Short answer: Choose an electric gripper when you need adjustable force, programmable position, part-present feedback, or no compressed air. Choose a pneumatic gripper for very simple, high-force open/close tasks where an air supply already exists. Compact electric grippers such as the EPGS-6-10 are designed to replace small 16 mm-bore air grippers.
Pneumatic (air) grippers have been the default in factory automation for decades. Electric grippers with built-in controllers are now small enough, and simple enough to wire, to replace many of them. This guide compares both types honestly and shows when switching makes sense.
How each type works
- Pneumatic gripper: compressed air pushes a piston that drives the jaws. Force depends on air pressure and bore size. A solenoid valve switches open/close. Position feedback, if any, comes from external sensors on the body.
- Electric gripper: a motor (with gearbox, rack-and-pinion or screw) drives the jaws. A built-in driver sets the current, which controls the grip force. An encoder tells the controller where the jaws are. Commands arrive over I/O or a fieldbus such as Modbus RTU (RS485).
Comparison table
| Factor | Pneumatic gripper | Electric gripper |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Compressed air (compressor, filter, regulator, valves, tubing) | DC 24 V electricity |
| Grip force adjustment | By changing air pressure (affects the whole line or needs a regulator per gripper) | Set in software per move (e.g. EPG2-26-15: 6–15 N) |
| Position control | End positions only (open/closed) | Programmable stroke positions (e.g. EPG2-26-15: 0–26 mm) |
| Repeatability | Depends on mechanical stops | Encoder-based (e.g. ±0.02 mm on EPG2/EPGC/ERG) |
| Feedback | Extra reed/magnetic sensors | Position, status and “gripped” signal from the controller |
| Fragile parts | Harder to control; force spikes possible | Gentle, tunable force |
| Mixed part sizes | Needs mechanical changes | Change stroke/force in the program |
| Noise | Exhaust noise from valves | Low (EPG2: ≤40 dB per our catalog) |
| Cleanliness | Exhaust air and possible oil mist | No exhaust air |
| Power-off behaviour | Depends on valve type | Model-dependent; e.g. EPGC-50-150 has a standard brake |
| Wiring/piping | Air tubes + valve + sensor wires | Power + I/O or two-wire RS485 |
| Very high force per size | Strong advantage | Depends on model |
| Upfront hardware cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Running cost | Compressed air energy and leaks | Electricity only while moving/holding |
When an electric gripper is the better choice
- No compressed air on site — mobile robots (AGVs/AMRs), lab automation, cleanrooms, desktop cells and cobot stations.
- Fragile or deformable parts — glass, electronics, plastic housings, food packs. Tunable force prevents damage.
- Many part sizes on one line — change position and force in the PLC recipe instead of swapping fingers.
- You need data — position and gripped/not-gripped status help with quality checks and error recovery.
- Quiet, clean environments — no exhaust air, low noise.
- Rotate and grip — a rotary electric gripper like the ERG-20-80 grips (24–80 N) and rotates without limit, which is hard to do with air.
When a pneumatic gripper is still fine
- Simple open/close with one part size, on a line that already has clean, stable air.
- Applications that need very high force in a very small body.
- Harsh washdown areas where you already have proven pneumatic tooling.
Replacing an air gripper with an electric gripper
Grippersupply’s EPGS-6-10 is designed as an alternative to a 16 mm-bore (16D) pneumatic gripper. It has a 6 mm stroke, 10 N ±20% grip force, 0.1 s open/close time, 160 g weight, and simple 3-wire I/O control with a built-in driver, so the PLC logic stays almost the same as a valve output.
Grippersupply models for air-gripper replacement:
| Model | Stroke | Grip force | Repeatability | Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPGS-6-10 | 6 mm | 10 N ±20% | ±0.1 mm | I/O (3-wire) | Replaces 16D air gripper; 0.1 s; 160 g |
| EPGS-12-15 | 12 mm | 15 N ±20% | ±0.1 mm | I/O | 0.15 s; 180 g |
| EPG2-26-15 | 0–26 mm | 6–15 N | ±0.02 mm | Modbus RTU (RS485), I/O | Force control; ≤40 dB |
| EPGC-50-150 | 50 mm (adj.) | 40–150 N (adj.) | ±0.02 mm | Modbus RTU (RS485), I/O | IP54; standard brake; 3 kg payload |
| ERG-20-80 | 20 mm | 24–80 N | ±0.02 mm; rotation ±0.05° | Modbus RTU, I/O | Infinite rotation |
All run on DC 24 V ±10% with an integrated controller, in 0–40 °C and 20–85% RH; certificates are available on request.
Migration steps
- Measure the job: part weight, size, material, and current cycle time.
- Match stroke and force: pick a model whose stroke covers the part and whose recommended payload exceeds the part weight with margin.
- Choose control: keep I/O for a near drop-in swap, or use Modbus RTU to tune force and position (see our Modbus RS485 tutorial).
- Adapt mounting: make an adapter plate and reuse or redesign fingers.
- Remove air parts: valve, tubing and regulator for that station.
- Test one unit (MOQ 1) before rolling out.
FAQ
Is an electric gripper better than a pneumatic gripper?
Not always. Electric grippers win on force control, position control, feedback and air-free operation. Pneumatic grippers win on simplicity and force per size where air is already available. Choose by application.
Can an electric gripper directly replace a pneumatic gripper?
Often yes, with an adapter plate. The EPGS-6-10 is designed as an alternative to a 16 mm-bore air gripper and uses simple I/O control, so PLC changes are small.
Do electric grippers need a separate controller?
Grippersupply EPG/ERG grippers have the controller built in. You need DC 24 V and either I/O signals or Modbus RTU.
Are electric grippers slower than air grippers?
Not necessarily. For example, the EPGS-6-10 opens or closes in 0.1 s (one way) per our catalog. Check the time for the model and stroke you need.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ is 1 piece. Lead time confirmed on quote.
Get a quote
Tell us which air gripper you use now (bore, stroke, part) and we will suggest an electric replacement.
- Quick quote on WhatsApp
- Email: jimmy@grippersupply.com