New parallel gripper for use in cleanroom environments

With the 2FG7, OnRobot presents a gripper that users can easily operate even in cleanroom environments: The electric parallel gripper 2FG7 is IP67-certified and ideally suited to automate the production of small series or a wide variety of variants. The gripper is ready for use within minutes and specifically designed to handle demanding payloads — even in tight spaces. Additionally, it offers a quick ROI for many applications, including machine loading, material handling, and assembly.

The 2FG7 is built for demanding manufacturing conditions and applications. It is powered by an integrated electric motor. Users can precisely and easily set the lift, working range, and finger position via an intuitive software interface, benefiting from great flexibility across a broad range of applications. With a maximum payload of 11 kg, a gripping span of up to 74 mm external dimension, and gripping force between 20 N and 140 N, the versatile 2FG7 easily handles heavy, bulky payloads. This makes the gripper ideal for high-mix, low-volume production, as it can be quickly and easily adapted to the parts to be handled. It is also specifically designed for use in confined work environments. This is especially advantageous for heavily loaded production sites with limited space or applications with narrow maneuvering areas.

“Many of our customers have limited space in their production halls. At the same time, the tasks they want to automate are becoming more demanding. Against this background, we have identified an increased need for a parallel gripper that can also be used in confined conditions,” says Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “However, they do not want to compromise on the user-friendliness they are accustomed to from OnRobot products. The 2FG7 combines strength, functionality, and easy programming in a compact format. This makes it a powerful, ready-to-use gripper.”

Cleanroom certified

In addition to the IP67 certification, the 2FG7 is approved for cleanroom use under ISO Class 5, which is required for many handling applications in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. It also meets the criteria of ISO/TS 15066 risk assessment for collaborative robot cells and can thus be used fully collaboratively. Thanks to its precise electric motor, the gripper achieves a gripping speed of 450 mm/s, enabling higher cycle rates. This, in turn, accelerates production processes and increases throughput.

With finger position accuracy up to 0.1 mm, the 2FG7 also automates tasks that require finesse — for example, inserting pin connectors. These are values that pneumatic grippers cannot achieve. Unlike electric grippers, they can only limit their force to a certain extent, controlled via air pressure settings. Furthermore, pneumatic systems often lack intelligent grip detection, which can negatively impact air quality by releasing pollutants into the environment if gripping force is misapplied. Therefore, these systems are only conditionally suitable for cleanroom applications, such as pharmaceutical laboratories.

Compatible with numerous robot brands

The 2FG7 integrates seamlessly into the OnRobot product range and is compatible with all major collaborative robots and lightweight industrial robot arms. Companies across various industries can thus quickly and easily set up gripping applications. The user-friendliness of the 2FG7 accelerates integration, significantly reduces the need for custom parts, and pays off within six to nine months.

At the same time, intelligent feedback functions further simplify the installation process. For example, the gripper provides data via grip detection about how far the finger tips need to open or how large a workpiece is. This means that applications such as machine loading are no longer dependent on all parts being grasped at the same position and orientation by the robot.

“The costs for robot hardware components have decreased in recent years. However, this has not translated into an advantage for smaller manufacturing companies, as the majority of peripherals are still unaffordable, complex, and time-consuming to implement,” explains CEO Iversen. “OnRobot aims to democratize automation and equip companies of all sizes with affordable, easy-to-use products that they can practically start using immediately after unpacking. The 2FG7 parallel gripper is a powerful addition to the OnRobot product family.”