EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper Review: Specs and Uses of the Rubber Expansion Gripper for Delicate Parts
Updated: 7 days ago
The EFFECTO BLQ-E is an inflatable rubber gripper that holds parts by their outside. The manufacturer does not publish a price. This review covers its specifications, features and uses.
Quick Verdict
Instead of hard jaws, the BLQ-E uses a rubber bladder that inflates around the part, spreading force over a wide surface. That lets it hold heavy loads without marking glass, plastic or finished surfaces. Four sizes cover work diameters from 5 to 45 mm with recommended loads from 1.4 to 9 kg, in neoprene or in silicone for temperatures up to 160 °C. It has no seals or bearings, which helps in dusty areas. An internal version, the BLQ-I, grips bores.
EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper at a Glance
Grip type: External, inflatable rubber
Work diameter: 5 to 45 mm
Recommended load: Up to 9 kg
Materials: Neoprene or silicone
Temperature: Silicone -30 to 160 °C
Price: on request
EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper Technical Specifications
The table below lists what the manufacturer states.
Model (neoprene) | Work diameter | Weight | Recommended load | Load capability |
BLQ-E 5-15 | 5 to 15 mm | 60 g | 1.4 kg | 1.8 to 5.0 kg |
BLQ-E 10-25 | 10 to 25 mm | 145 g | 3.8 kg | 4.1 to 12.3 kg |
BLQ-E 15-35 | 15 to 35 mm | 210 g | 9.0 kg | 9.1 to 16.3 kg |
BLQ-E 20-45 | 20 to 45 mm | 285 g | 9.0 kg | 9.1 to 22.7 kg |
Silicone versions have slightly lower ratings than neoprene. Lubrication is not permitted.
Design and Build Quality
No seals or bearings; a wedge-hook mechanism synchronizes gripping.
Software and Integration
Pressure Control
Grip force is set by air pressure.
Simple Integration
Pneumatic actuation only.
EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper Applications and Use Cases
Glass and Plastic Parts
Gripping without marks.
Bottles and Tubes
Round items.
Dusty Environments
No seals to wear.
EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper Price and Value
EFFECTO does not publish a price for the EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper; it is quoted on request.
For the company behind the product, read the Applied Robotics (Effecto) Company Profile: Name Change, Location and Products.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Does not mark parts
Up to 9 kg
High-temperature silicone option
No seals
Cons
Round parts only
Low pressure limits
No published price
Who Should Buy the EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper?
It fits handling of delicate round parts.
EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper FAQ
How much does the EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper cost?
EFFECTO does not publish a price for the EFFECTO BLQ-E Expansion Gripper; it is quoted on request.
What is the EFFECTO BLQ-E?
A pneumatic rubber expansion gripper for external grip.
What diameters does it handle?
5 to 45 mm.
What load can it hold?
Up to 9 kg recommended.
What materials are available?
Neoprene and silicone.
Will it mark parts?
It spreads force over a wide surface to avoid marking.
Is there an internal version?
Yes, the BLQ-I.
What temperature can silicone versions take?
-30 to 160 °C.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
