The SMC MRHQ16D-90S-N is a compact pneumatic rotary gripper that combines parallel gripping and rotary motion in a single body. It belongs to SMC’s MRHQ series, a product family designed for applications where a workpiece must be both gripped and indexed, turned, or reoriented during transfer. Official SMC series information describes the MRHQ as a 2-finger rotary gripper with 90° or 180° rotation options, double-acting and single-acting versions, repeatability of ±0.01 mm, and a maximum operating frequency of 180 cycles per minute.
For the specific model MRHQ16D-90S-N, the code indicates a 16 mm size, double-acting gripper section, and a 90° rotation specification. The SMC MRHQ catalog and associated product references show that this variant is configured with a 90° rotation angle (±10°), allowable kinetic energy of 0.014 J, 16 mm cylinder bore, and 6 mm opening/closing stroke.
Product Weight
A widely used industrial distributor listing for the SMC MRHQ16D-90S-N gives the product weight as 593 g. Since SMC’s catalog pages for this series emphasize functional parameters more than commercial packing data, this distributor figure is the most directly available published reference for unit weight in current search results.
Key Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | SMC |
| Model | MRHQ16D-90S-N |
| Product Type | Rotary Gripper |
| Gripping Style | Parallel 2-finger |
| Action Type | Double Acting |
| Rotation Angle | 90° ±10° |
| Bore Size | 16 mm |
| Opening / Closing Stroke | 6 mm |
| Port Size | M5 |
| Allowable Kinetic Energy | 0.014 J |
| Repeatability | ±0.01 mm |
| Max. Operating Frequency | 180 c.p.m. |
| Product Net Weight | 593 g |
Sources: official SMC MRHQ series references and distributor technical listing.
Design Concept and Functional Value
The main advantage of the MRHQ16D-90S-N is that it merges two actions that are often handled by separate components: gripping and rotary positioning. In many automation systems, one actuator grips the part while another unit rotates it before handoff, assembly, inspection, or packaging. By integrating both motions into one compact mechanism, the MRHQ series helps reduce the number of components, pneumatic connections, mounting brackets, and alignment steps required in a machine design. This can simplify tooling layout and reduce overall station footprint. SMC’s own series description highlights the product as a rotary gripper intended for exactly this kind of compact handling duty.
The double-acting construction is important in practical engineering use. A double-acting gripper uses air pressure for both opening and closing motions rather than relying on a spring return. In industrial automation, this usually translates into more stable actuation, balanced motion control, and better suitability for repeated cycle operation when workpiece positioning consistency matters. The official SMC product family specifically includes both double-acting and single-acting types, and the “D” in MRHQ16D-90S-N identifies the double-acting version.
Performance Characteristics
This model is intended for precision gripping combined with indexing rotation. Official SMC product pages for the MRHQ series state a repeatability of ±0.01 mm, which is a useful indicator for applications where the gripper must repeatedly present a component to a known position. This is particularly relevant in automated assembly, test fixtures, small-parts transfer, labeling stations, and pick-and-place operations where orientation matters.
The 90° rotation angle is one of the defining parameters of this model. In machine design, a 90-degree turn is common when a part must be transferred from one orientation to another between adjacent process steps. Typical examples include turning a component from horizontal to vertical presentation, rotating a part for camera inspection, or indexing a gripped workpiece before insertion into a fixture. The official configuration references clearly identify this model as the 90° version, with an angle tolerance of ±10°.
The published allowable kinetic energy of 0.014 J is also significant. This figure helps engineers confirm whether the rotational load and cycle condition stay within safe limits. In pneumatic rotary handling systems, the gripper is not selected by bore size alone; inertia, overhang, gripping point distance, and transfer speed must also be considered. SMC’s MRHQ catalog provides model selection guidance and calculation examples for the MRHQ16 family, showing how load mass, attachment mass, overhang, and rotation time should be checked to stay within the permitted operating range.
Application Areas
The SMC MRHQ16D-90S-N is well suited for compact industrial automation tasks involving small to medium workpieces that require both secure gripping and rotational repositioning. Typical industries include electronics assembly, light mechanical assembly, packaging machinery, laboratory automation, and general factory handling. Because the unit combines rotary actuation and gripping in one device, it is especially useful where installation space is limited and designers want to avoid stacking separate rotary tables and grippers. This functional direction aligns with SMC’s MRHQ series positioning as a compact rotary gripper platform.
For OEMs and maintenance engineers, another practical advantage is sourcing clarity. The model is part of an established SMC series with standardized size codes and accessory logic, so it is easier to integrate into existing pneumatic systems using familiar SMC conventions. The official product pages also indicate compatibility with auto-switch configurations within the series, depending on configuration and application needs.
Why This Model Is Attractive for Industrial Buyers
From a procurement and application standpoint, the MRHQ16D-90S-N offers four strong benefits. First, it comes from a globally recognized pneumatic automation brand. Second, it reduces system complexity by combining gripping and rotary motion. Third, its 593 g unit weight keeps it manageable for compact tooling and robot end-effectors where mass matters. Fourth, its official series data provides enough engineering guidance for real machine design rather than just basic sales information.
Conclusion
The SMC MRHQ16D-90S-N is a compact, double-acting 90-degree rotary gripper designed for precise part handling in automated systems. Its combination of parallel 2-finger gripping, integrated rotary motion, 16 mm bore size, 6 mm stroke, 0.014 J allowable kinetic energy, and 593 g weight makes it a practical choice for space-saving automation equipment that requires repeatable gripping and orientation change in one device. For buyers, machine builders, and maintenance teams, it is a solid solution when a conventional gripper alone is not enough and a separate rotary actuator would add unnecessary complexity.
