SMC MHM-X6400 Magnetic Gripper Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The SMC MHM-X6400 is a pneumatically operated magnetic gripper that replaces vacuum cups or mechanical grippers for metallic workpieces. Air moves a permanent magnet toward the gripping face to hold the part and away from it to release.
Holding force is 80 N on a 0.6 mm plate and 120 N on a 1.4 mm plate, with residual holding force of 0.3 N or less after release. The gripper holds the workpiece when air is shut off, handles parts with holes or uneven surfaces, and accepts position sensors on three or four sides.
Quick Verdict
An efficient way to move steel sheets and parts where vacuum fails because of holes, oil or uneven surfaces. Its low residual force ensures clean releases.
SMC MHM-X6400 Magnetic Gripper at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Pneumatic magnetic gripper |
Holding force | 80 N (0.6 mm plate), 120 N (1.4 mm plate) |
Residual holding force | 0.3 N or less |
Air shut-off | Workpiece held |
Workpieces | Steel plates, parts with holes or uneven surfaces |
Sensors | Position sensors mountable on 3 or 4 sides |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Inside the gripper, a piston carries a permanent magnet. Air on one side moves the magnet down to the gripping surface, where its field passes into the steel part. Air on the other side pulls the magnet up, opening the gap so the part drops. Because a permanent magnet provides the force, the part stays held if air pressure is lost.
Holding force depends on sheet thickness: thin sheets saturate quickly and carry less force, which is why SMC quotes 80 N at 0.6 mm and 120 N at 1.4 mm. Surface coatings, oil and air gaps reduce force further, so tests with production material are essential.
A residual force of 0.3 N or less matters when releasing thin sheets that would otherwise stick to the gripper face and be carried back with the robot.
Integration and Selection
Calculate required force including acceleration and shear direction; magnetic grippers are strongest perpendicular to the face. Use multiple grippers for larger sheets and verify with the thinnest material in the product range.
Mount position sensors to confirm magnet position and include part-presence logic before the robot moves.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Sheet metal | Transferring blanks between presses |
Automotive | Handling stamped steel parts |
Appliances | Moving steel panels |
Metal fabrication | Picking perforated or oily parts |
Functional Uses
Steel sheet transfer
Handling perforated parts
Fail-safe holding on air loss
Destacking blanks
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Works where vacuum fails
Holds when air is off
Low residual holding force
Sensor mounting on 3 or 4 sides
Limitations
Ferrous parts only
Force drops on thin or coated sheets
Shear holding lower than normal force
Who Should Consider the SMC MHM-X6400 Magnetic Gripper?
The MHM-X6400 suits sheet metal and stamping operations handling steel parts with holes, oil or uneven surfaces.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. SMC prices the MHM-X6400 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
SMC MHM-X6400 Magnetic Gripper FAQ
What holding force does it provide?
80 N on a 0.6 mm plate and 120 N on a 1.4 mm plate.
Does it hold parts if air is lost?
Yes, the workpiece is held when air is shut off.
What is the residual holding force?
0.3 N or less.
Can it handle parts with holes?
Yes, it handles parts with holes and uneven surfaces.
How is position monitored?
Position sensors can be mounted on 3 or 4 sides.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from SMC.
