The SMC MHZ2-16D3 is a parallel type pneumatic air gripper in SMC’s MHZ2 series, designed for compact gripping applications that require stable finger guidance, repeatable motion, and practical holding force in automated equipment. The MHZ2 family is widely used in pick-and-place units, assembly fixtures, loading/unloading stations, and light material handling systems because it combines a compact body with guided finger motion. SMC’s MHZ series catalog identifies MHZ2 as the standard parallel type within the product family, and distributor listings confirm MHZ2-16D3 as a 2-finger, double-acting, parallel pneumatic gripper with 16 mm bore.
A key requirement in your request is product weight. For the exact model MHZ2-16D3, RS lists the product weight as 0.121 kg (121 g), and the same listing also confirms major commercial specifications such as 16 mm bore, double-acting action, parallel gripping type, M5 port size, and 6 mm stroke length. This makes the RS entry a strong source for the exact configured part weight used in practical procurement and cataloging.
From an engineering perspective, the MHZ2 series is selected when a standard cylinder is not suitable for gripping. A cylinder can only push or pull linearly, but a gripper must generate controlled opening/closing finger motion while maintaining alignment and repeatability. SMC and distributor descriptions of the MHZ2 series emphasize linear guide support, which improves rigidity and accuracy compared with older or simpler gripper structures. That matters in real production environments where the gripper repeatedly engages parts under varying approach conditions.
Product Weight and Main Specifications
Product Weight
The SMC MHZ2-16D3 product weight is 0.121 kg (121 g) according to the RS listing for the exact model number.
Specification Summary Table
| Item | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | SMC MHZ2-16D3 |
| Series | MHZ2 Series |
| Product Type | Pneumatic Air Gripper |
| Gripping Type | Parallel Type |
| Number of Fingers | 2 |
| Bore Size | 16 mm |
| Action Type | Double Acting |
| Stroke Length | 6 mm |
| Port Size | M5 |
| Fluid | Air |
| Operating Pressure (Series, Double-Acting, ø16–ø40) | 0.1 to 0.7 MPa |
| Ambient / Fluid Temperature (Series) | -10 to 60°C |
| Repeatability (Series, ø6–ø25) | ±0.01 mm |
| Max Operating Frequency (Series, ø6–ø25) | 180 c.p.m. |
| Lubrication (Series) | Not required |
| Product Net Weight | 0.121 kg (121 g) |
The exact model-specific values (weight, bore, action, port, stroke) come from the RS listing for MHZ2-16D3, while the series operating conditions (pressure range, temperature, repeatability, operating frequency, lubrication) come from the SMC MHZ catalog specifications for the MHZ2 series.
Product Design and Functional Positioning
Parallel Gripper Structure for Stable Handling
The MHZ2-16D3 is built as a parallel jaw air gripper, meaning both fingers move in a guided, synchronized opening/closing motion suitable for external gripping (pinching) and many standard handling tasks. In automated production lines, this format is commonly used for gripping small machined parts, molded components, connectors, or fixtures that require repeatable clamping positions.
SMC’s MHZ series documentation includes selection guidance and gripping force charts specifically for MHZ2-16D, which indicates the 16 mm class is a standard and commonly used configuration in the product family. The catalog also provides model selection examples using MHZ2-16D, reinforcing its role as a mainstream size for precision gripping applications.
Linear Guide Benefit and Repeatability
One of the practical advantages of the MHZ2 series is the guided finger motion. Third-party SMC distributors consistently describe the MHZ2 as a linear guide type gripper, and SMC’s series performance data supports this positioning through repeatability and operating frequency specifications intended for repetitive automation use. In real machine design, this guided motion helps:
-
reduce finger deflection under load,
-
improve gripping repeatability,
-
maintain stable parallel movement,
-
and support longer service life in repetitive duty.
For compact assembly and transfer systems, this is often more important than raw gripping force alone. A gripper that closes accurately and consistently usually produces better process yield than a higher-force gripper with poor guidance.
Why the MHZ2-16D3 Is a Practical Industrial Configuration
1) 16 mm Bore: Balanced Size for General Automation
The 16 mm bore is a strong mid-range choice in the MHZ2 family. It provides more gripping capability than the smaller 10 mm models while remaining compact enough for crowded fixtures and robotic end-of-arm tooling. SMC’s MHZ2 specification and selection pages explicitly include MHZ2-16D in the standard model lineup, which is a good indicator of broad application use and good availability.
For industrial users, the 16 mm size is often selected when:
-
the workpiece is too heavy or too unstable for a 10 mm gripper,
-
installation space is still limited,
-
and the machine requires a moderate gripping force with fast cycling.
2) Double-Acting Operation for Controlled Motion
The D in the model family corresponds to double-acting operation, and both RS and the SMC series tables confirm double-acting specifications for this class. Double-acting grippers provide air-driven motion in both opening and closing directions, which gives more predictable cycle performance than spring-return designs in many automated systems. This is especially useful when:
-
cycle time consistency matters,
-
opening force must be controlled,
-
or the gripper must release parts quickly and repeatably.
3) Compact Stroke and Practical Packaging
The RS listing for MHZ2-16D3 specifies a 6 mm stroke length, which is typical of compact gripper designs focused on gripping travel rather than long linear movement. In practice, grippers usually do not need large strokes; they need just enough jaw travel to clear the part and clamp securely. A shorter stroke generally supports:
-
faster opening/closing response,
-
smaller package size,
-
and better mechanical rigidity.
Weight Considerations in Machine and EOAT Design
The 0.121 kg (121 g) weight is highly relevant when the gripper is installed on:
-
a robotic arm,
-
a pick-and-place unit,
-
a small slide table,
-
or a moving gantry head.
In these applications, every added gram affects acceleration, cycle tuning, and structural load. The RS-listed weight gives a practical, orderable-product reference for the exact MHZ2-16D3 configuration. If a user adds fittings, brackets, sensors, or custom fingers, the installed weight will be higher than the base listed figure.
It is also worth noting that distributor sources may show slightly different weights for related MHZ2-16 variants depending on exact suffixes and included accessories (for example, auto switch configurations). For instance, another distributor listing for a related MHZ2-16 variant shows a different weight figure, which is normal when option codes differ. For technical documents and website product pages, the best practice is to state the weight tied to the exact order code being sold, which in this case is MHZ2-16D3 = 0.121 kg.
Operating Conditions and Selection Notes
SMC’s MHZ2 series specifications provide the core operating conditions used for engineering selection:
-
Fluid: Air
-
Operating pressure (double-acting, ø16 to ø40): 0.1 to 0.7 MPa
-
Ambient and fluid temperature: -10 to 60°C
-
Repeatability (ø6 to ø25): ±0.01 mm
-
Max operating frequency (ø6 to ø25): 180 c.p.m.
-
Lubrication: Not required
These values make the MHZ2-16D3 suitable for standard industrial pneumatic systems with clean compressed air and conventional valve control. The “not required” lubrication specification is also useful for OEMs and maintenance teams because it simplifies routine maintenance practice.
SMC’s MHZ catalog also places strong emphasis on proper model selection based on gripping force, gripping point distance, and safety factor. The catalog explicitly recommends using a gripping force significantly above the workpiece weight (commonly 10 to 20 times as a design rule, depending on friction and safety margin), which is important for reliable production handling. This is especially relevant for parallel grippers like the MHZ2-16D3 used in repetitive transport and transfer tasks.
Typical Application Scenarios
| Application Scenario | Why MHZ2-16D3 Fits |
|---|---|
| Pick-and-place handling | Compact 2-finger parallel gripper for stable part gripping |
| Assembly fixture loading | Guided finger motion supports repeatable positioning |
| Sorting and transfer stations | Double-acting action improves cycle consistency |
| Robot end-of-arm tooling | Low weight (121 g) helps reduce moving mass |
| Small component clamping | 16 mm bore offers practical gripping capacity in compact space |
These use cases align with SMC’s MHZ2 series positioning and with distributor descriptions emphasizing rigidity, accuracy, and general-purpose industrial gripping.
Conclusion
The SMC MHZ2-16D3 is a compact and reliable parallel pneumatic air gripper for industrial automation systems that need accurate, repeatable two-finger gripping in a small footprint. It belongs to SMC’s well-established MHZ2 series, which is widely used for assembly, transfer, and handling applications thanks to its guided finger structure and stable motion characteristics. The 16 mm bore size provides a practical balance between gripping capability and compact installation dimensions, while double-acting operation supports consistent cycle performance.
