SCHUNK EMH Electro-Permanent Magnetic Gripper Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The SCHUNK EMH is an electro-permanent magnetic gripper with integrated control electronics. It delivers high holding force in a small housing and runs from a 24 V supply, so no separate magnet controller is required.
Gripping force can be adjusted in four stages, and the gripper reports its magnetization status and whether a workpiece is present. As with all electro-permanent magnets, the part stays held during an emergency stop, and the workpiece remains accessible from five sides.
Quick Verdict
The plug-and-play version of SCHUNK's magnetic gripping technology. Integrated electronics and status feedback make the EMH particularly convenient for cobots and compact machines handling ferrous parts.
SCHUNK EMH Electro-Permanent Magnetic Gripper at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Electro-permanent magnetic gripper |
Electronics | Integrated, no separate controller |
Supply | 24 V |
Force adjustment | Four stages |
Feedback | Magnetization status and workpiece presence |
E-stop behavior | Holding force maintained |
Access | Workpiece accessible from five sides |
Variants | EMH-MP and EMH-DP sizes for special requirements |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
The EMH uses the same AlNiCo-neodymium principle as other electro-permanent grippers: a current pulse switches the magnetic circuit, and no power is needed to keep holding. The integrated electronics manage the switching pulse and the force stages internally.
Four force levels are useful when handling thin sheets or stacked parts. Lower force reduces the chance of lifting two sheets at once, while higher force secures heavy or thick parts.
Status feedback closes the loop for the robot program: it can confirm that the magnet is active and that a part is actually present before moving.
Integration and Selection
Test holding force on real parts at each force stage and consider shear loads during fast moves. Choose MP or DP variants when part geometry or force requirements call for them.
Connect the 24 V supply and I/O to the robot or PLC and use the status and presence signals to interlock motion.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Metalworking | Machine loading of steel parts |
Sheet metal fabrication | Destacking and transferring blanks |
Automotive | Handling stamped and machined steel parts |
General manufacturing | Cobot pick-and-place of ferrous components |
Functional Uses
Destacking sheets with adjustable force
Machine tending with five-side access
Secure holding through power loss
Part-presence verification
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Integrated electronics, 24 V supply
Four force stages
Status and part-presence feedback
Holding maintained during E-stop
Limitations
Only for ferromagnetic materials
Force depends on part thickness and surface
Air gaps reduce holding force
Who Should Consider the SCHUNK EMH Electro-Permanent Magnetic Gripper?
The EMH fits cobot users and integrators who want simple, safe magnetic handling of steel parts with feedback and adjustable force.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. SCHUNK prices the EMH by size, options and quantity, so the final figure depends on the exact configuration. Budget for the complete tooling package, including fingers or adapters, mounting, air or electrical connections and commissioning time, rather than the module alone.
Further Reading
SCHUNK EMH Electro-Permanent Magnetic Gripper FAQ
What is the SCHUNK EMH?
An electro-permanent magnetic gripper with integrated electronics for handling ferrous parts.
Does the EMH need an external controller?
No. Its electronics are integrated and it runs on 24 V.
Can the gripping force be adjusted?
Yes, in four stages.
Does the EMH confirm that a part is held?
Yes. It reports magnetization status and workpiece presence.
What are EMH-MP and EMH-DP?
Additional sizes for special requirements.
How much does the EMH cost?
Request a quote from SCHUNK for the required size and variant.
