The FESTO 8116817 DHPC-20-A-S is a pneumatic parallel gripper engineered for precise, repeatable gripping tasks in industrial automation. Unlike a standard cylinder that only delivers linear motion, this unit is designed specifically for handling workpieces with two synchronized gripper jaws. It features a size 20 body, a 5 mm stroke per gripper jaw, double-acting operation, side air connection, lever mechanism, ball-guide jaw guidance, and proximity-switch-based position detection. These characteristics make it a compact but highly functional solution for pick-and-place systems, assembly fixtures, component transfer stations, and automated handling equipment where gripping precision matters as much as actuation speed.
Key Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | FESTO |
| Part Number | 8116817 |
| Model | DHPC-20-A-S |
| Product Type | Parallel gripper |
| Size | 20 |
| Drive System | Pneumatic |
| Mode of Operation | Double-acting |
| Gripper Function | Parallel |
| Number of Gripper Jaws | 2 |
| Stroke per Gripper Jaw | 5 mm |
| Guide | Ball guide |
| Position Detection | Via proximity switch |
| Mounting Position | Optional |
| Operating Pressure | 0.1 MPa to 0.8 MPa |
| Operating Pressure in Bar | 1 bar to 8 bar |
| Min. Opening Time at 6 bar | 62 ms |
| Min. Closing Time at 6 bar | 40 ms |
| Max. Operating Frequency | 3 Hz |
| Total Gripping Force, Opening at 6 bar | 192.6 N |
| Total Gripping Force, Closing at 6 bar | 159.5 N |
| Gripping Force per Jaw, Opening at 6 bar | 96.3 N |
| Gripping Force per Jaw, Closing at 6 bar | 79.8 N |
| Max. External Gripper Finger Mass | 110 g |
| Product Net Weight | 225 g |
| Pneumatic Connection | M5 |
| Ambient Temperature | -10 °C to 60 °C |
| Corrosion Resistance Class | CRC 0 |
| Housing Material | Anodised aluminium |
| Gripper Jaw Material | High-alloy stainless steel |
All values above are taken from the official FESTO datasheet for DHPC-20-A-S.
Detailed Product Introduction
The DHPC-20-A-S belongs to FESTO’s DHPC family of parallel grippers, a series developed for compact automated gripping applications where reliable jaw guidance and controlled gripping force are required. In this model, the two jaws move in parallel, which is important for handling parts that need stable, centered gripping rather than angular clamping or rotary motion. This makes the product particularly suitable for gripping small to medium workpieces with defined geometry, such as machined parts, molded plastic components, electronic assemblies, metal fittings, and other repeatable production items. The official datasheet identifies the unit as a double-acting pneumatic gripper with a lever-based design and ball guide, confirming that it is built for guided gripping rather than simple open-close actuation alone.
A major advantage of the DHPC-20-A-S is its combination of compact size and useful gripping force. At 6 bar, the gripper provides a total opening gripping force of 192.6 N and a total closing gripping force of 159.5 N. On a per-jaw basis, that corresponds to 96.3 N when opening and 79.8 N when closing. In practical engineering terms, this gives the unit enough force for many typical industrial handling tasks without requiring a physically large gripper body. That balance is valuable in machines where installation space is limited, especially in assembly cells, transfer slides, indexing fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling for small automation systems.
Another important feature is the ball-guide system. Jaw guidance is one of the most critical factors in gripper performance because it affects repeatability, backlash behavior, and service life. FESTO specifies a repetition accuracy of 0.02 mm, a maximum replacement accuracy of 0.2 mm, zero angular jaw backlash in ax and ay, and zero jaw backlash in Sz. These values indicate that the DHPC-20-A-S is intended for applications where position consistency matters, not just raw gripping force. For automated assembly and component handling, that level of repeatability helps reduce misalignment, supports stable workpiece presentation, and improves process consistency over large production volumes.
From a machine-design perspective, the operating speed is also noteworthy. The official datasheet lists a minimum opening time of 62 ms and a minimum closing time of 40 ms at 0.6 MPa, as well as a maximum operating frequency of 3 Hz. These values suggest that the gripper is well suited for repetitive cycling in production automation, provided the application remains within the permitted dynamic limits. Fast response is particularly useful in pick-and-place applications, transfer modules, packaging systems, and automated sorting equipment, where cycle efficiency directly affects machine output. This is not a heavy, slow gripper for oversized parts; it is better understood as a precision-oriented pneumatic handling component for moderate payloads and disciplined automation design.
The DHPC-20-A-S also supports practical integration into automated systems. FESTO specifies position detection via proximity switch, which means the gripper can be monitored within PLC-based control logic for jaw-position confirmation or process sequencing. It also offers multiple mounting possibilities, including direct mounting via through-hole, direct mounting via thread, mounting on a frame, and alignment-supported installation using dowel pins. This flexibility is useful for OEM equipment design because it allows the gripper to be installed in different structural arrangements without forcing a single mounting concept. The side pneumatic connection with M5 port size further supports compact machine layouts where tubing direction and clearance are important.
Material construction is another reason this product is commercially attractive. The housing is made of anodised aluminium and the gripper jaws are made of high-alloy stainless steel. FESTO also notes RoHS compliance and LABS conformity according to VDMA24364-B2-L. In addition, the datasheet states suitability for battery production with reduced Cu/Zn/Ni values under classification F1a. That does not mean the gripper is universal for every ultra-clean process, but it does indicate relevance for industries and applications where material selection and contamination control matter more than they do in general-purpose shop-floor hardware. For users in electronics, battery-related automation, and cleaner assembly environments, this is a meaningful specification rather than a decorative detail.
Product weight is often ignored in generic product writeups, but for actual engineering and purchasing work it matters. The official product weight of the DHPC-20-A-S is 224 g, and FESTO also limits the maximum mass per external gripper finger to 110 g. These figures are important for robot end-of-arm tooling, moving-slide payload calculations, bracket design, and the evaluation of inertia during fast cycling. A lightweight gripper body can reduce the total moving mass of a handling module, which in turn helps improve cycle behavior and minimize unnecessary mechanical load on upstream actuators and guide systems. In short, the 224 g weight is not just a shipping figure; it is a real design parameter.
In terms of operating conditions, the DHPC-20-A-S works within an air-pressure range of 1 to 8 bar and an ambient temperature range of -10 °C to 60 °C. The operating medium is compressed air according to ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4], and lubricated operation is possible if lubrication is then maintained consistently. These values place the gripper squarely in mainstream industrial pneumatic service rather than niche laboratory-only use. For machine builders, this means easier compatibility with standard plant air systems. For maintenance teams, it means simpler adoption into existing pneumatic infrastructure without unusual supporting requirements.
Why Choose the DHPC-20-A-S
The FESTO 8116817 DHPC-20-A-S is a strong choice for users who need a compact parallel gripper with controlled jaw motion, stable repeatability, practical gripping force, and straightforward system integration. Its two-jaw parallel design, ball-guide construction, fast response times, proximity-switch compatibility, and moderate product weight make it suitable for assembly automation, handling stations, precision transfer tasks, and compact machine modules. Compared with simpler low-cost grippers, it offers clearer engineering data and tighter motion behavior. Compared with larger grippers, it is easier to integrate where space and moving mass are constrained. Those are the reasons it is best viewed not as a generic air gripper, but as a precise handling component for industrial automation systems that require repeatable gripping performance.
Conclusion
FESTO 8116817 DHPC-20-A-S is a precision pneumatic parallel gripper designed for compact industrial automation. With two parallel jaws, 5 mm stroke per jaw, double-acting operation, ball-guide support, fast opening and closing times, total gripping force up to 192.6 N at 6 bar, and an official product weight of 225 g, it offers a practical balance of precision, speed, and integration flexibility. For automated gripping tasks involving stable workpiece handling, repeatable jaw positioning, and controlled pneumatic performance, the DHPC-20-A-S is a professional and technically solid choice within the FESTO gripper portfolio.
