Pneumatic grippers are mechanical devices that are used to grip and hold objects using compressed air. Pneumatic grippers are commonly used in industrial automation applications, such as in manufacturing and assembly lines, to manipulate and transport objects.
Pneumatic grippers typically consist of two or more gripper jaws, called fingers also, that are operated by a piston or a rotary actuator. When compressed air is supplied to the pneumatic gripper, the jaws move toward each other to grip the object. When the air pressure is released, the jaws return to their original position, releasing the object.
Pneumatic grippers come in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate different types and sizes of objects. Pneumatic grippers can be designed to grip objects with parallel or angular jaws, and they can be equipped with sensors to detect the presence of an object or to provide feedback on the gripping force.
One of the advantages of pneumatic grippers is their speed and efficiency. Because they are powered by compressed air, pneumatic grippers can operate quickly and reliably, making them ideal for high-speed applications. Pneumatic grippers are also relatively low-cost and easy to maintain.
1. Body: The body of the gripper is the main structural component that houses the other parts of the gripper and provides a mounting surface for the gripper.
2. Jaws or gripper fingers: The jaws or gripper fingers are the parts that actually make contact with the object being held. They can be straight or curved, with flat or serrated surfaces, and can be designed with a range of gripping forces and opening widths.
3. Actuator: The actuator is the part of the gripper that controls the movement of the jaws or fingers. This can be a pneumatic cylinder, an electric motor, or a hydraulic system, depending on the type of gripper.
4. Sensors: Grippers may also be equipped with sensors to detect the presence of an object, to measure the gripping force, or to provide feedback on the position of the gripper.
5. Mounting brackets: Mounting brackets are used to attach the gripper to a robot arm or other machinery.
6. Control system: The control system for the gripper can vary depending on the type of gripper and the application. It may include switches, sensors, or a programmable logic controller (PLC) to control the operation of the gripper.
A pneumatic gripper works by using compressed air to move the jaws of the gripper and hold an object. The pneumatic gripper typically consists of a cylinder, piston, and gripper jaws, and is connected to a source of compressed air.
When compressed air is supplied to the cylinder, it pushes the piston, which in turn moves the jaws of the pneumatic gripper toward each other. The jaws grip the object securely, and the gripper can hold it until the air pressure is released.
Opening force and closing force are two related measures of the gripping force of a pneumatic gripper.
Opening force refers to the amount of force required to open the jaws or fingers of the gripper and the Closing force, on the other hand, refers to the force that the gripper applies to the object being held when the jaws or fingers are closed.
The opening force of a pneumatic gripper can be adjusted by changing the air pressure or by adjusting the position of the gripper fingers. Some grippers also have adjustable opening force settings that can be programmed into the gripper control system.
When deciding, which pneumatic gripper is the best option, we need to bare in mind the internal and external clamping. Internal clamping refers to a method of holding a workpiece or tooling component from the inside, using an expanding mandrel or collet while external clamping, on the other hand, refers to a method of holding a workpiece or tooling component from the outside, using an external clamp or collet.
There are several types of grippers that are commonly used in industrial automation applications. Here are some of the most common types:
1. Parallel grippers: These grippers have two jaws that move parallel to each other to grip the object. They are the most common type of gripper and are used in a wide range of applications including harsh environments.
2. Pneumatic angular gripper: These grippers have jaws that move at an angle to each other, allowing them to grip objects that are irregularly shaped or difficult to grasp with a parallel gripper.
3. Vacuum grippers: These grippers use suction to grip and hold objects. They are often used in applications where the object being handled is fragile or has a non-uniform shape.
4. Servo-electric grippers: These grippers use an electric motor to actuate the jaws, providing precise control over the gripping force and position.
5. Pneumatic grippers: The pneumatic gripper uses compressed air to actuate the jaws. They are simple, reliable, and can operate at high speeds.
6. Magnetic grippers: These grippers use a magnetic field to grip and hold ferromagnetic objects. They are often used in applications where objects need to be picked up and transported quickly and reliably.
7. Hydraulic grippers: These grippers use hydraulic fluid to actuate the jaws. They are often used in heavy-duty applications where high gripping forces are required.
The choice of gripper depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as the different sizes and shape of the object being handled, the required gripping force, and the speed and precision of the gripping operation.
Pneumatic grippers are commonly used in robotics for various applications that require the manipulation and handling of objects. This pneumatic gripper operates using compressed air or gases to generate the necessary force for grasping and releasing objects.
Here are some key points about pneumatic grippers in robotics:
1. Operation: Pneumatic gripper utilizes compressed air or other gases to create mechanical force. This force is usually generated by an air compressor and controlled using pneumatic valves.
2. Design: Pneumatic grippers come in various designs to suit different applications. The most common types are parallel-jaw grippers, which feature two opposing jaws that move in parallel to grip the object. Other designs include angular grippers, three-finger grippers, and custom-made grippers for specialized tasks.
3. Actuation: Pneumatic grippers use pneumatic actuators, such as pneumatic cylinders or pneumatic rotary actuators, to control the opening and closing of the gripper jaws. These actuators convert the air pressure into mechanical motion to perform gripping actions.
4. Force and Control: Pneumatic gripper offers a wide range of gripping forces, depending on the size and type of gripper used. The force can be adjusted by regulating the air pressure supplied to the gripper. Gripper control can be achieved through manual valves, solenoid valves, or more advanced control systems integrated with the robotic controller.
Advantages: Pneumatic grippers have several advantages in robotics applications. They are generally lightweight, compact, and provide high gripping forces relative to their size. Pneumatic systems are also relatively simple and cost-effective compared to other types of grippers. They can operate at high speeds and are suitable for applications where a moderate level of precision is required.
Double-acting pneumatic grippers are a type of gripper commonly used in automation and robotics applications. These grippers are actuated using compressed air and can perform both gripping and releasing actions.
Benefits of double-acting pneumatic grippers include their ability to provide strong gripping force, fast and precise operation, and compatibility with pneumatic control systems commonly used in industrial automation.
Single-acting pneumatic grippers are another type of gripper commonly used in automation and robotics. Unlike double-acting grippers, single-acting grippers rely on a spring or mechanical mechanism to open the jaws, while compressed air is used to close the jaws and grip the object.
Single-acting pneumatic grippers are often used in applications where the gripping force requirement is relatively low and where a spring or mechanical mechanism can provide enough force to open the jaws. They are typically less complex and less expensive than double-acting grippers.
It's important to note that the choice between single-acting and double-acting pneumatic grippers depends on the specific application requirements, such as the gripping force needed, the speed of operation, and the control system capabilities.
Festo is a well-known manufacturer of pneumatic components and systems, including pneumatic gripper. Festo offers a range of pneumatic grippers with different designs and features to meet various automation needs. Here are some examples of pneumatic grippers from Festo:
1. DG pneumatic gripper: Festo's DG series are designed for precise gripping and handling tasks. This type of pneumatic gripper feature a compact and lightweight design, making them suitable for use in confined spaces. The DG series grippers come in different sizes and jaw types to accommodate a wide range of object sizes and shapes.
2. DH pneumatic gripper: The DH series from Festo are angular grippers that provide versatile gripping capabilities. These grippers can grip objects from the side, making them ideal for applications where the object needs to be picked up from an unconventional angle. The DH grippers offer adjustable gripping force and come in various sizes.
3. EHPS pneumatic gripper: Festo's EHPS series grippers are electrically driven pneumatic parallel grippers. These grippers combine the advantages of both electric and pneumatic systems, offering precise control and high gripping forces. The EHPS grippers are designed for dynamic and demanding applications and feature a compact design.
4. HGPL pneumatic gripper: Festo's HGPL series grippers are heavy-duty pneumatic parallel grippers suitable for handling large and heavy objects. These grippers are robust and offer high gripping forces. They are designed for applications that require strong gripping capabilities, such as heavy part handling and metalworking processes.
5. ADH pneumatic gripper: Festo's ADH series grippers are adaptive pneumatic grippers with flexible fingers. These grippers can adapt to various object shapes and sizes, making them suitable for handling objects with irregular or delicate surfaces. The ADH grippers feature compliant fingers that conform to the object's shape, allowing for secure and gentle gripping.
Mechanical grippers from Festo are moved by an internal drive and transform the drive motion into a gripping motion. This movement of the gripper jaws is referred to as a stroke. Depending on the stroke and gripping force, workpieces of different sizes can be gripped and handled. Grippers with a long stroke are offered by Festo in both pneumatic and electric versions.