Choosing the right robotic end effector for an application can be quite puzzling. There are a lot of different kinds on the market. Electric or pneumatic robot grippers, tool changer systems or adaptable tools, you have to evaluate all these products in order to find the best fit for your application. Through this blog, you can get enough information to figure out what you need, either by reading:
This ebook How to Choose the Right End Effector for your Robotic Application,
or the blog posts 5 Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying an End Effector, Why Choose Robot Grippers over Tool Changers.
So once you have decided to buy a robotic gripper - knowing that it will be a good fit for your production and your cycle time. Here are the next steps in the ordering process. We will take the ordering process of an industrial electric gripper from Robotiq as an example.
The List
A. Take a look at the Robotiq Product List and go to the section for the Gripper that you have chosen.
B. Make sure you know on which robot the Gripper will be installed and which communication protocol will be used. The tables in the annex of the Product List can suggest the right communication protocol to use according to your robot brand.
Now, take note of the item numbers and quantity you need:
1. The Gripper
For the 2-Finger Grippers, the item number only includes the Gripper.
For the 3-Finger Gripper, the item number includes: the Gripper with the embedded controller, the communication protocol, a supply cable, a communication cable and a USB cable. Therefore, you can skip steps 2 and 3 if you are ordering the 3-Finger Gripper.
2. The controller with the right communication protocol
Choose this item number based on the protocol code your robot arm will be using:
- ENIP: Ethernet/IP
- MTCP: Modbus TCP
- ECAT: EtherCAT
- DNET: DeviceNet
- CANO: CANopen
3. A Robotiq Device Cable and a USB cable.
You will find these in the cable section relative to your Gripper choice. Pay special attention to the description since some cables are related to the communication protocol you have chosen and some cables are offered in different lengths.
4. According to the robot you will use, a mechanical coupling and, sometimes, an adapter plate are necessary. To choose the right one, see the tables in the annexe of the document and look for your Gripper choice. Then, select your robot manufacturer and model to have your corresponding mechanical coupling number and, if necessary, your adapter plate number.
* Attention: The mechanical coupling for the 2-Finger 200 model is designed with two parts so make sure you have the right quantity.
If your robot is not listed, please contact a Robotiq representative.
C. When you have all the required information in hand, it is now time to contact Robotiq at : Request a Quote
There might be other differences for your particular scenario, so it is important that you read carefully the Robotiq Product List. The document also contains more details on ordering. And remember the Robotiq team is always available to help you with answers to your questions, so feel free to contact us.
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