SMC Low Profile Air Gripper MHF2-8D1R

Main Product Series – Function & Application Comparison

Typical Applications & Industries:
✓ Robotic end‑effectors and pick‑and‑place ✓ Component assembly and insertion
✓ Machine loading/unloading ✓ Automated inspection and sorting
✓ Cleanroom and electronics manufacturing ✓ Food processing (with food-grade options)

Detailed Description – SMC MHF2 Low Profile Air Gripper Portfolio

1. Series Overview – Low Profile, High Rigidity

The SMC MHF2 series is a parallel‑type air gripper family designed with an ultra‑low profile to save space and reduce bending moments during workpiece transfer . Compared to SMC’s MHZ2 series with equivalent gripping force, the MHF2 height has been reduced by up to 66% (72.8mm → 25mm), significantly reducing moment load on actuators and transfer units .

Key Family Features:

• ✓ Low profile design – Height as low as 25mm, ideal for space‑constrained automation cells 

• ✓ High gripping force – Double piston mechanism provides high output in compact form 

• ✓ Three stroke lengths – Short, medium, and long stroke options for each bore size, enabling optimization for different workpieces 

• ✓ Multiple piping options – Axial or side piping available for flexible installation 

• ✓ Auto switch capable – Built‑in magnet option for position detection and feedback 

• ✓ High repeatability – ±0.05mm positioning accuracy 

• ✓ Mounting flexibility – Direct mounting without bracket, simple finger attachment 

• ✓ Wide operating pressure range – 0.1 to 0.7 MPa (ø8: 0.15–0.7 MPa) 

• ✓ Operating temperature – -10°C to 60°C (no condensation) 

• ✓ Maximum operating frequency – Up to 120 cycles/min depending on stroke 

2. MHF2 Standard – 2‑Finger Parallel Gripper

The standard MHF2 series features two parallel fingers that open and close simultaneously, providing reliable gripping of parts in manufacturing, robotics, and packaging applications .

Specifications Table: 

Note: Gripping force measured at gripping point L=20mm. Long stroke variants increase gripping point distance capability.

Model Variants (Bore 8–20mm):

• Short stroke – Standard model (e.g., MHF2‑8D, MHF2‑12D)

• Medium stroke – D1 suffix (e.g., MHF2‑8D1, MHF2‑20D1)

• Long stroke – D2 suffix (e.g., MHF2‑8D2, MHF2‑20D2) 

Piping Types:

• Axial piping – Standard (pipes connect from the top face)

• Side piping – R suffix (e.g., MHF2‑8DR, MHF2‑12D1R) 

3. MHF2-F – One Fixed Finger Version

The MHF2-F series features one fixed finger and one moving finger, allowing gripping with a workpiece reference point. This extreme space and weight saving design includes a bearing that reduces bending moments and improves accuracy .

Key Specifications:

• ✓ Bore sizes: 8, 12, 16, 20 mm 

• ✓ Actuation: Double acting

• ✓ Three stroke lengths – Short, medium, long

• ✓ Bearing support – Reduces bending moments, improves accuracy

Applications: Precision positioning, referencing applications, space-constrained cells.

4. MHF2-X6800 – Asynchronous Type

The MHF2-X6800 features independently actuating fingers, allowing each finger to move separately .

Key Specifications:

• ✓ Bore size: 16 mm 

• ✓ Gripping force: 90 N (at 0.5 MPa) 

• ✓ Finger stroke: 32 mm (16 mm one side) 

Applications: Gripping misaligned workpieces, asynchronous handling operations .

Example Application: Positioning, gripping, and fixing of abrasive materials .

5. MHF2-X7076A – Finger Changer Function

The MHF2-X7076A air gripper with finger changer function enables various workpieces to be handled by a single robot, increasing productivity and reducing attachment and positioning work .

Key Features:

• ✓ Automatic finger change – Tool‑changing function without manual intervention

• ✓ Improved electric contact – During tool changes

• ✓ Reduced air leakage – Defective piping connections minimized

Applications: Flexible manufacturing systems, automated production lines requiring frequent workpiece changeovers.

6. Special Specifications and Options

Grease and Seal Options: 

Auto Switch Options: 

• 2‑wire solid state switches

• 3‑wire solid state switches

• M9BW (basic), M9B, M9N, M9P, etc.

• Multiple switch mounting positions available

Selection Guide – Understanding the Naming Convention (SMC MHF2)

Part Number Format: MHF2-[Bore][Stroke][Piping]‑[Options]

Model Decoder Examples: