Special grippers

Special grippers are used in applications where it is not possible to generate a vacuum with suction pads. They act as the connecting element between the machine and the workpiece to be handled. Depending on the application, various special grippers are thus used.

A basic distinction is made between the following type of special grippers:

• Floating suction pads


• Magnetic grippers


• Needle grippers

Floating suction pads

Floating suction pads are pneumatically powered special grippers, complete with vacuum generators, which operate on the Bernoulli principle. They have minimum contact with the workpiece: the grippers "float" above the workpiece surface on an air cushion, and are thus ideal for handling extremely sensitive products. The high volume flow results in an integrated compensation for leaks.

Advantages of floating suction pads

• Integrated vacuum generator


• Low-contact handling


• High volume flow


• Reliable separation of thin, porous workpieces

Typical applications

• Handling of paper, plastic film, wood veneer, printed circuit boards, wafers and solar cells


• Separation of thin, porous workpieces

Magnetic grippers

Magnetic grippers are activated and deactivated by means of compressed air or a vacuum, which means that they can be operated either with pneumatic valves or with a compact ejector. The magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet, permitting safe gripping of the workpieces. No external supply voltage is required.

Advantages of magnetic grippers

• Permanent magnet ensures safe gripping


• No external supply voltage needed for gripping


• Gripping can be controlled by compressed air or a combination of compressed air and vacuum

Typical applications

• Handling of rough metal sheets, perforated sheets and sheet-metal parts with holes or complex shapes


• Support for vacuum gripping systems in applications involving highly dynamic handling of sheet-metal parts


• Handling of ferromagnetic workpieces

Needle grippers

Needle grippers are special grippers actuated by compressed air. The needles are pressed into the workpiece by the compressed air and are retracted either by a spring or by compressed air. The needles are extended at an angle to ensure reliable gripping of the workpieces.

Advantages of needle grippers

• Safe handling of soft or unstable materials


• Various types available for individual operating conditions


• Various needle diameters available; stroke can be adjusted

Typical applications

• Handling of porous and/or unstable workpieces such as textiles, insulating materials, foam materials, felt and fleece, carpets, filters, woven materials (such as carbon fibre), polystyrene and metal foam

Wafer grippers

Wafer grippers are pneumatically operated special grippers with vacuum generation. They are excellently suited for the handling of sensitive parts, especially photovoltaic components such as wafers and cells. Because of their high volume flow and the moderate vacuum level, the wafer grippers are excellently suited for these extremely sensitive applications.

Advantages of wafer grippers

• Extremely fast and precise handling


• Achievement of the shortest cycle times (< 1 second)


• Maximum output quantity and cell quality


• High volume flow with low air consumption


• Integrated vacuum generation including blow-off function


• Controlled discharge of drawn-in air (optional)

Typical areas of application

• Handling of photovoltaic components


• Handling of sensitive components

Composite Gripper SCG

Composite grippers SCG are pneumatically operated special grippers with vacuum generation. They are excellently suited for the handling of sensitive parts.
Because of their high volume flow and the moderate vacuum level, they are excellently suited for the handling of sensitive components.

Advantages of composite grippers

• Secure gripping, even with porous materials or workpiece surfaces that only cover parts of the suction surface


• Shortest possible cycle times and accurate positioning


• Integrated vacuum generation


• High volume flow


• Integrated blow-off function

Typical areas of application

• Handling of blank circuit boards


• Handling of extremely thin, sensitive components


• Handling of porous workpieces

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© Schmalz 2012