Preparing the published article.
End Effector Selection
The gripper decides more of the cycle time than the robot does.
Match the tool to the part
| Tool type | Fits when |
|---|---|
| Parallel gripper | Rigid parts, consistent geometry |
| Angular gripper | Rounded or variable parts |
| Vacuum cups | Flat, smooth surfaces |
| Magnetic | Ferrous parts, high temperature |
| Soft gripper | Fragile or irregular items |
| Needle or pin | Textiles and porous materials |
Check before committing
- Weight and centre of mass against the robot load curve.
- Grip force versus part deformation.
- Whether the tool can be changed quickly for product variants.
Tooling is usually project-specific. Test with the real part before specifying the robot.