Precision New Pneumatic Component SMC MHZ2-10S2K Compact Parallel Type Pneumatic Air Gripper for Industrial Equipment

The SMC MHZ2-10S2K is a compact parallel type pneumatic air gripper in SMC’s MHZ2 family, designed for precise gripping and release of small parts in automated equipment. It is typically used in pick-and-place units, assembly fixtures, handling modules, and light-duty robotic end effectors where repeatability, compact size, and stable jaw motion matter more than high-force clamping. Distributor listings identify this exact part number as an MHZ2 parallel gripper with a single-acting configuration and a 2-finger through-hole style variant, which aligns with the broader MHZ2 series structure used by SMC.

Compared with basic jaw grippers, the MHZ2 series is known for using an integrated linear guide structure, which improves rigidity and helps maintain jaw parallelism during repeated cycles. SMC also highlights the series’ mounting versatility, auto-switch compatibility, and high repeatability, making it suitable for machine builders who need compact, production-grade gripping modules that can be installed in multiple orientations.

For the MHZ2-10S2K, the most important practical point is that it is a bore size 10 mm model within the MHZ2 range. In SMC’s MHZ2 specification table, the single-acting (S/C) weight for the ø10 size is 235 g (excluding auto switch weight). That is the relevant catalog weight value used for BOM planning, moving-mass calculations, and EOAT design.

Product Weight and Core Data

Weight (Key Requirement)

The product weight is 235 g for the MHZ2 ø10 single-acting type (S/C), based on SMC’s MHZ2 specification table. SMC notes that this value excludes auto switch weight, so the final installed mass may be higher if switches and brackets are added.

Specification Summary Table

All values above are taken from SMC’s MHZ2 operating/specification documentation and SMC MHZ2 series product information.

Product Features and Engineering Value

1) Parallel Jaw Motion for Stable Handling

The MHZ2-10S2K uses a parallel gripping mechanism, which means the jaws move in parallel rather than rotating inward like angular grippers. This matters when the workpiece has flat or prismatic geometry, or when you need predictable jaw travel for insertion and removal. Parallel jaws are often easier to fixture and easier to pair with custom fingers.

In automated assembly, this helps reduce alignment errors during operations such as:

• picking molded parts from trays,

• holding components for inspection,

• transferring small metal parts,

• and placing items into nests or jigs.

Because the jaw path is linear and controlled, the MHZ2 format is commonly selected when repeatable positioning is more important than maximizing force in a very small package. SMC specifically describes the MHZ2 family as a parallel type standard gripper.

2) Integrated Linear Guide for Rigidity

A major strength of the MHZ2 series is the integrated linear guide. SMC highlights this as a core feature because it improves rigidity and reduces guide slip during operation. In practice, this means better jaw stability under repeated motion and less unwanted play when carrying small parts.

For machine designers, this has several advantages:

• better repeatability in high-cycle applications,

• lower risk of jaw skew under off-center load,

• more consistent part pickup in automation cells,

• improved service behavior over long operating cycles.

This is especially important for compact bore sizes like ø10, where even small alignment errors can affect gripping reliability.

3) Compact Size with Practical Mounting Flexibility

The MHZ2 series supports multiple mounting configurations, and SMC states that the gripper offers mounting versatility on three sides with several configuration options. This is a practical benefit when the gripper must fit inside crowded tooling, indexing stations, or custom fixture plates.

The MHZ2-10S2K is a compact unit in the series, which makes it suitable for:

• compact pick-and-place heads,

• dual-gripper layouts,

• rotary indexing mechanisms,

• and small-parts transfer tooling.

The 235 g body weight (excluding switch mass) also makes it a reasonable choice where moving mass affects cycle performance, such as small pneumatic slides or light robot EOAT assemblies.

4) Single-Acting Behavior for Specific Safety / Fail-State Logic

This model is a single-acting version (the “S” type in SMC’s MHZ2 specification table). Single-acting grippers are often selected when designers want a defined return behavior using spring force in one direction, rather than pressure in both directions.

SMC’s MHZ2 specification table separately lists operating pressure and force characteristics for double-acting (D) and single-acting (S/C) versions, confirming that the MHZ2 family includes these variants. For the ø10 single-acting type, the operating pressure is listed as 0.35 to 0.7 MPa.

In production systems, single-acting grippers are commonly used when the designer wants simpler pneumatic control or a more predictable response in pressure-loss scenarios (depending on whether the selected type is normally open or normally closed in the application design).

Performance Considerations in Real Automation Use

Gripping Force and Workpiece Selection

SMC’s MHZ series selection guidance emphasizes a common engineering rule: the gripper’s effective gripping force should typically be selected with a margin of 10 to 20 times the workpiece weight, depending on friction and dynamic conditions. This is a useful rule for early sizing, especially when handling smooth, oily, or fast-moving parts.

For the MHZ2 family, SMC also provides gripping force values in the specification table (based on defined test conditions), which should be checked together with:

• finger length,

• gripping point distance,

• friction coefficient,

• acceleration/deceleration,

• and workpiece orientation.

If your custom fingers are long or heavy, usable gripping performance can drop significantly, so the finger design matters as much as the gripper size.

Repeatability and Cycle Use

SMC lists ±0.01 mm repeatability for the smaller MHZ2 sizes (including ø10), which is one of the reasons the MHZ2 series is common in repetitive handling systems. The catalog also notes maximum operating frequency and provides caution guidance for speed control and impact load management. Excessive jaw speed or shock loading can reduce repeatability and shorten service life.

For this reason, SMC’s operating manual explicitly recommends:

• proper speed control,

• avoiding excessive impact,

• keeping attachments light and short,

• and ensuring adequate clearance to prevent collisions at stroke ends.

These are standard but important practices in gripper integration.

Recommended Application Scenarios

Integration and Maintenance Notes

The MHZ2-10S2K is designed for compressed air systems and SMC cautions against use outside the specified pressure/temperature ranges. SMC also recommends clean air preparation and notes that lubrication is not required under normal use. In practical terms, a stable air supply with proper filtration is essential for consistent gripping performance and long service life.

SMC’s operating guidance also points out that poor attachment design (too long, too heavy, or misaligned) can damage the gripper or reduce accuracy. If you are building custom fingers, keep them as short and light as possible and validate motion at low speed during commissioning.

Conclusion

The SMC MHZ2-10S2K is a compact, production-oriented parallel pneumatic gripper for precision handling tasks. It combines the MHZ2 series’ key advantages—integrated linear guide rigidity, good repeatability, and flexible mounting—with a small 10 mm bore size suitable for light industrial gripping applications.