Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper from IAI

Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper from IAIThe IAI Mini 3-Finger Gripper combines the flexibility of electric motion control with the compact footprint required for modern automation equipment. Available in both the ROBO Cylinder® and ELECYLINDER® platforms, this gripper delivers precise workpiece handling, adjustable gripping force, and multiple positioning capabilities that are difficult to achieve with traditional pneumatic grippers.

Designed for inspection stations, centering operations, assembly systems, and robotic end-of-arm tooling, the Mini 3-Finger Gripper helps manufacturers improve process consistency while reducing compressed air consumption.

  • Compact design simplifies installation on robotic tool heads and machine end effectors.
  • Up to 70 N of gripping force provides secure handling of a wide range of components.
  • 30 mm total gripping stroke accommodates larger part size variations.
  • Electric control enables programmable speed and force adjustments.
  • Multiple positioning options eliminate the need for mechanical tool changes.
  • Suitable for delicate, fragile, and precision-manufactured parts.
  • Reduced maintenance compared to pneumatic gripping systems.
     

Available Models

RCP6-GRTR9

  • Multi-point positioning capability
  • Ideal for flexible automation and variable product handling

EC-GRTR9

  • Two-position operation
  • Excellent replacement for air grippers and pneumatic cylinders

The GRTR9 platform delivers approximately three times the gripping force and stroke capacity of the previous generation model while maintaining a compact package size.

Features

Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper Features

Compact Design for Space-Constrained Equipment

The Mini 3-Finger Gripper was designed for installations where space is limited. Its compact dimensions allow mounting directly on robot wrists, Cartesian robots, gantries, and machine tooling.

High Gripping Force

Despite its compact size, the gripper delivers up to:

  • 70 N maximum gripping force: This allows secure handling of components while maintaining precise control over gripping pressure.
  • Long Stroke Capability: The gripper provides 30 mm total stroke (15 mm per finger). The extended travel accommodates greater variation in part sizes while reducing the need for dedicated tooling.

Programmable Speed Control

Adjust motion characteristics to:

  • Improve cycle times
  • Reduce impact on delicate parts
  • Optimize machine performance
  • Improve process consistency

High Positioning Accuracy

Electric actuation enables repeatable positioning performance, helping ensure consistent gripping results across production runs.

Reduced Maintenance

Unlike pneumatic systems that depend on valves, regulators, fittings, and air preparation components, electric grippers reduce common maintenance points and simplify troubleshooting.

Benefits

Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper Benefits

Why Choose a Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper?

Replace Pneumatics with Greater Control

Many automation systems still rely on pneumatic grippers because of their simplicity. However, pneumatic systems typically offer limited control over gripping force and position.

The Mini 3-Finger Gripper provides programmable motion control that allows engineers to optimize handling performance for each product being processed.

Advantages Over Pneumatic Grippers

Precise Force Control

Instead of relying on air pressure adjustments, gripping force can be programmed digitally and adjusted in percentage increments.

  • Reduced part damage
  • Improved handling of fragile components
  • Greater process repeatability
  • Faster product changeovers
  • Multiple Positions Without Additional Hardware

Improve Throughput and Reduce Changeover Time

Manufacturers increasingly need automation systems capable of handling multiple product variants.

The Mini 3-Finger Gripper helps achieve this by allowing:

  • Software-based adjustments
  • Product recipe changes
  • Programmable gripping force
  • Multiple gripping positions

This reduces downtime associated with manual setup changes.

Inspection and Centering Applications

The three-finger design is particularly effective for:

  • Round parts
  • Cylindrical components
  • Optical assemblies
  • Precision-machined products

The symmetrical gripping action improves centering accuracy and repeatability.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Compared with pneumatic gripping systems, users may achieve:

  • Reduced energy consumption
  • Fewer maintenance requirements
  • Less tooling complexity
  • Improved process quality
  • Lower scrap rates

Future-Proof Automation

As manufacturers move toward Industry 4.0 initiatives, electric actuators provide greater connectivity, programmability, and data visibility than traditional pneumatic solutions.

The Mini 3-Finger Gripper supports these goals by bringing precision motion control directly to the point of handling.
 

Applications

Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper Applications

  • Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper Application ExampleVision inspection systems
  • Centering and alignment stations
  • Electronics assembly
  • Medical device manufacturing
  • Precision machining automation
  • Laboratory automation
  • Robotic pick-and-place systems
  • Semiconductor and clean manufacturing processes

Q & A

Q&A Section with Expand/Collapse Icons

Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper Q & A

+ What are the advantages of an electric gripper compared to a pneumatic gripper?
Electric grippers provide programmable control of position, speed, and gripping force. Unlike pneumatic grippers, they do not rely on compressed air pressure and can be adjusted through software for different products and applications. This improves flexibility, repeatability, and process control.
+ What applications are best suited for a 3-finger gripper?
Three-finger grippers are ideal for gripping round, cylindrical, or irregularly shaped parts. Common applications include inspection systems, part centering, assembly automation, laboratory equipment, electronics manufacturing, and robotic pick-and-place operations.
+ Can the gripping force be adjusted for delicate parts?
Yes. The Mini 3-Finger Gripper allows force adjustments through programmable settings. This enables operators to securely grip delicate or deformable components while reducing the risk of product damage.
+ Can one gripper handle multiple part sizes?
Yes. The RCP6-GRTR9 version supports multiple programmed positions, allowing a single gripper to accommodate different workpiece sizes without changing tooling or mechanical stops.
 
+Is an electric gripper more energy efficient than a pneumatic gripper?
In many applications, yes. Electric grippers eliminate the need for continuous compressed air generation and reduce energy losses associated with air leaks. This can lower operating costs while improving control and repeatability.
 

Downloads

Download IAI Mini 3-Finger Electric Gripper Datasheet


Talk to one of our automation experts today at (855) 737-4716, or fill out our online form to learn more.