SCHUNK SWG 2-Finger Angular Gripper Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The SCHUNK SWG is a narrow, double-acting pneumatic two-finger angular gripper intended for universal use in clean and slightly dirty environments. Its slim body is designed for layouts where several grippers sit side by side or where the gripper has to reach into a confined space.
Because the jaws swing open on an angle rather than travelling in parallel, an angular gripper clears the part during approach and retreat without a long vertical stroke. That makes the SWG a practical choice for multi-gripper heads, pick-and-place stations and assembly fixtures where every millimetre of width counts.
Quick Verdict
A compact, cost-efficient angular gripper for tight multi-gripper arrangements. Choose it when the jaw opening angle helps the robot approach the part and the workpieces are small to medium in size.
SCHUNK SWG 2-Finger Angular Gripper at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Pneumatic 2-finger angular gripper |
Actuation | Double-acting (air to open and air to close) |
Body | Narrow housing for space-optimized gripper arrangements |
Environment | Clean and slightly dirty environments |
Typical workpieces | Small to medium parts |
Finger design | Customer-specific fingers on the base jaws |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
In an angular gripper the piston drives the two jaws through a lever or wedge mechanism so that each jaw pivots about its own axis. The fingers open wide during approach and close onto the part in an arc. This geometry lets the robot come down directly onto the workpiece even when neighbouring parts or fixture walls are close, which is the main reason angular designs survive in modern assembly cells.
Double-acting actuation means compressed air drives both the opening and the closing stroke, giving defined motion in both directions. Gripping force depends on supply pressure and on the finger length, so long fingers reduce the force available at the contact point. The narrow housing is the key design choice: it allows several SWG units to be mounted on one tool plate at close pitch.
Since the jaws travel in an arc, the contact point moves slightly as the fingers close. Designers usually compensate with finger profiles that seat the part correctly at the closed angle, for example V-notches for round parts or pockets for flat parts.
Integration and Selection
Size the gripper from the workpiece mass, the required gripping force at the actual finger length and the accelerations in the robot path. Check the permissible finger length and jaw moments for the selected size, and allow for the arc-shaped closing motion in the finger geometry.
Integration needs a 5/2 or 5/3 valve, tubing and, if part confirmation is required, proximity or magnetic sensors to monitor the jaw positions. In multi-gripper heads, plan the air distribution and sensor cabling early because the narrow body leaves little room for fittings.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Electronics assembly | Picking connectors, small housings and components from trays |
Medical devices | Handling plastic parts in clean assembly stations |
Automotive suppliers | Small-part insertion in multi-gripper assembly heads |
Consumer goods | Pick-and-place of molded parts between conveyors and fixtures |
Functional Uses
Approaching parts in confined spaces thanks to the wide opening angle
Multi-gripper tool plates with close gripper pitch
Gripping small cylindrical parts with V-shaped fingers
Transferring parts between fixtures in assembly lines
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Narrow body for space-optimized layouts
Angular opening simplifies approach and retreat
Double-acting pneumatic motion in both directions
Simple, robust and economical
Limitations
Contact point moves along an arc during closing
Gripping force falls with longer fingers
Not intended for heavily contaminated environments
Who Should Consider the SCHUNK SWG 2-Finger Angular Gripper?
The SWG fits integrators building compact multi-gripper heads, assembly machines and pick-and-place stations that handle small to medium parts in clean or lightly contaminated conditions.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. SCHUNK prices the SWG 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 SWG 2-Finger Angular Gripper FAQ
What is the SCHUNK SWG?
The SCHUNK SWG is a narrow, double-acting pneumatic two-finger angular gripper designed for space-optimized gripper arrangements in clean and slightly dirty environments.
What is the difference between an angular and a parallel gripper?
An angular gripper's jaws pivot open on an arc, which provides a wide opening and easy approach. A parallel gripper's jaws move in a straight line and keep the contact faces parallel throughout the stroke.
Is the SWG suitable for multi-gripper heads?
Yes. Its narrow housing is designed so that several grippers can be mounted close together on one tool plate.
What does double-acting mean?
Compressed air is used for both the opening and the closing stroke, so both motions are actively driven and can be controlled by a single valve.
Which environments suit the SWG?
Clean and slightly dirty environments. Heavy chip or coolant exposure calls for a sealed gripper design instead.
How much does the SCHUNK SWG cost?
Pricing depends on size and options. Request a quote from SCHUNK or an authorized distributor for the exact ordering code.
