Zimmer 5000 Series Hybrid Grippers Review: Specs, Price and Applications
Zimmer Group's 5000 Series hybrid grippers are pneumatically powered but IO-Link controlled. Valves and sensors are integrated into the gripper body, which removes the need for external control valves, saves space and shortens actuation times.
Through IO-Link the gripper connects to any bus system and reports position, status and maintenance data. Workpiece recipes store force, jaw pre-position, gripping mode and tolerance, and the gripper detects workpiece problems and counts cycles without extra sensors or setup.
Quick Verdict
A smart bridge between pneumatic power and electric intelligence. It keeps the force density of air while adding digital control and diagnostics.
Zimmer 5000 Series Hybrid Grippers at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Gripper type | Pneumatic gripper with integrated valves and sensors |
Control | IO-Link, connectable to any bus system |
Feedback | Position, status and maintenance data |
Recipes | Force, jaw pre-position, gripping mode and tolerance |
Diagnostics | Workpiece problem detection and cycle counting |
Setup | No additional sensors or setup required |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Placing the valve directly in the gripper eliminates long air lines between valve terminal and tool. Shorter air paths mean faster response and lower air consumption, and the robot dress pack becomes simpler.
IO-Link provides a digital channel for commands and data. Instead of separate proximity switches, the integrated sensing reports jaw position, so the controller can verify part size and detect a missed grip.
Recipes allow quick product changeovers: switching to a new part loads the stored force and pre-position settings rather than requiring mechanical adjustment.
Integration and Selection
Connect the gripper to an IO-Link master and configure recipes for each workpiece. Supply compressed air directly to the gripper.
Use maintenance and cycle data in the line's monitoring system for predictive maintenance.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Machine tending | Recipe-based changeovers between parts |
Automotive | High-cycle handling with condition monitoring |
Electronics | Precise pre-positioning for fast cycles |
Packaging | Quick format changes with stored settings |
Functional Uses
Recipe-based gripping
Part verification via jaw position
Condition monitoring and cycle counting
Valve-free tool layouts
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Integrated valves shorten response times
IO-Link control and diagnostics
Workpiece recipes
No extra sensors needed
Limitations
Requires IO-Link infrastructure
Still needs compressed air
Higher unit cost than basic pneumatic grippers
Who Should Consider the Zimmer 5000 Series Hybrid Grippers?
These hybrid grippers suit plants moving toward digital, data-rich tooling while keeping pneumatic force.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. Zimmer Group prices the 5000 Series Hybrid 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
Zimmer 5000 Series Hybrid Grippers FAQ
What is a hybrid gripper?
A pneumatically powered gripper with integrated valves and sensors controlled through IO-Link.
Does it need external valves?
No, valves are integrated into the gripper body.
What data does it provide?
Position, status and maintenance feedback, including cycle counts.
What are workpiece recipes?
Stored settings for force, jaw pre-position, gripping mode and tolerance.
Does it work with any fieldbus?
Yes, via IO-Link it connects to any bus system.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from Zimmer Group.
