Grippers come in various shapes and sizes. Some are only a few millimeters in size, while others manipulate truck tire rims. Grippers come in three general groupings: robotic grippers and automation grippers, pneumatic grippers and hydraulic grippers. Grippers have come to be important in our increasingly technological world. What is interesting about grippers is that their uses extend to delicate, exacting work to shifting engines and massive tire rims. The very breadth of the grippers’ jobs gives one pause.

In some cases, gripper manufacturers will specialize in one kind of gripper, however, you can look for a gripper manufacturer that makes all three types. Also, the gripper manufacturer may act as a gripper distributor or suppliers of automation grippers. Other gripper manufacturers allow other companies to act as gripper distributors for them. Use these tips to help you find the right gripper for your needs.

1. Pick robotic grippers and automation grippers to lift and place.

2. Choose hydraulic grippers to handle a wide range of tasks.

3. Rely on pneumatic grippers for their versatility.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use robot grippers and automation grippers for hoisting and placing

The jaws of the robot gripper and automation gripper can be very powerful as well as accurate. These grippers are workhorses capable of shifting even large items such as boxes and machine parts.

I recommend: Two companies that manufacture robot grippers and automation grippers are Fabco-Air and SAS Automation. Both manufacturers include grippers that have parallel motion, angular gripping and may include up to three jaws.

Use hydraulic grippers for a wide range of applications

These grippers can fit in low head-room areas and still perform well.

I recommend: Two companies that manufacture a hydraulic gripper are Zaytran and Schunk GmbH. Zaytran has a hydraulic gripper capable of grinding, welding, fabricating a hard disk and food processing. Their largest gripper can handle truck wheels and engine blocks. Schunk GmbH's hydraulic grippers are simpler, but no less effective.

Pick pneumatic grippers for their versatility

These versatile grippers can perform many tasks.

I recommend: AGI Automation has a wide range of gripper types. AGI Automation grippers are for use in the aerospace, automotive and electronic industries. The company also manufacturers a robotic gripper as well. R & I Manufacturing is another company that manufactures pneumatic grippers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact manufacturers of grippers discuss designing a custom gripper for your company's specific needs.