaw stroke that barely accommodates the nominal drawing can fail at tolerance limits. Itemize different finger sets when a single geometry cannot cover the intended family without excessive overhang or poor contact.
Confirm successful grip and release
Define sensor locations and what their signals mean for the machine sequence. End-of-stroke sensing alone may not establish that a workpiece is present and seated. Include empty pickup, obstructed fingers and a part that sticks during release in the verification plan.
Review pressure-loss consequences
A pneumatic gripper may release or move when air is lost, depending on its mechanism and circuit. Establish the permitted load behavior through a risk assessment. If retention is required, specify the documented mechanical or circuit provision rather than assuming a closed jaw is inherently fail-safe.
Maintain guides, seals and air quality
Specify chips, oil, dust and cleaning exposure around the finger guides. Confirm permitted air quality and lubrication. Identify seals, guide components and custom-finger datums so replacement can restore the accepted grip, and keep access without allowing service work near an unexpectedly moving robot.
Compare a complete pneumatic gripper scope
| Decision | Information to compare |
|---|---|
| Describe internal or external gripping | Part drawing, grip direction, surface condition and allowable marking |
| Evaluate force at the working contact | Finger length, load moments, acceleration and minimum air pressure |
| Match opening stroke and tolerance | Part tolerances, open/closed clearances, stroke and changeable finger sets |
| Confirm successful grip and release | Position sensors, part-present logic, release confirmation and faults |
| Review pressure-loss consequences | Air-loss state, retained-load requirement and approved recovery procedure |
| Maintain guides, seals and air quality | Environment, air treatment, guide/seal parts and finger-reset datum |
Plan installation and access
Check mounting accuracy and fastener engagement on the robot flange or slide. Route tubing and sensor cables through the required travel without pulling on fittings. Align custom fingers, review pinch points and commission using the machine's approved reduced-risk setup procedure.
Agree acceptance evidence before ordering
Handle representative tolerance limits through the complete motion and process cycle. Measure slip, marking and reliable part/release confirmation at the lowest agreed pressure. Demonstrate the approved interruption and restart behavior and retain finger drawings, air settings and robot acceleration with the accepted results.
Define OEM/ODM engineering boundaries
OEM fingers, mounting plates and sensing interfaces can be reviewed. ODM piston, guide, seal or retention changes require load and endurance validation. A reference gripper photo does not establish stock or allow an alternative product to inherit the original manufacturer's safety or force claims.
What should your pneumatic gripper RFQ include?
- Part drawing, grip direction, surface condition and allowable marking
- Finger length, load moments, acceleration and minimum air pressure
- Part tolerances, open/closed clearances, stroke and changeable finger sets
- Position sensors, part-present logic, release confirmation and faults
- Air-loss state, retained-load requirement and approved recovery procedure
- Environment, air treatment, guide/seal parts and finger-reset datum
- Destination, working environment, access and delivery constraints
- Installation responsibility, utilities and connection drawings
- Acceptance samples, documented test method, operator training and maintenance scope
- OEM/ODM changes requested: identification, tooling, interfaces or new design; engineering feasibility to be confirmed
Need OEM / ODM customization?
Submit branding, packaging, configuration or engineering requirements for this equipment. Include the target market, initial and annual quantities, required changes and acceptance criteria.
Customization feasibility, permitted branding, development responsibilities, minimum quantity, cost and lead time are reviewed for the proposed supplier and configuration before a quotation is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe internal or external gripping?
Supply part drawings, grip surfaces, mass and acceptable marking. Internal expansion and external clamping can use different stroke positions and effective forces. Explain whether the part is held by friction or mechanically supported so the proposed finger geometry can be assessed against the actual task.
How do I evaluate force at the working contact?
Finger extension changes moments and may limit usable gripping force. Include robot acceleration, orientation and forces from the process. Compare calculations at minimum operating pressure rather than applying a nominal force from a short standard test finger to a long custom jaw.
How do I match opening stroke and tolerance?
Check approach clearance, part size variation and the space required to release it. Jaw stroke that barely accommodates the nominal drawing can fail at tolerance limits. Itemize different finger sets when a single geometry cannot cover the intended family without excessive overhang or poor contact.
How do I confirm successful grip and release?
Define sensor locations and what their signals mean for the machine sequence. End-of-stroke sensing alone may not establish that a workpiece is present and seated. Include empty pickup, obstructed fingers and a part that sticks during release in the verification plan.
How do I review pressure-loss consequences?
A pneumatic gripper may release or move when air is lost, depending on its mechanism and circuit. Establish the permitted load behavior through a risk assessment. If retention is required, specify the documented mechanical or circuit provision rather than assuming a closed jaw is inherently fail-safe.
How do I maintain guides, seals and air quality?
Specify chips, oil, dust and cleaning exposure around the finger guides. Confirm permitted air quality and lubrication. Identify seals, guide components and custom-finger datums so replacement can restore the accepted grip, and keep access without allowing service work near an unexpectedly moving robot.
Reference information
- SMC MHZ2 official product reference
- SMC pneumatic gripper official family or technical reference
Reference data and images explain equipment configurations. IndustryApex engineers confirm the offered model, specification and commercial scope in your project quotation.