Editorial Technical Reference

Gripper Head (Vacuum Pad/Mechanical Claw)

This page explains how Gripper Head (Vacuum Pad/Mechanical Claw) is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A modular end-effector component for a Segment Erector, designed to securely grip, lift, and position tunnel lining segments using either vacuum adhesion or mechanical clamping force.

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Gripper Head (Vacuum Pad/Mechanical Claw) in a manufacturing environment
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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Gripper Head (Vacuum Pad/Mechanical Claw)

Definition
The Gripper Head is a critical component of a Segment Erector, the machine responsible for installing pre-cast concrete segments to form a tunnel lining. It serves as the direct interface between the erector's arm and the segment. This head is modular and can be configured with either a Vacuum Pad system, which uses suction to adhere to the segment's surface, or a Mechanical Claw system, which uses hydraulic or electric actuators to physically clamp onto designated lifting points or edges of the segment. Its primary function is to provide a secure, controlled, and precise grip to facilitate the segment's transportation from the storage area, its precise alignment within the tunnel ring, and its final placement against the previously installed segments. The component is designed for heavy-duty industrial use, with materials such as high-strength alloy steel for structural parts, polyurethane or nitrile rubber for vacuum pad seals, and hardened steel for claw contact points. Key parameters include a gripping force range of 5–50 kN, vacuum flow rate of 100–500 L/min, operating pressure of 0.6–0.8 MPa, positioning accuracy of ±0.5 mm, repeatability of ±0.2 mm, operating temperature range of -20 to 60 °C, ingress protection rating of IP65–IP67 (per IEC 60529), supply voltage of 24 V DC ±10%, power consumption of 50–200 W, and weight of 150–350 kg. The pad diameter ranges from 200–400 mm. These values are directory reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application. The Gripper Head is a component, not a standalone machine, and its selection depends on segment weight, surface condition, and environmental factors. Always consult the legal manufacturer or supplier for model-specific specifications and compliance.
Working Principle
For the Vacuum Pad configuration, a vacuum pump or ejector creates negative pressure within the pad's sealing lip upon contact with the segment's smooth surface, generating adhesion force. For the Mechanical Claw configuration, hydraulic cylinders or electric servo motors actuate the claw arms to close around the segment's lifting inserts or edges, applying controlled clamping force. Both systems are controlled via the erector's central hydraulic and electronic systems, allowing for force feedback, positioning, and release commands. The choice between vacuum and mechanical gripping depends on segment surface texture, porosity, and the presence of lifting points. Vacuum pads are suitable for smooth, non-porous surfaces, while mechanical claws are preferred when lifting inserts are available or when surface conditions are irregular. The system must be operated within specified pressure and temperature ranges to maintain seal integrity and sensor accuracy.
Common Materials
High-Strength Alloy Steel, Polyurethane or Nitrile Rubber (for vacuum pad seal), Hardened Steel (for claw contact points)
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Gripping Force5–50 kNDepends on segment weight and safety factor
Vacuum Flow Rate100–500 L/minRequired for rapid pick-up and release
Operating Pressure0.6–0.8 MPaBelow 0.6 MPa clamping force insufficient
Positioning Accuracy±0.5 mmEnsures segment alignment within tolerance
Repeatability±0.2 mmConsistent placement cycle after cycle
Operating Temperature-20–60 °COutside range may affect seals and sensors
Ingress ProtectionIP65–IP67Protects against dust and water jetsIEC 60529
Supply Voltage24 ±10% V DCFor sensors and control valves
Power Consumption50–200 WIncludes vacuum generator and sensors
MaterialAluminum 6061-T6 / S45CHigh strength-to-weight ratioASTM B211 / JIS G4051
Weight150–350 kgAffects erector arm payload
Pad Diameter200–400 mmDetermines vacuum gripping area

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Mounting Flange Part
    Interface for attaching the gripper head to the Segment Erector's robotic arm or boom.
    Material: High-Strength Alloy Steel
  • Vacuum Pad Assembly
    Provides suction adhesion; includes the pad body, sealing lip, vacuum lines, and quick-release valves.
    Material: Aluminum Body, Polyurethane Seal
  • Mechanical Claw Assembly
    Provides physical clamping; includes claw arms, pivot points, hydraulic/electric actuators, and wear pads.
    Material: Hardened Steel, Bronze Bushings
  • Force/Torque Sensor
    Measures the applied gripping force and orientation for feedback to the control system.
    Material: Stainless Steel, Piezoelectric Elements
  • Control Valve Block
    Manages hydraulic fluid flow (for mechanical claw or vacuum pump) based on electronic control signals.
    Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel Valves

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: 0 to 10 bar (vacuum) / 0 to 150 bar (mechanical clamping)
flow rate: N/A (static gripping component)
temperature: -20°C to +80°C
slurry concentration: Not applicable - designed for clean segment surfaces
Media Compatibility
✓ Concrete tunnel segments ✓ Precast concrete panels ✓ Steel-reinforced composite segments
Unsuitable: Submerged or high-moisture environments without specialized sealing
Sizing Data Required
  • Segment weight (kg)
  • Segment surface area and geometry (m²)
  • Required safety factor (typically 2-4x operational load)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Vacuum seal degradation
Cause: Material fatigue from repeated compression cycles, contamination buildup on sealing surfaces, or exposure to oils/solvents that degrade elastomers
Mechanical linkage wear
Cause: Insufficient lubrication in pivot points, misalignment during operation causing uneven loading, or fatigue from high-cycle repetitive motion
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible hissing during vacuum engagement indicating seal failure
  • Visible misalignment or wobble during claw opening/closing cycles
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular cleaning protocols for sealing surfaces and establish preventive replacement schedules for elastomer components based on cycle counts
  • Install alignment guides during mounting and use wear-resistant coatings on high-friction mechanical interfaces

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 10218-2:2011 (Robots and robotic devices - Safety requirements for industrial robots - Part 2: Robot systems and integration) ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 (Industrial Robots and Robot Systems - Safety Requirements) DIN EN ISO 13849-1:2015 (Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Bore diameter: +/-0.02mm for vacuum pad mounting interface
  • Parallelism: 0.1mm across gripping surfaces for mechanical claw
Quality Inspection
  • Leak test for vacuum pad integrity (pressure decay method)
  • Dimensional verification using coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for mechanical claw geometry
Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

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Manufacturers of Gripper Head (Vacuum Pad/Mechanical Claw)

2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Dobeter Electronics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
Suzhou, Jiangsu, CN
Also makes: Beverage Filling Nozzle Assembly, Thermocouple, SMT Stencil
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Vacuum Pad”
View source page ↗ dobeter.com · recorded 2026-08-28
View profile Send enquiry
Shanghai WeMe Automation Ltd
Shanghai, CN
Also makes: Pneumatic Actuator, Flow Control Valve, Speed Controller and 5 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Vacuum Pads”
View source page ↗ wemedrive.com · recorded 2026-09-08
View profile Send enquiry

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between vacuum pad and mechanical claw configurations?

The vacuum pad uses suction to adhere to the segment's smooth surface, while the mechanical claw uses hydraulic or electric actuators to clamp onto lifting points or edges. The choice depends on segment surface conditions and available lifting features.

What are the typical gripping force and operating pressure ranges?

The gripping force range is 5–50 kN, and the operating pressure is 0.6–0.8 MPa. These are directory reference ranges; actual values must be confirmed for the specific model and application.

What environmental conditions can the gripper head withstand?

The operating temperature range is -20 to 60 °C, and the ingress protection rating is IP65–IP67 (per IEC 60529). This protects against dust and water jets, but verify with the manufacturer for your specific environment.

How is the gripper head controlled?

It is controlled via the erector's central hydraulic and electronic systems, which provide force feedback, positioning, and release commands. The supply voltage is 24 V DC ±10%, and power consumption is 50–200 W.

Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Segment Erector
View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Gripper Head (Vacuum Pad/Mechanical Claw).

Segment Gripper Erector Head vacuum pad mechanical claw

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 13 October 2026

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