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Gripper systems
Gripper systems are indispensable components for industrial robots or manipulators, as they serve as the intermediate link between the workpiece and the processing system. Grippers operate pneumatically or electrically and are used to grasp, hold, position, and orient a workpiece or tool. Typically, gripper systems are mounted on the outermost or final axis of manipulators and connected to a common power supply.
Various Effects of Gripping Systems
Gripping systems are subject to a variety of influences. They operate mechanically, pneumatically, electrically or adhesively.
Mechanical grippers resemble a human hand and have one or more fingers. These gripping systems may consist of several rigid joints, but in general, they can also be compliant and flexible. They are typically pneumatic, meaning they are powered by compressed air. Mechanical or electric drives are also possible.
Air grippers are vacuum suction cups that draw the workpiece in for transport and handling. In addition to vacuum technology, workpieces can also be clamped and moved using pressure. If pneumatic grippers cannot be used—for example, because the surface does not allow a vacuum to be created, such as with porous or perforated structures—adhesive gripping systems typically provide a solution to the problem.
When their gripping surfaces, equipped with tiny bristles, are pressed against the workpiece, van der Waals forces are generated, allowing it to be lifted in real time. If the adhesive gripper is tilted slightly to the side in a controlled manner, the adhesion is released again. The advantage of adhesive grippers is that they do not require electricity and are therefore extremely energy-efficient.
Electric grippers with a magnetic function attract the workpiece with a magnet and hold it in place. There are two types of magnetic gripper systems: permanent magnet grippers and electromagnet grippers. For permanent magnet grippers, once the workpiece has been lifted by the magnet, it must be caught by another system. Electromagnetic grippers are activated and deactivated using electrical power, so parts can be easily picked up and released again.
Festo mechanical grippers
Festo mechanical grippers are driven by an internal drive and convert the drive’s motion into the gripper’s motion via a transmission. This motion of the gripper jaws is called the stroke. Workpieces of various sizes can be gripped depending on the stroke and gripping force. Festo offers both pneumatic and electric grippers with long strokes.
Parallel grippers
Festo offers mechanical parallel grippers in various designs. They are suitable for both internal and external gripping. Standard parallel grippers are used for handling a variety of small parts in clean environments. To handle high forces, Festo offers reliable gripping systems with a spring-loaded guide featuring a T-slot for the gripping jaws. Sealed grippers are suitable for use in heavily contaminated and demanding environments. The precision parallel gripper impresses with play-free operation in the jaws thanks to a roller bearing.
In our core product range, you will find three parallel grippers—DHPC, DHPS, HGPL, and HGPT—in various sizes. The DHPC and DHPS are characterized by high gripping force combined with compact dimensions and maximum repeatability, while the HGPL is particularly suitable for use with large workpieces and long strokes. The HGPT parallel gripper is robust, powerful, and, like the HGPL, features a T-slot guide. In addition to our core product range, at Festo you’ll find additional parallel grippers for a wide variety of requirements: from products that are ideal for handling large workpieces, self-centering grippers, and grippers for extremely demanding conditions, to micro-grippers with an extremely compact and user-friendly design.
Parallel gripper
Three-point gripper
Three-point grippers allow you to grip a part at its center. At Festo, you’ll find three-point grippers in various designs. Standard three-point grippers are suitable for general-purpose use with small parts in clean environments. For absorbing high forces, you’ll find reliable gripping systems with three jaws featuring a spring-loaded guide with a T-slot for internal and external gripping. Sealed three-point grippers are suitable for use in heavily contaminated and demanding environments.
Our DHDS three-point gripper offers maximum repeatability and high gripping force despite its compact size. The Festo HGDD three-point gripper ensures precise gripping with concentric movements despite high load moments and is particularly suitable for use in very challenging conditions. In the HGDT three-point gripper, the gripper jaws are protected from dust by air seals, making this gripper particularly reliable. It is also available in a high-performance version that ensures synchronous movement of the gripper jaws.
Three-point gripper
Angular gripper
Festo angular grippers are available as standard grippers for small parts and as micro-grippers. The jaws of the angular gripper open up to 20° per jaw. The opening angle can eliminate the need to approach the object from the side. Thanks to the defined opening angle, cycle time can be reduced and obstructing contours avoided.
Our latest model, the DHWC angular gripper, can be used as either a double-acting or single-acting gripper. In addition, it offers high load torque thanks to the lateral support provided by the gripper jaws. The DHWS angular gripper, featuring improved gripper jaw orientation, has an internal throttle, which means external throttling is no longer required in 80% of applications. The Festo HGWM angular gripper features a compact and user-friendly design. It can be used in a variety of ways thanks to its externally adjustable gripping jaws.
Angular gripper
Radial gripper
Festo radial grippers are available in two versions. The standard radial gripper is available as a gripper for small parts in clean environments. A heavy-duty version with a connection for compressed air allows for higher forces. The jaws of the radial gripper open up to 90° per jaw. The wide opening angle eliminates the need to approach the object from the side.
Festo DHRC and DHRS radial grippers provide high load capacity thanks to the lateral support of the gripper jaws. The first can be used as a double-acting or single-acting gripper; the second is more robust and features an internal throttle. A distinctive feature of the HGRT radial gripper is its reliable and precise kinematics, designed for high torques and a long service life.
Radial gripper
Rotary unit with gripper
The group of mechanical gripping systems also includes a rotary unit with gripper, a compact, functional combination of a parallel gripper and a rotary unit. Both functions are controlled and moved separately and independently of each other. The swivel unit with gripper is available in three different sizes. The swivel angle can be adjusted from 0° to 210° with a maximum gripping force of 192 N.
We can supply you with the HGDS swivel gripper, which features a continuously adjustable swivel angle and ensures precise end-of-travel positioning with elastic cushioning or a built-in shock absorber.
Rotary gripper unit
Festo pneumatic grippers
In the pneumatic gripping systems section, you’ll find convenient and safe internal grippers in the form of bellows grippers. Thanks to the mechanical expansion of the bellows’ diameter, the payload is clamped along the inner contour. The gripper is suitable for gripping and transporting parts with a round opening, such as glasses, cups, or bottles. Two different bellows materials are available: EPDM is suitable for higher loads, while silicone is suitable for higher temperatures.
The Festo DHEB bellows gripper is available in 11 sizes for gripping diameters ranging from 8 to 85 mm. The DHEB moves up or down. The DHEF adaptive gripper is suitable for gripping parts with undefined positions and shapes, as well as workpieces with varying geometries.
Bellows gripper
Accessories for gripping systems
Of course, at Festo you’ll find the right accessories for your gripping systems, including various gripping jaws, stroke reduction solutions, gripper adapters, gripping jaw blanks, and adaptive gripping jaws.