Universal Grippers (EOAT)

Catalog Section |  Gripper Worksheet | EOAT and Vise Product Install and Maintenance

Industrial End of Arm Tooling for Automation

End of arm tooling connects a robot to the work it needs to handle, from gripping machined parts to loading CNC fixtures or transferring components. The right tooling helps the robot move consistently, protect the workpiece and support repeatable production.

Vektek provides industrial gripper options for automation engineers and robotics integrators who need application-focused solutions, not just catalog parts. For teams comparing suppliers, Vektek offers manufacturing-focused engineering support and gripper solutions that integrate with broader workholding systems.

EOAT Accessories

Key Benefits of Pneumatic Gripping

Pneumatic grippers provide fast actuation, repeatable motion and straightforward integration with compressed air systems. In the right application, they reduce manual handling, improve cycle consistency and simplify part transfer.

Vektek grippers support 24/7 industrial automation needs where speed, precision, dependability and reduced setup matter. When combined with proper jaws, sensors and robot programming, robotic grippers can help production teams maintain stable handling across repeated cycles.

How to Choose the Right End of Arm Tooling

Start with the part. Weight, geometry, grip area, cycle time and environment all affect selection. Parallel grippers are useful when jaws need to move straight toward the part for controlled, even contact.

A 2-finger gripper is often a strong fit for rectangular, flat-sided or consistently shaped parts. A 3-finger gripper can be useful for round parts or applications where centering around the part is important. Vektek gripper options include VGP 2-finger parallel grippers, VZP 3-finger self-centering grippers, and IP67-rated versions (VSO 2-finger and VZO 3-finger) for harsh environments with coolant or washdown exposure. You can also explore Vektek pneumatic products for broader pneumatic actuation support.

Applications for Robotic End Effectors

Robotic end effectors are used in CNC machine tending, milling automation, pick-and-place, assembly, inspection, material handling and part transfer. The right gripper mechanism should match how the robot approaches, grips, moves and releases the part.

Vektek’s advantage is application-specific support. Instead of selecting a gripper by size alone, engineers can evaluate jaw design, grip force, part variation, air supply, robot motion and integration with other fixture clamping devices.

End of Arm Tooling FAQs

Use these answers to compare gripper types and sizing factors for your application.

2-finger vs. 3-finger grippers — which do I need?

Choose a 2-finger gripper for flat, rectangular or consistently located parts. Choose a 3-finger gripper when centering, round-part handling or balanced contact matters.

What’s the difference between parallel and angular grippers?

Parallel grippers move the jaws straight toward the part for even contact. Angular grippers rotate the jaws toward the part and may suit applications with varying clearance or motion requirements.

Can pneumatic grippers handle heavy parts?

Yes, when sized correctly. Part weight, grip force, jaw design, acceleration, part orientation and robot motion all affect whether a pneumatic gripper is the right fit.

What is IP67 and do I need it?

IP67 indicates protection against dust and temporary water exposure. It may matter in machining cells with coolant, chips, washdown exposure or harsher production environments.

How do I size a gripper for my application?

Start with part weight, shape, grip area, cycle speed, orientation, air pressure, jaw length and safety factor. Vektek Engineering can help confirm the right gripper mechanism.

Can I use custom jaws with Vektek grippers?

In many applications, yes. Custom jaws can improve part contact, clearance, centering and repeatability.

Are Vektek grippers compatible with collaborative robots?

Compatibility depends on the robot, payload, mounting interface, air supply, controls and safety requirements. Review the full robotic cell before selecting the gripper.

What maintenance do pneumatic grippers require?

Maintenance depends on cycle rate, air quality, contamination and environment. Keep air supply, seals, jaws, sensors and mounting hardware within recommended service conditions.

Find the Right Gripper for Your Application

Ready to evaluate gripper options for machine tending, material handling or fixture automation? Compare the gripper options or contact our engineers for guidance.