Good New Pneumatic Component SMC MHZA2-6SK Compact Parallel Air Gripper Designed for Precise Gripping Tasks in Automated Equipment

The SMC MHZA2-6SK is a compact parallel air gripper in SMC’s MHZ2 family, designed for precise gripping tasks in automated equipment, assembly fixtures, and small-part handling systems. It belongs to the MHZA2-6 compact series (6 mm bore), which is commonly selected when the machine layout is tight but stable gripping and repeatability are still required. SMC positions the MHZ2 series as a linear-guide parallel gripper with high rigidity and good mounting flexibility, and the series is available in double-acting and single-acting variants.

For the exact model code MHZA2-6SK, the suffix breaks down as follows:

• MHZA2 = Compact parallel type air gripper (without dust cover)

• 6 = 6 mm bore size

• S = Single acting, normally open

• K = End boss type, axial ported with ø4 one-touch fitting (single-acting applicable)

This combination makes the MHZA2-6SK especially practical for users who want a compact normally-open gripping mechanism and prefer axial tube routing using a built-in one-touch fitting. The K body option is useful in compact manifolds or fixtures where side porting would interfere with nearby components.

Key Product Characteristics

SMC’s MHZ2 platform uses an integrated linear guide structure to improve jaw guidance and rigidity. This is one of the main reasons the series is widely used for repeatable gripping in automation applications where jaw parallelism and stable stroke behavior matter. SMC also highlights mounting flexibility and high repeatability for the family.

For the MHZA2-6 series, the catalog shows the compact configuration data and the specific operating characteristics for the 6 mm bore models. The single-acting normally open variant (the “S” action code used in MHZA2-6SK) is listed in the model/specification table for the MHZA2-6 family. The same page also states core performance parameters such as operating pressure range, repeatability, temperature range, and operating frequency.

Product Weight (Required Item)

For your requested model MHZA2-6SK, the product weight is:

• 28 g (catalog value for MHZA2-6 with body option K)

This value is supported directly by the SMC catalog weight table on the MHZA2-6/MHZAJ2-6 end-boss body option page, where the MHZA2 row shows 28 g for end boss symbols E / H / K / M.

As a secondary market reference, a distributor product page for MHZA2-6SK also lists the weight as 28 g, which is consistent with the SMC catalog table.

Technical Summary Table

Source basis: SMC compact series model/specification and body-option pages, plus SMC USA series page.

Application Scenarios

The MHZA2-6SK is suitable for small and light workpieces, especially in compact automation cells where space and air piping direction are tightly constrained. Typical use cases include:

• Small component pick-and-place

• Sensor or connector handling

• Electronics/precision sub-assembly

• Jig loading and unloading

• Light sorting or transfer stations

Because this model is single acting, normally open, it is often selected where the default jaw state should remain open (for example, process logic that requires fail-state release or easier manual setup when air is removed). The exact suitability depends on fixture design, gripping orientation, and the required safety behavior of the machine.

Why the “K” Version Is Often Chosen

Compared with the basic port style, the K body option integrates an axial one-touch fitting for ø4 tubing, which can simplify pneumatic routing in compact installations. Axial routing often helps when:

• Multiple grippers are mounted side-by-side

• A machine plate blocks side access

• The designer wants cleaner tube management along the actuator axis

• Assembly time should be reduced (one-touch tube connection)

SMC’s body-option table also confirms that the K type is applicable to single-acting models, which matches the S action used in MHZA2-6SK.

Engineering Notes for Selection

When selecting this model, the main checks should be:

1. Gripping force margin
   The catalog gripping force values are defined under specific conditions (0.5 MPa, specified gripping point). In real equipment, jaw attachments, offset, acceleration, and workpiece friction can reduce effective holding performance. SMC’s catalog notes this and provides force-selection guidance by gripping point.

2. Jaw attachment design
   The MHZ family supports different finger options and user attachments, but oversized or heavy fingers can increase moment load and reduce repeatability. Keep attachments as light and symmetric as possible.

3. Air tubing layout
   Since the MHZA2-6SK is the K variant (axial one-touch fitting), it is ideal when the tube path must run inline. Confirm tube bend radius and routing clearance early in the fixture design.

4. Environment
   The MHZA2 version is the compact type without dust cover. If your application has debris, dust, or contamination risk, the dust-cover type (MHZAJ2 series) may be more appropriate depending on the duty cycle and environment. The SMC catalog explicitly distinguishes MHZA2 and MHZAJ2 variants.

SEO-Friendly Product Summary

The SMC MHZA2-6SK is a compact, high-precision parallel pneumatic gripper designed for automated handling of small parts. It uses a 6 mm bore, single-acting normally-open mechanism, and a K-type axial one-touch fitting body configuration for efficient pneumatic piping in tight machine layouts. With ±0.01 mm repeatability, a 4 mm opening/closing stroke, and a catalog weight of 28 g, it is a strong option for light-duty gripping tasks in assembly, sorting, and transfer automation.