FESTO grippers are designed for reliable and precise handling of components in industrial automation systems. As the end effector of a robotic arm or automated handling system, a gripper securely holds, moves and positions workpieces during manufacturing and assembly processes. 

Hydro Pneumatics offers FESTO grippers for a wide range of automated handling applications, including pneumatic parallel grippers, electric parallel grippers, pneumatic angular grippers and pneumatic radial grippers. These solutions can be used for picking, placing, holding and transferring components in automated machinery. The right gripper depends on the workpiece shape, required gripping force, available installation space, gripping method, cycle time and automation system. FESTO provides different gripper designs to accommodate different handling requirements. 

Gripper Types 

Different gripper configurations are available for handling different workpiece shapes and machine layouts. Selecting the correct type helps achieve secure gripping and reliable automated movement. 

Pneumatic Parallel Grippers 

Pneumatic parallel grippers use compressed air to move the gripper jaws in a parallel motion. They can be used for both internal and external gripping depending on the selected configuration and gripping fingers. 

FESTO parallel grippers are available in different designs for handling a variety of components. Hydro Pneumatics currently offers FESTO DHPC and DHPS pneumatic parallel grippers. 

The DHPC is a compact parallel gripper designed for applications requiring gripping force, accuracy and flexible mounting options. It can be configured for external or internal gripping and is available in different variants. 

Electric Parallel Grippers 

Electric parallel grippers use electrical actuation rather than compressed air. They can provide controlled gripping and are suitable for applications where electric motion control is preferred. Hydro Pneumatics offers the FESTO EHPS electric parallel gripper as part of its gripper range. Electric grippers can be useful in automated handling systems where integration with an electrically controlled motion architecture is required. 

Pneumatic Angular Grippers 

Pneumatic angular grippers open and close their jaws through an angular movement. This configuration can be useful when the gripper needs to operate within a restricted installation space or when an angled jaw movement is advantageous. 

FESTO angular grippers include designs such as DHWC and DHWS, providing options for different automated handling requirements. 

Pneumatic Radial Grippers 

Pneumatic radial grippers use a radial jaw movement and can be useful when the gripping fingers need to move away from surrounding contours. 

FESTO radial gripper solutions include HGRT, DHRS and DHRC series. The appropriate design depends on the workpiece geometry and required gripping movement. 

How to Choose the Right Gripper 

Selecting the correct gripper requires more than simply matching the gripper to the workpiece size. The complete handling application should be considered to ensure reliable gripping and movement. 

Workpiece Shape 

Consider whether the component is rectangular, cylindrical, flat, irregular or fragile. Parallel, angular, radial and three-finger grippers can provide different gripping approaches depending on the workpiece geometry. 

Gripping Method 

Determine whether the workpiece will be held using external gripping or internal gripping. This affects the required jaw configuration and finger design. Parallel grippers, for example, can be configured for both internal and external gripping applications. 

Gripping Force 

The gripper must provide sufficient force to securely hold the workpiece throughout acceleration, movement and positioning. 

The required gripping force depends on factors such as: 

• Workpiece weight 
• Surface condition 
• Gripping orientation 
• Acceleration 
• Finger geometry 
• Safety requirements 

Gripper Stroke 

The required jaw opening and closing distance should be considered when selecting a gripper. The gripper should provide enough stroke to accommodate the workpiece while maintaining efficient cycle times. 

Finger and Jaw Design 

The gripper itself is only one part of the gripping system. Properly designed fingers or jaws are important for securely holding the workpiece without damaging it. 

The finger design should match the workpiece geometry, material and gripping position. 

Where Are Grippers Used? 

FESTO grippers are used across industrial automation applications where components need to be picked, positioned, transferred, assembled or held. 

Pick-and-Place Systems 

Grippers are widely used in automated pick-and-place systems to move components from one position to another. 

A gripper mounted to a linear axis or robotic system can repeatedly pick and place workpieces according to a programmed sequence. 

Robotic Handling 

Grippers act as the end effector of many robotic handling systems. They allow robotic arms to securely hold and manipulate components during automated processes. 

Automated Assembly 

Grippers can hold components while they are positioned for assembly, fastening, insertion or other manufacturing operations. 

Packaging Machinery 

Grippers can be used to handle products, containers and components during automated packaging processes. 

Material Handling 

Industrial grippers can transfer components between conveyors, machines, fixtures and workstations. 

FESTO Grippers at Hydro Pneumatics 

Hydro Pneumatics supplies FESTO grippers for industrial automation, robotic handling, machine building and automated material-handling applications. 

Our current FESTO gripper range includes: 

• Pneumatic Parallel Grippers 
• Electric Parallel Grippers 
• Pneumatic Angular Grippers 
• Pneumatic Radial Grippers 

Available product families include DHPC, DHPS, EHPS, DHWC, DHWS, HGRT, DHRS and DHRC, along with other FESTO gripper solutions suited to specific applications. FESTO's wider portfolio also includes three-finger grippers such as HGDT and DHDS. 

Hydro Pneumatics can help you select the appropriate FESTO gripper based on workpiece dimensions, weight, gripping method, required force, stroke, cycle time and available installation space. 

Whether you are designing a robotic handling system, automated assembly machine, pick-and-place unit or material-handling system, choosing the right gripper is essential for reliable and repeatable component handling. Contact Hydro Pneumatics for FESTO grippers, pneumatic grippers, electric grippers and industrial automation solutions.