FOUK New Product: High Capacity Pneumatic Parallel Gripper – LG Series

What Is a High Capacity Pneumatic Parallel Gripper?

A high capacity pneumatic parallel gripper is an industrial gripping device designed to handle large, heavy, or oversized workpieces in automated production processes. It uses compressed air to drive two jaws that move in parallel, providing stable and controlled gripping.

The FOUK LG Series is a long-stroke pneumatic parallel gripper developed primarily for handling automotive wheels, rims, and other large industrial components. Its extended jaw travel allows it to accommodate workpieces with different diameters, reducing the need for frequent gripper changes.

With a robust structure, strong gripping performance, and an optimized guide mechanism, the LG Series is designed for demanding industrial applications where a large gripping range and reliable operation are essential.

1. Main Applications of the FOUK LG Series Pneumatic Gripper

The FOUK LG Series is particularly suitable for automated handling of large workpieces, especially automotive wheels and rims.

1.1 Automotive Wheel and Rim Handling

Automotive wheels come in different sizes and diameters. A conventional pneumatic gripper with a limited opening range may require different gripping tools for different wheel specifications.

The long-stroke design of the FOUK LG Series provides a larger gripping range, allowing one gripper to accommodate multiple wheel sizes. This can help reduce gripper replacement frequency and simplify automated production lines.

1.2 Automated Loading, Unloading, and Material Handling

The LG Series can be integrated into robotic systems and automated production equipment for:

· Automotive wheel loading and unloading

· Wheel cleaning and surface treatment

· Wheel painting and coating processes

· CNC machining operations

· Transfer between conveyors, machine tools, fixtures, and inspection stations

· Automated handling of large industrial components

Its long jaw travel makes it suitable for applications requiring a wide gripping range.

1.3 Surface-Sensitive Workpiece Handling

Automotive wheels often have machined surfaces or protective coatings that must be maintained during handling.

For these applications, suitable finger designs and contact materials can help reduce the risk of scratches, dents, and surface damage. Proper gripping force selection and finger contact positioning are also important for safe workpiece handling.

2. Key Features and Advantages of the FOUK LG Series

The FOUK LG Series combines a compact body design, extended jaw travel, and a durable structure to meet the requirements of demanding industrial automation applications.

2.1 Long Stroke for a Wider Gripping Range

The LG Series offers five stroke options:

· 75 mm per side

· 100 mm per side

· 125 mm per side

· 150 mm per side

· 175 mm per side

With a maximum stroke of 175 mm per side, the gripper provides a wide opening and closing range for handling workpieces with different diameters.

This makes it particularly useful in automotive wheel handling applications, where workpiece dimensions can vary between production batches.

2.2 Long Finger Capability with Reduced Gripping Force Loss

The LG Series supports finger lengths of up to 500 mm.

Even when using the maximum finger length, the reduction in gripping force is limited to approximately 30%, according to FOUK's product specifications.

This capability makes the LG Series suitable for applications that require extended fingers to reach larger or more difficult-to-access gripping positions.

2.3 Robust Structure for Demanding Industrial Environments

The LG Series features a heavy-duty structural design intended to withstand impact and vibration during industrial operation.

Its main structural advantages include:

· Narrow body width

· Long jaw travel

· Strong gripping performance

· High torque resistance

· Fully parallel jaw movement

· Durable construction for extended service life

These characteristics help provide stable gripping performance in demanding automated production environments.

2.4 Composite Sealing Structure for Contaminated Environments

Industrial applications such as casting, machining, and automotive component processing may expose gripping equipment to dust, debris, and other contaminants.

The LG Series uses a composite sealing structure designed to improve its suitability for highly contaminated working environments.

This helps support reliable operation in challenging industrial conditions.

2.5 Lightweight and Durable Aluminum Body

The LG Series features a 6-series aluminum alloy body.

This material provides a balance between structural strength, durability, and weight, helping reduce the overall weight of the end-of-arm tooling system while maintaining a robust gripper structure.

3. FOUK LG Series vs. TJ Series: What Are the Differences?

FOUK offers different pneumatic parallel gripper solutions for heavy-duty industrial automation.

Although both the LG Series and TJ Series are designed for demanding gripping applications, they have different design priorities and target workpieces.

The main difference is that the LG Series focuses on long-stroke gripping of large-diameter workpieces, particularly automotive wheels and rims, while the TJ Series focuses on high gripping force and heavy workpiece handling.

Choose the FOUK LG Series if your application requires:

· A large gripping range

· Long jaw travel

· Handling of automotive wheels and rims

· Extended gripping fingers

· Stable parallel jaw movement

· Choose the FOUK TJ Series if your application requires:

· Extremely high gripping force

· Handling of heavy steel bars and castings

· Heavy-duty industrial gripping

· Optional mechanical self-locking on applicable models

The best choice depends on the workpiece dimensions, weight, gripping position, required gripping force, and operating conditions.

4. Why Choose the FOUK LG Series for Industrial Automation?

Selecting the right pneumatic gripper is essential for achieving stable and efficient automated production.

The FOUK LG Series offers several advantages for applications involving large workpieces:

A wider gripping range: Five stroke options provide flexibility for handling workpieces with different diameters.

Extended finger capability: Finger lengths of up to 500 mm support applications requiring longer gripping fingers.

Durable construction: Its robust structure and composite sealing design support operation in demanding industrial environments.

Compact body design: The narrow body helps optimize installation space in robotic end-of-arm tooling systems.

Application flexibility: The LG Series is particularly suitable for automotive wheel handling, machining, and other large-workpiece handling applications.

For manufacturers and system integrators looking to improve automated handling flexibility, the LG Series provides a dedicated pneumatic gripping solution.

5. Frequently Asked Questions About High Capacity Pneumatic Parallel Grippers

Q1: What is the main advantage of a long-stroke pneumatic parallel gripper?

The main advantage is its larger opening and closing range. A long-stroke gripper can accommodate workpieces with different dimensions, potentially reducing the need for multiple gripping tools in automated production.

Q2: What applications is the FOUK LG Series designed for?

The FOUK LG Series is primarily designed for automotive wheel and rim handling, including robotic loading and unloading, machining, cleaning, painting, and material transfer applications.

It can also be considered for other large-workpiece handling applications within its rated specifications.

Q3: What is the maximum stroke of the FOUK LG Series?

The LG Series offers five stroke options: 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, and 175 mm per side. The maximum available stroke is 175 mm per side.

Q4: What is the maximum finger length of the LG Series?

The maximum finger length is 500 mm. According to FOUK's product information, the gripping force reduction is approximately 30% when using the maximum finger length.

Q5: What is the maximum load capacity of the FOUK LG Series?

The current product information specifies a maximum load of 50 kg. The actual allowable workpiece weight should be evaluated according to the selected model, finger configuration, gripping position, and application conditions.

Q6: What is the difference between the FOUK LG Series and TJ Series?

The LG Series focuses on long-stroke gripping and large-diameter workpieces, especially automotive wheels and rims.

The TJ Series focuses on high gripping force and heavy-duty handling of steel bars, profiles, castings, and other heavy industrial workpieces.

Q7: How do I select the right pneumatic parallel gripper?

When selecting a pneumatic parallel gripper, consider the following factors:

1. Workpiece weight and dimensions

2. Required jaw stroke and opening range

3. Required gripping force

4. Finger length and finger design

5. Workpiece contact position

6. Operating air pressure

7. Environmental conditions

8. Robot payload and end-of-arm tooling weight

9. Correct gripper selection helps ensure safe handling, stable operation, and reliable automation performance.

Conclusion: A Long-Stroke Pneumatic Gripper for Large Workpiece Handling

The FOUK LG Series high capacity pneumatic parallel gripper is designed for industrial applications requiring a wide gripping range, extended finger length, and durable construction.

With five available stroke options, finger lengths of up to 500 mm, and a robust structural design, the LG Series is particularly suitable for automotive wheel handling and other large-workpiece automation applications.

If you are looking for a long-stroke pneumatic parallel gripper for your robotic handling system, contact FOUK to discuss your application requirements and find a suitable gripping solution.