Robot grippers are essential for automating various tasks in industrial and commercial settings. Used to grasp, hold, and manipulate items, they allow robots to complete intricate functions with greater accuracy and efficiency. However, there are two primary types of robot grippers: air and electric. Air grippers have been on the market for decades, while electric grippers have become increasingly popular as technology advances.
This article will compare the differences between these two types of gripper systems, exploring advantages and disadvantages to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
Speed
The speed of a robot gripper is determined in part by the type of gripper being used. Air grippers are powered pneumatically, meaning they use compressed air to move a piston which causes the jaw to open and close. This process provides good gripping power but tends to be slower than electric grippers due to the need for air pressure to build up before movement.
On the other hand, electric grippers are powered electrically and use no pressurized air. As such, they can open and close significantly faster than a pneumatic gripper, up to three times faster in some cases. However, this increased speed does come at a cost; electric grippers tend to be less powerful because they rely solely on electrical current.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another essential factor when choosing between air and electric grippers. Air grippers, while requiring regular maintenance of their internal components, tend to be more reliable than electric variants over the long term due to their simplicity. On the other hand, electric grippers require more frequent maintenance due to their electronic circuitry, which can become damaged or worn down if not properly maintained.
Electric grippers are significantly more complex and require specialized knowledge for installation and repair, increasing ownership costs over time. It also takes longer to troubleshoot an electric gripper, whereas air grippers can usually be fixed on the spot.
Cost
Cost is often a significant consideration when investing in robot technology. Air grippers tend to be more affordable than electric grippers due to their more straightforward design and fewer internal components. Air grippers also have less expensive installation costs because they require only a primary plumbing connection for a pressurized air supply.
On the other hand, electric grippers are typically more expensive due to their complexity, including additional wiring and circuitry that must be installed. The cost of ownership is also higher for electric grippers, as repair fees can add up over time if not properly maintained. It would be best to weigh the cost of each type of gripper against your expected usage to determine which one is most cost-effective for you.
Safety
Robot grippers are designed for various settings, so safety is always essential. Air grippers are considered safer than electric models because they have no exposed electrical components. It makes them ideal for sensitive applications where electromagnetic interference could be an issue.
Air grippers generally require less force to grip objects, which can reduce the risk of accidental damage or injury due to excessive gripping power. However, electric grippers offer increased control by employing sensors that automatically detect and adjust their grip strength. Generally, it’s best to assess the environment and required precision before choosing between air and electric grippers based on safety.
Accuracy
Accuracy is an essential factor to consider when selecting a robot gripper. Air grippers tend to be less precise than electric models because they are not designed with sensors that detect variations in material properties. Therefore, air grippers may battle to accurately grip items of different sizes and shapes, which can limit their applications.
On the other hand, electric grippers utilize sensors that adjust their grip strength as needed for highly accurate gripping performance. However, this increased accuracy comes at a cost; electric grippers require additional components and more significant maintenance over time. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the required accuracy of your task when selecting between air and electric grippers.
Durability
Robot durability depends mainly on the type of gripper being used. Air grippers are considered more durable than electric models because they have fewer moving parts and no electrical components that can suffer damage or wear down over time. Air grippers require less frequent maintenance as their internal components last longer than electric ones.
On the other hand, electric grippers are typically more reliable in performance as their sensors provide consistent gripping strength with every cycle. However, due to their complexity and a more significant number of components, electric grippers may be less durable over the long term than air variants.
Versatility
Versatility is crucial if you want a robot gripper that can work in multiple applications. Air grippers are considered more versatile because they can be used in various settings and have fewer size, shape, and material type restrictions. On the other hand, electric grippers often require additional components for specific materials or tasks. Due to their electrical circuitry, they may be less suitable for extreme temperatures. However, electric grippers offer increased flexibility thanks to their sensors that adjust grip strength as needed.