Hubachse ZH90 mit Greifvorrichtung für Hochvoltspeicher
Hubachse ZH90 mit Greifvorrichtung für Hochvoltspeicher
Guide · Gripping Technique
Robot gripper vs. individual device
Standard gripper or custom-made device: When is which solution worthwhile for your component?
Whether on a fully automated robot arm or a manually operated manipulator: every component needs the right fixture. ZHHT develops both robot grippers and custom fixtures for manipulators, lifting axes, and lever lifts, tailored to the component and process, made in Germany, all from a single source.
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
A robot gripper or manipulator is the interface between the handling system and the component, and therefore often the crucial component for process reliability and cycle time. The difference between these two approaches often determines the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of the entire system, but in many projects, this is only planned late in the process, after the robot arm or manipulator has already been selected.
The market is dominated by catalog-based robot grippers from major manufacturers, designed for use with fully automated six-axis robots and standardized component geometries. For manufacturing processes with changing components, smaller batch sizes, or manually guided handling systems, this approach quickly reaches its limits. Therefore, in addition to robot grippers, ZHHT also designs custom fixtures precisely tailored to the component, process, and base system. This guide illustrates the difference through direct comparison, clarifies when each solution is worthwhile, and outlines the process from initial inquiry to ready-to-use gripping technology.
CHAPTER 2
Robot gripper and individual device in comparison
A direct comparison clearly shows the strengths and limitations of both approaches, depending on how uniform your components are and how automated your process is:
Standard robot gripper
Catalog-based grippers for use on fully automated robot arms, mostly pneumatically or electrically operated. Designed for consistent component geometries and high repeatability, readily available, but not very flexible when requirements change.
Individual gripping device
Designed specifically for each project, taking into account component geometry, weight, surface finish, and process. It is directly integrated into manipulators , lifting platforms, lifting axes, or cable manipulators and remains economical even with changing component variants.
Special device
For components that cannot be handled safely with standard grippers, such as unusual geometries, sensitive surfaces, or special load cases, ZHHT designs custom fixtures as one-offs for each specific application.
Combining both approaches
In many production lines, the two approaches complement each other: robot grippers take over standardized, fully automated process steps, while individual devices on manipulators cover the manual or semi-automated workstations with changing components.
CHAPTER 3
Overview of device types
ZHHT manufactures six types of fixtures, ranging from mechanical grippers to custom fixtures for components without standard solutions. All six types, including selection criteria and technical details, can be found in the complete fixture overview.
CHAPTER 4
Why standard solutions rarely fit
Catalog robot grippers are economical as long as the component geometry and process remain the same throughout their entire service life. However, as soon as variants change, components have sensitive surfaces, or several work steps coincide at the same point, either a separate gripper must be procured for each variant, or the process must be manually adjusted.
For individual requests, ZHHT therefore relies on project-specific fixtures designed on standardized base systems: ZH90 lifting axis, articulated manipulator, ZH lifting lift, or cable manipulator. The base system remains proven and easy to maintain, while the fixture at the load-bearing point is precisely tailored to the respective component. This ensures that the investment remains economical even with model changes and increasing product variety.
CHAPTER 5
The path to an individual gripping solution
01
Inquiry and process analysis
You specify the component weight, geometry, surface finish, and process step. ZHHT analyzes the actual handling scenario from your production.
02
construction
Our engineers design the fixture and basic system to perfectly suit your component, tailored to cycle time and workplace.
03
Production in Holzkirchen
Manufacturing and assembly take place in-house, in compliance with CE standards and ISO 9001, ensuring short distances between design and production.
04
On-site commissioning
The gripping solution will be installed, set up, and put into operation together with your team.
05
Operator training
Your employees will receive on-site training in operation and safe handling of the system.
06
Maintenance and UVV inspection
Upon request, ZHHT will handle the ongoing maintenance as well as the annual UVV inspection according to DGUV V54 , all from a single source.
CHAPTER 6
Advantages for manufacturers
Custom fixtures for irregular and changing component geometries
Robot grippers and fixtures from a single source, combinable with any ZHHT basic system
Economical even with smaller batch sizes and increasing product variety
Regular safety inspections ensure operational safety and availability.
Development and manufacturing in Holzkirchen, Made in Germany, for 18 industries
CHAPTER 7
Comparison: Robot gripper vs. individual device
Robot gripper
Level of automation: fully automated
Component variety: low, standardized
Integration into manipulator / lifting aid: usually not planned
Availability: short-term from catalog
Individual device
Level of automation: manual to semi-automated
Component variety: high, project-specific
Integration into manipulator / lifting aid: directly combinable
Availability: depending on construction time
CHAPTER 8
Why ZHHT
Design and manufacturing from a single source
Robot gripper, device and basic system are produced under one roof in Holzkirchen, short coordination channels instead of multiple contact persons.
ISO 9001 and TISAX Level 2
Standards-compliant processes and tested product quality, TISAX with prototype protection for sensitive development projects.
Modular system for the entire load range
From 100 kg to 1,200 kg, ZHHT covers all typical component classes, including robot grippers and fixtures.
Maintenance and UVV inspection by the manufacturer
Whoever designed the gripping solution knows it best, which shortens testing and maintenance intervals.
25 years of experience in special machine construction
Over 25 years of design experience with customized gripping solutions for varying, irregularly shaped components.
FAQ / Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01 What is the difference between a robot gripper and a custom device?
Standard robot grippers are catalog-based series for fully automated robot arms. Custom devices are designed by ZHHT specifically for each project, taking into account component, weight, surface finish, and process, and are integrated directly into manipulators, lifting aids, or lifting axes.
02 Does ZHHT also build robot grippers for fully automated applications?
Yes, ZHHT develops and manufactures robot grippers including individual custom designs, which can be used independently or combined with ZHHT manipulators and lifting axes.
03 When does a standard robot gripper make sense?
A standard robot gripper is worthwhile for consistent, simple component geometries and high production volumes in a fully automated process where no project-specific adaptation is necessary.
04 When is a custom-made device worthwhile?
A custom-made device is worthwhile when dealing with changing component geometries, sensitive surfaces, special load cases, or integration into existing lifting aids and manipulators; in these cases, it is usually the more economical solution.
05 Can robot grippers be combined with ZHHT manipulators or lifting axes?
Yes. The gripping devices can be combined with the ZH90 lifting axis, the articulated manipulator, the ZH lifting lift and the rope manipulator; the design is project-specific.
06 What types of devices does ZHHT offer?
ZHHT manufactures six types of devices: gripping, suction, magnetic and hook devices, screwdrivers or screw spindles, and special devices for individual requirements.
07 How does the construction of a custom device proceed?
Based on the component weight, geometry and application, the designers analyze the actual handling scenario and design the device and basic system to fit perfectly, manufactured in Holzkirchen.
08 Are ZHHT devices and robot grippers CE compliant?
Yes, all ZHHT devices and robot grippers are manufactured and delivered in compliance with CE standards as part of the overall system.
09 How long does it take to design a custom device?
The design time for a custom device depends on the scope of the requirements and will be communicated individually after the request as part of the process analysis.
10. Are custom-made devices also suitable for sensitive components such as glass or sheet metal?
Yes. Suction devices, which are precisely tailored to the material and component geometry by ZHHT, are particularly suitable for sensitive surfaces.
11. Does ZHHT offer maintenance and safety inspections for equipment?
Yes, Zeilhofer HHT offers maintenance contracts including regular UVV testing according to DGUV V54, carried out by the manufacturer itself.
12. Who offers customized robot grippers and fixtures in Germany?
ZHHT from Holzkirchen develops, manufactures and maintains robot grippers and individual devices from a single source, tailored to component weight, geometry and application.