SMC MHZ2-16D Parallel Air Gripper 16 mm Bore

A two-finger parallel gripper for compact handling stations

MHZ2-16D is a double-acting, two-finger parallel air gripper from the SMC MHZ2 series. Both fingers travel on a linear guide towards or away from each other, so a part is held without tilting; this is the usual end-of-arm tool for loading small machined parts, caps, fittings and sensor housings. The 16 mm bore is a mid-size unit of the 10, 16, 20 and 25 mm group that share one how-to-order page.

In the type code MHZ2 is the series, 16 is the bore in millimetres and D means double acting (S is single acting normally open and C single acting normally closed). Nothing follows D, so the gripper has the basic finger type, a standard side-ported body and no auto switch; the finger options 1 (side tapped), 2 (through-holes), 3 (flat fingers) and the narrow N variants, and the body options E, W, K and M, would each be added to the code as a separate configuration.

Technical specifications

Sizing the grip properly

The 34 N figure is a force per finger measured at a gripping point 20 mm from the finger base, and it falls as the gripping point moves outward, so the catalogue gripping-force graphs must be read for the actual finger length and pressure. The usual selection rule in the manufacturer manual is to size the gripper for a gripping force many times the workpiece weight, because acceleration, vibration and friction all reduce the safety margin. Here the 16 mm size sits between the MHZ2-10D (11 N external) and the MHZ2-20D (42 N external).

The catalogue recommends the dust-cover versions (MHZJ2) where chips, dust or splashed liquid are present, as the standard gripper is not sealed against them.

Piping and installation

A pressure drop with a power failure matters because a double-acting gripper has no spring: if air is lost the fingers may release the part, whereas the single-acting variants hold open or closed by spring force. Use a solenoid valve with a check feature or choose the C (normally closed) type where a dropped part would be dangerous. Fit speed controllers on the exhaust side to avoid shock on the fingers and keep the supply filtered and dry.

Auto switches are mounted on the side groove; the catalogue notes that mounting brackets BMG2-012 are required for the 16 mm size and must be ordered separately. In made-to-order form SMC lists options such as heat resistance to 100 deg C (-X4) and fluororubber seals (-X5), which are different part numbers.

Documents and quotation

The SMC catalogue linked at the end of this page includes how-to-order, specifications, gripping force charts and dimensions for the MHZ2 range. Please confirm action type, finger option, body option and switch requirements before ordering. For other automation items see Pneumatic Cylinders. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier; send the full code for a quotation.

How the MHZ2-16D Works

Inside the MHZ2-16D a single piston is driven by compressed air. Its linear motion is converted by a lever mechanism into the synchronised movement of the two fingers, which run on an integrated linear guide in the body. Because both fingers are driven by the same piston and lever assembly, they always move together and centre the workpiece between them. Supplying air to one port closes the fingers (external grip); supplying the other port opens them (internal grip). The double-acting design means that both strokes are powered, so the gripping force is available in either direction and the finger speed can be set independently for opening and closing with meter-out speed controllers.

The piston carries a built-in magnet as standard, so the same gripper can later be fitted with solid-state auto switches (for example the D-M9 family) to confirm open, closed or part-present positions without changing the body.

Allowable Load and Moment on the Fingers

Besides gripping force, the guide must be checked for external loads such as long fingers, heavy jaws or side impact during transfer. SMC lists the following static values for the MHZ2-16 size:

As a worked example from the catalogue, a static load applied 30 mm from the guide of an MHZ2-16D gives an allowable load of 0.68 / 0.030 = 22.7 N. Keep finger attachments as short and light as possible, since overhang also reduces the effective gripping force.

MHZ2-16D Selection & Ordering Guide

• Action: D double acting (0.1–0.7 MPa), S single acting normally open or C single acting normally closed (0.25–0.7 MPa for the 16 mm bore).
• Finger position/option: Nil standard (MHQG2 compatible), N narrow type (MHQ2 compatible), 1 / N1 side tapped, 2 / N2 through-holes in the opening/closing direction, 3 flat type fingers.
• Body option: Nil basic type, E end boss side ported, W axial ported with Ø4 One-touch fitting for coaxial tubing (double acting only), K and M axial ported (single acting).
• Auto switch: Nil = no switch (built-in magnet), or a D-M9N/M9P/M9B type with lead-wire length suffix.
• Clean series: the 11-MHZ2-16D vacuum-type version is available for clean rooms.

Spare parts are listed per size: the seal kit for the double-acting 16 mm unit is MHZ16-PS and grease pack GR-S-010 is used during reassembly.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Mount the body on a flat surface and tighten the mounting screws within the torque given in the catalogue to avoid distorting the guide.
• Do not let the fingers take impact or be used as a stopper; set finger speed with speed controllers.
• Use clean, dry air through a 5 µm class filter; the MHZ2-16D needs no lubrication, but once oil is used it must be continued.
• When replacing seals, use the original seal kit and apply the specified grease.

Typical Applications in Oman & the GCC

The MHZ2-16D is commonly used on pick-and-place units, bottle and cap handling in food and beverage plants, small-part assembly cells, machine tending of turned components, and laboratory or pharmaceutical packaging lines. In hot, dusty plant environments around the region, consider the dust-cover MHZJ2 version and keep the air supply well filtered.

Why Source from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC grippers, valves and air preparation equipment across Oman and the GCC. Send us the full code, for example MHZ2-16D or a version with finger, body and switch options, and our team can help confirm the correct ordering code before you request a quote.