Preparing the published article.
SCHUNK: Electric Grippers and Workpiece Handling Components
SCHUNK SE & Co. KG supplies gripping and automation components. Compare EGU parallel and EZU centric grippers through part geometry, interfaces, custom fingers and application testing.
Company identity and component scope
SCHUNK SE & Co. KG is based in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany. Its legal notice identifies gripping, clamping and automation technologies among its activities. This profile concerns the SCHUNK gripping and automation business. A gripper, linear module or clamping device is normally one part of a larger installation, whose robot, tooling and process responsibilities must be agreed separately.
EGU for parallel gripping
The EGU product page describes a two-finger electric universal gripper with configurable gripping motion and force. It presents machine loading and assembly as application examples. Start selection with the allowed workpiece range, contact geometry and grip direction. Include surface changes and the worst permitted part position rather than sizing the tool only for an ideal demonstration sample.
EZU for cylindrical parts
The EZU series uses three fingers for centric gripping and is positioned for cylindrical workpieces, including machine loading. Its geometry differs from an EGU parallel tool. Ask the supplier to review how the jaws will centre the actual part and how the tool will release it into the destination fixture. Tool access and finger clearance can determine feasibility.
A dated application reference
A SCHUNK technical announcement dated May 2025 discusses EZU handling of cylindrical and eccentrically positioned workpieces and its adjustable stroke and gripping force. It provides an example of the intended application, not a measured customer production result. The purchasing question remains whether the specific part and finger design perform reliably under the proposed loading and acceleration.
Mechanical selection and finger design
Provide drawings, mass, centre of gravity, friction conditions and permissible contact marks. Have the supplier assess the complete moving assembly, including fingers, adapters and cables, against the robot wrist and gripper limits. Long fingers or an offset grip can change the loading substantially. Record who designs the custom fingers and who accepts the final grip calculation and trials.
Control interfaces and error handling
The EGU page lists industrial interface choices and integration tools. Select the exact communication variant and supported controller version in the bill of materials. Define grip commands, position or force feedback, part-present logic and fault states. Agree what the cell does after an uncertain acquisition, lost communication or a power interruption; a successful command is not proof of a retained part.
Supply, maintenance and operating conditions
Use the appropriate country contact for the project location. Request a complete quotation covering the tool, fingers, mounting, connectors, software support and commissioning. Confirm exposure to coolant, dust, cleaning agents and temperature against the selected version. Ask about inspection routines, replacement fingers and repair turnaround. Product-family claims do not establish a warranty, environmental rating or certification for the assembled cell.
Prepare an application trial
Test pickup, loaded motion, placement and release across the agreed part range. Include worn or contaminated contact surfaces within permitted operating conditions, and record missed grips, damage and manual recovery. Qualified personnel should review drop and trapping hazards. Prepare Write a Robotics Buyer Brief, compare Components, Control & AI, or use Robotics RFQ. Sources were reviewed on 10 September 2026.