Gripper or Fixture

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Gripper or Fixture

Definition

A gripper or fixture is a critical component within a workpiece handling mechanism that provides secure, repeatable positioning and holding of materials or parts during operations such as machining, assembly, welding, or inspection. It ensures accuracy, safety, and efficiency in automated or manual production lines. Grippers typically use mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or magnetic force to clamp onto a workpiece, while fixtures are custom-designed structures that locate and restrain a workpiece against locating pins, clamps, or vices to prevent movement during processing forces. This directory entry covers generic grippers and fixtures used in machinery and equipment manufacturing, with typical materials including steel, aluminum, and engineering plastics. Key parameters to consider when selecting a gripper or fixture include clamping force (5–50 kN), operating pressure (0.4–0.8 MPa), repeatability (±0.02 mm, per ISO 230-2), positioning accuracy (±0.05 mm, per ISO 230-2), operating temperature (-10 to 60°C), ingress protection (IP54–IP65, per IEC 60529), material (e.g., aluminum alloy 6061-T6 per ASTM B221), weight (2–15 kg), footprint (100×100 to 300×300 mm), and actuation type (pneumatic for fast cycling; hydraulic for high force). These values are reference ranges for directory purposes and must be verified with the legal manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application. The choice of gripper or fixture depends on the workpiece geometry, material, process forces, and automation level. Proper selection ensures reliable operation, reduces downtime, and maintains product quality. Always confirm model-specific specifications, standards compliance, and suitability for your process with the manufacturer or supplier before procurement.

Working Principle

Grippers operate by applying force—mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or magnetic—to clamp onto a workpiece, holding it securely during handling or processing. Fixtures, in contrast, are stationary structures that use locating pins, clamps, or vices to position and restrain a workpiece against machining or assembly forces. The working principle involves precise alignment and force application to prevent movement, ensuring repeatable positioning. For pneumatic grippers, compressed air (0.4–0.8 MPa) drives pistons or jaws; hydraulic versions use higher fluid pressure for greater force. Magnetic grippers use electromagnets or permanent magnets. Fixtures are often custom-designed for specific parts, using locating elements to establish a datum and clamps to secure the part. The effectiveness depends on clamping force, rigidity, and accuracy of locating surfaces.

Common Materials

Steel, Aluminum, Engineering Plastics

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Clamping Force	5–50 kN	Required to hold workpiece securely during machining
Operating Pressure	0.4–0.8 MPa	Below 0.4 MPa insufficient clamping force
Repeatability	±0.02 mm	Critical for automated processesISO 230-2
Positioning Accuracy	±0.05 mm	Ensures consistent workpiece locationISO 230-2
Operating Temperature	-10–60 °C	Outside range may affect seal integrity
Ingress Protection	IP54–IP65	Higher rating for coolant exposureIEC 60529
Material	6061-T6	Aluminum alloy for lightweight and corrosion resistanceASTM B221
Weight	2–15 kg	Affects machine dynamics and handling
Footprint	100×100–300×300 mm	Must fit within machine work envelope
Actuation Type	Pneumatic	Pneumatic for fast cycling; hydraulic for high force

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

Jaws/Fingers Part
Direct contact surfaces that interface with and grip the workpiece. Often customizable.

Material: Steel, Aluminum, Polyurethane
Actuator
Provides the mechanical force to open and close the jaws (pneumatic cylinder, electric motor, etc.).

Material: Steel, Aluminum
Body/Housing Part
Main structural frame that houses internal components and provides mounting points.

Material: Aluminum, Steel
Locating Pins Optional
Fix where the workpiece sits on the fixture build; the gripper build has jaws instead.
Permanent Magnets Optional
Hold steel workpieces by magnetic force on magnetic builds, with no jaws closing.

Applied To / Applications

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

Workpiece Handling Mechanism

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Gripper or Fixture

Manufacturer profiles associated with Gripper or Fixture.

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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 6 September 2026

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

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Manufacturing capability

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a gripper and a fixture?

A gripper is a device that actively grasps and holds a workpiece, often used in automated handling. A fixture is a passive structure that locates and restrains a workpiece during processing, such as machining or assembly. Both ensure secure positioning but serve different roles in the production line.

What clamping force is needed for my application?

The required clamping force depends on the workpiece weight, material, and process forces. The directory lists a reference range of 5–50 kN. For light-duty operations, lower force may suffice; for heavy machining, higher force is necessary. Always calculate based on your specific process and verify with the manufacturer.

How do I verify the repeatability of a gripper or fixture?

Repeatability is typically specified as ±0.02 mm per ISO 230-2. To verify, perform repeated positioning tests under controlled conditions and measure the variation. Ensure the test method aligns with the standard and that the equipment is properly calibrated.

What standards apply to grippers and fixtures?

Common standards include for operating pressure, ISO 230-2 for repeatability and positioning accuracy, IEC 60529 for ingress protection, and ASTM B221 for aluminum alloy material. These are reference standards; confirm compliance with the supplier for the specific model.

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.

Buyer enquiry

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pressure:	0 to 10 bar
grip force:	10 to 5000 N
temperature:	-20°C to 150°C
repeatability:	±0.01 to ±0.1 mm

Product Specifications

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards