SMC MHC2-16D Angular Air Gripper 16 mm Bore

Angular fingers for wide opening in a small body

MHC2-16D is a double-acting angular air gripper from the SMC MHC2 series. Instead of sliding parallel, the two fingers pivot, opening wide at the tips to take parts that sit loosely in a feeder or pallet pocket. The pivot arrangement gives a large amount of gripping moment for the body size, and the catalogue notes a built-in variable throttle for adjusting finger speed.

In the code MHC2 is the series, 16 is the bore in mm and D is double acting; S would be single acting. The range is offered in 10, 16, 20 and 25 mm bores, and no auto switch is specified here, so the order is for the bare gripper.

Technical specifications

Reading a gripping moment instead of a force

An angular gripper is rated in N-m rather than N because the force at the fingertip depends on how far from the pivot the part is gripped: at 0.39 N-m, a gripping point 20 mm from the pivot corresponds to about 19.5 N (derived value, moment divided by distance). The catalogue provides effective gripping force data by gripping point on a separate page, and that chart is the one to use for sizing.

Because the moment is quoted at 0.5 MPa, the real value at another supply pressure scales roughly with pressure, so a line running at the lower end of the 0.1 to 0.6 MPa range will deliver noticeably less than the table value. Always verify against the gripping-force chart for the working pressure and finger length, and keep a generous margin over the workpiece weight because acceleration and shock load add to the apparent weight when the robot moves.

The neighbouring bores in the double-acting range are 0.10 N-m for the 10 mm, 0.70 N-m for the 20 mm and 1.36 N-m for the 25 mm size, so the 16 mm model is a general-purpose middle step for light assemblies.

Use and installation

Typical jobs are loading castings, plastic mouldings and small pressed parts from trays where the finger tips must open wide for clearance. The gripper takes solid-state auto switches for open and closed detection. Keep the supply air filtered, use the built-in throttle to slow the closing, and avoid side loads on the fingers that exceed the allowable values in the catalogue. For dusty workshops confirm whether a dust-protected version is required. In Gulf plants, sand and fine dust shorten the life of the pivot and guide surfaces, so a protected installation or a regular cleaning routine is advisable.

Documents and quotation

The SMC MHC catalogue PDF linked at the end of this page has the model specifications, gripping-point data and dimensions. Confirm action type, finger design and auto-switch requirements before ordering. For related items browse Pneumatic Cylinders. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier and quotes the exact code on request.

How the MHC2-16D Works: Double Piston Mechanism

The MHC2-16D uses a double piston mechanism. Two pistons (piston A and piston B) act on a centre pin and roller system that drives the finger levers about their pivot shafts. Side rollers and a centre roller, all nitrided carbon steel, transmit the force with low friction, while needle rollers support the moving parts. This arrangement gives a large gripping moment while keeping the body compact – the 16 mm model weighs only 91 g without switches.

A needle for finger-speed adjustment is built into the body of the double-acting version, so the opening and closing speed can be tuned without adding external speed controllers. Rubber bumpers cushion the end of stroke, and a rubber magnet in the piston allows solid-state auto switches to be fitted in the switch mounting grooves on both sides.

Construction & Materials

Ports and Mounting Details for the 16 mm Size

• Finger opening and closing ports: M5 × 0.8.
• Body mounting: M4 × 0.7 tapped holes and 3.4 mm through holes, so the gripper can be mounted from several directions.
• Finger attachment thread: 4 × M3 × 0.5 through.
• When auto switches are used, through-hole mounting is not available.

MHC2-16D Selection & Ordering Guide

• MHC2 – angular type air gripper, standard type.
• 16 – bore size 16 mm (also 10, 20 and 25 mm).
• D – double acting; S single acting (MHC2-16S, 0.31 N·m, 92 g).
• Auto switch – Nil = without switch (built-in magnet), or D-M9N, M9P, M9B and the 2-colour and water-resistant versions, with lead-wire suffix and number of switches (Nil 2 pcs., S 1 pc.). Brackets are supplied when the gripper is ordered with switches; if switches are ordered separately, bracket BMG2-012 is needed.
• Made to order – options include heat resistance to 100°C (-X4), fluororubber seal (-X5), without magnet (-X50), EPDM seal/fluorine grease (-X53), axial ported (-X56) and food-grade grease versions.

Auto switches can be used to confirm the fingers are fully open, that a workpiece is held, or that a workpiece has been missed (fingers fully closed). Replacement seal kit: MHC16-PS; finger assembly: MHC-A1603; grease pack GR-S-010.

Installation & Maintenance

• Select the MHC2-16D so its gripping force is 10 to 20 times the workpiece mass or more, with extra margin for high acceleration or impact.
• Keep the gripping point within the range shown in the catalogue graph.
• Lubrication is not required; supply clean, dry, filtered air.
• Set finger speed with the built-in needle so the fingers do not strike the workpiece hard.

Why Source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC air grippers across Oman and the GCC. Send the full code, including switch type and quantity, and our team can help confirm the correct MHC2-16D ordering code before you request a quote.