Parallel versus angular pneumatic grippers

A pneumatic gripper must suit the part and the cycle: design, gripping force, stroke and jaw layout decide a secure hold. A parallel gripper centres flat, an angular gripper swings the jaws clear. This guide walks through the key selection criteria step by step so parts stay held.

4 minStand: 2026-07Geprüft: Pneumatics specialists

View pneumatic grippers

10:1

Recommended gripping-force safety factor

6 bar

Typical working pressure

2 to 40 mm

Common jaw stroke per size

180°

Angular gripper opening angle

Inhalt

Design
Force
Jaws & hold
Frequently asked questions

Parallel or angular gripper - which design fits?

The design decides how the jaws grip. A parallel gripper moves both jaws flat towards each other and self-centres the part even with size variation. An angular gripper swings the jaws around a pivot and opens wide, ideal when the jaws must move clear. For round parts a centric three-jaw gripper works best.

For oily or dusty environments, check for sealed guides and the maker's media approval - not every guide tolerates oil or chips over time.

How do I size gripping force and safety factor?

The gripping force must hold the part against weight and acceleration. As a rule of thumb use a safety factor of at least 10:1 between gripping force and weight force for a friction grip, so sudden moves do not release the part. With a form-fit grip and matched jaws the factor can be lower.

Derive the weight force from part mass and acceleration.
Set a realistic jaw friction coefficient, not an optimistic one.
Mind the working pressure: gripping force drops as pressure falls.

How do I secure jaws, stroke and hold on pressure loss?

Long finger jaws create a lever moment on the guide and cut usable gripping force. Keep the jaws short and the contact point close to the guide. Watch the stroke per jaw and provide self-locking or spring assist so the part does not drop if pressure is lost.

Stroke and jaw length

Short jaws, contact point close to the guide, correct stroke per side.

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Hold on pressure loss

Self-locking or spring preload secures the part without air.

Check safety

Sensing

Query end positions to monitor grip and release reliably.

Ask for advice

For vertical handling always plan a jaw safeguard against dropping - self-locking or spring assist holds the part even on a sudden pressure loss.

Frequently asked questions

When do I use a parallel gripper versus an angular gripper?

A parallel gripper centres flat and holds flat or delicate parts precisely. An angular gripper opens wide and clears space, for example when sorting or when the jaws must move out of the assembly line.

How large should the gripping-force safety factor be?

For a friction grip use at least 10:1 between gripping force and weight force so acceleration and jerk do not release the part. With a form-fit grip and enclosing jaws 4:1 to 6:1 is often enough.

What happens to the gripper on a sudden pressure loss?

Without a safeguard many grippers open and the part drops. Choose a design with self-locking or spring assist, or secure the jaws mechanically when handling vertically.

Find the right pneumatic gripper

Our pneumatics specialists help with design, gripping force and jaw layout for your part.

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Vetted selection

Recommendations from maker data and field values.

Correct gripping force

Safety factor matched to weight and dynamics.

Secure hold

Self-locking and pressure loss clearly explained.

Expert advice

Pneumatics specialists support your selection.