SCHUNK GAP 2-Finger Angular Parallel Gripper Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The SCHUNK GAP is a two-finger gripper that combines a wide angular opening with parallel gripping. Each jaw swings open by up to 90°, so the fingers move completely out of the way of the workpiece during approach, and then close onto the part for a secure grip.
SCHUNK positions the GAP for handling small to medium workpieces in low-contamination environments. The large opening angle is the defining feature: it lets the robot approach from above or from the side without colliding with the part, the fixture or a machine enclosure.
Quick Verdict
A smart solution when the fingers must clear the part completely before the robot moves in or out. The 90° jaw swing removes the need for a long vertical retreat and simplifies loading into tight fixtures.
SCHUNK GAP 2-Finger Angular Parallel Gripper at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Pneumatic 2-finger angular parallel gripper |
Jaw opening | Up to 90° per jaw |
Typical workpieces | Small to medium parts |
Environment | Low-contamination environments |
Fingers | Customer-specific fingers on the base jaws |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Most grippers either open on a small angle or travel in a straight line. The GAP takes a different approach: the jaws rotate open by up to 90° so the fingers fold away from the workpiece. When closed, the fingers present their contact faces to the part in a parallel-gripping position, which helps hold prismatic parts securely.
The large swing is useful when parts sit in deep nests, between close neighbours or inside machine enclosures. Instead of programming a long retract path, the robot can open the jaws and move sideways immediately, saving cycle time and reducing the space the tool needs.
Gripping force depends on supply pressure and finger length. Because the jaws pivot through a large angle, finger mass and length also affect the swing dynamics, so lightweight finger designs are preferred.
Integration and Selection
Check the required gripping force at the actual finger length, the permissible finger mass and the jaw moments for the chosen size. Model the full 90° swing in the cell layout so that the open fingers do not collide with guards, fixtures or the robot itself.
Plan a valve, air supply and jaw-position sensing. Position monitoring of both end positions is recommended so the robot only moves after the jaws have fully opened or closed.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Machine tending | Loading parts into tight fixtures and nests |
Electronics | Handling small housings and components without side collisions |
Plastics processing | Removing molded parts from cavities with limited clearance |
Assembly automation | Feeding parts into deep nests on rotary tables |
Functional Uses
Clearing the workpiece completely before approach and retreat
Side-entry gripping where vertical clearance is limited
Loading and unloading deep nests and fixtures
Reducing robot retract paths to save cycle time
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Up to 90° jaw opening per jaw
Fingers fold fully out of the way
Shorter robot retract paths
Suits small to medium workpieces
Limitations
The open fingers need space in the cell layout
Finger mass affects swing dynamics
Intended for low-contamination areas
Who Should Consider the SCHUNK GAP 2-Finger Angular Parallel Gripper?
The GAP suits machine builders and integrators who load parts into deep nests, fixtures or enclosures where a conventional gripper's fingers would collide during approach or retreat.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. SCHUNK prices the GAP 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 GAP 2-Finger Angular Parallel Gripper FAQ
What is the SCHUNK GAP?
The SCHUNK GAP is a pneumatic two-finger angular parallel gripper whose jaws can swing open by up to 90° each, designed for small to medium workpieces.
Why is a 90° jaw opening useful?
The fingers fold completely away from the workpiece, so the robot can approach or leave the part sideways without a long vertical retract path.
Which environments suit the GAP?
SCHUNK recommends it for low-contamination environments.
Does the GAP need position sensing?
It is recommended. Monitoring both jaw end positions ensures the robot only moves when the jaws have fully opened or closed.
Can I use custom fingers?
Yes. Fingers are designed for the workpiece and mounted on the base jaws; lightweight fingers are recommended because of the large swing.
How much does the GAP cost?
Request a quote from SCHUNK or an authorized distributor for the size and options required.
