Piab piSOFTGRIP 30-3 Soft Vacuum Gripper Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The Piab piSOFTGRIP 30-3 is a vacuum-based soft gripper with three fingers for objects up to 30 mm (1.18 in) in diameter. It is molded in one piece with a sealed vacuum cavity, and gripping force is set by the applied vacuum level.
It is made of detectable silicone approved for direct food contact under FDA 21 CFR and EU 1935/2004, uses the same fittings as piGRIP suction cups, is insensitive to dust and offers an optional stainless steel fitting for wash-down.
Quick Verdict
A clever soft gripper that installs and controls like a suction cup but grips delicate, irregular items like chocolates from the side.
Piab piSOFTGRIP 30-3 Soft Vacuum Gripper at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Vacuum-driven soft finger gripper |
Fingers | Three |
Max object diameter | 30 mm (1.18 in) |
Construction | One-piece, sealed vacuum cavity |
Force control | Set by vacuum level |
Material | Detectable silicone, FDA 21 CFR and EU 1935/2004 |
Fittings | piGRIP fittings; optional stainless steel |
Dust | Not sensitive |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
When vacuum is applied inside the sealed cavity, the soft fingers bend inward and close around the object. Releasing vacuum lets them open. The force depends on the vacuum level, making gentle grips easy to tune.
Because the cavity is sealed, no air flows past the product, so dust and crumbs do not affect it, and the gripper does not need a seal on the product surface the way a suction cup does.
Detectable silicone and wash-down fittings suit food hygiene requirements.
Integration and Selection
Install like a suction cup using piGRIP fittings and a vacuum source. Arrange several in rows or grids for multi-picking.
Tune vacuum level for the gentlest secure grip.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Confectionery | Handling chocolate pralines |
Food | Picking delicate items |
Bakery | Handling small pastries |
Consumer goods | Gripping small irregular objects |
Functional Uses
Delicate food handling
Multi-pick grids
Irregular object gripping
Wash-down operation
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Very gentle grip
Food-contact detectable silicone
Simple vacuum control
Dust insensitive
Limitations
Max 30 mm objects
Low payload
Silicone wear
Who Should Consider the Piab piSOFTGRIP 30-3 Soft Vacuum Gripper?
The piSOFTGRIP 30-3 suits confectionery and food lines handling small delicate items.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. Piab prices piSOFTGRIP by configuration, options and quantity. Budget for the complete solution, including mounting, vacuum or air supply, valves, sensors and commissioning, rather than the component alone.
Further Reading
Piab piSOFTGRIP 30-3 Soft Vacuum Gripper FAQ
What size objects can it grip?
Up to 30 mm (1.18 in) diameter.
How is force controlled?
By the applied vacuum level.
Is it food safe?
Yes, detectable silicone approved under FDA 21 CFR and EU 1935/2004.
How many fingers does it have?
Three.
What fittings does it use?
The same as piGRIP suction cups.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from Piab.
