Selecting Gripper Types for Fragile and Rigid Products in Automated Packing
2025-06-25
In automated packing systems, the performance of a pick and place case packer depends heavily on the gripper mechanism. The gripper must match the physical characteristics of the product it handles, including weight, shape, material, and structural strength. Selecting an appropriate gripper is essential for maintaining efficiency, product safety, and process reliability.
Grippers should be selected based on a clear understanding of the product's behavior during mechanical handling.
Fragile products are easily deformed, broken, or damaged when subjected to pressure or impact. These include glass containers, sachets, thin-wall cartons, and plastic trays.
Rigid products are structurally stable and can withstand direct mechanical contact. Examples include metal cans, plastic jars, and compact paperboard boxes.
Other considerations include surface finish (smooth or porous), packaging material, and how the product behaves under dynamic motion.
Clamp-style grippers operate by mechanically closing around a product, using either pneumatic or servo-driven jaws. This method is highly effective when the product has flat, solid sides and sufficient strength to tolerate contact pressure.
Advantages:
Secure holding even under fast cycle times
Reliable operation with consistent product positioning
Compatibility with heavier products or those requiring precise placement
Clamp-style grippers are most suitable for items with rigid geometry that do not deform under compression. Proper pressure control and surface padding can reduce any risk of cosmetic damage.
Common applications: rigid tea boxes, canned beverages, plastic jars, hardware components.
Airbag suction grippers apply vacuum force through suction cups or inflatable bladders, allowing the product to be lifted with minimal mechanical stress. These systems are preferred for handling objects that are lightweight, flexible, or fragile in construction.
Advantages:
Gentle contact with minimal surface pressure
Adaptability to uneven or flexible surfaces
Lower risk of physical damage or structural failure
Vacuum grippers depend on effective sealing between the suction cup and product surface. They may require product-specific cup sizes and maintenance of clean air systems.
Common applications: glass bottles, cosmetic packaging, folded cartons, small retail boxes.
Choosing the correct gripper type involves more than identifying whether a product is fragile or rigid. Engineers should consider the following factors:
Physical dimensions and weight of the product
Required throughput and machine cycle time
Surface conditions (e.g. smooth, textured, porous, dusty)
Environmental conditions and hygiene requirements
Changeover flexibility for multiple product types
In complex packaging lines, hybrid solutions or modular gripper heads may be implemented to accommodate varying formats.
