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Calcimator

Gripper Force Calculator

Calculate required gripping force from part weight, acceleration, friction coefficient, and grip type for secure robotic handling.

Inputs

lb
m/s²

Results

Required Grip Force

93.39 N

Force per Finger46.69 N
Total External Force28.02 N
Contact Pressure466.9 kPa
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the part weight (kg) and maximum acceleration during the pick cycle (m/s²).
  2. Set the friction coefficient between gripper fingers and the part surface material.
  3. Enter safety factor (typically 1.5–3.0) and select grip type (parallel or angular).
  4. Review required grip force (N), force per finger, total external force, and contact pressure.
  5. Select a gripper rated at or above the required grip force with appropriate contact area.

How the result changes with Friction Coefficient

Friction CoefficientRequired Grip Force
0.15193.22 N
0.3873.34 N
0.6742 N
0.9130.96 N

What each input means

Part Weight
Mass of the part being gripped.
Max Acceleration
Maximum robot acceleration during handling.
Friction Coefficient
Friction between gripper fingers and part surface. Steel-on-steel ≈ 0.15, rubber-on-metal ≈ 0.5.
Safety Factor
Grip force safety multiplier (typically 2.0 for production).
Grip Type
Parallel grip relies on friction; encompassing grip cradles the part.
Number of Fingers
Number of gripper fingers contacting the part.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Part Weight = 2, Max Acceleration = 10, Friction Coefficient = 0.3, Safety Factor = 2 = 6 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Required Grip Force
    Required Grip Force
    93.39 = 93.39
  3. Calculate Force per Finger
    Force per Finger
    46.69 = 46.69
  4. Calculate Total External Force
    Total External Force
    28.02 = 28.02

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