VDI 2740 Blatt-1 1995-04 PDF

Full title and description

VDI 2740 Blatt 1:1995-04 — Mechanische Einrichtungen in der Automatisierungstechnik: Greifer für Handhabungsgeräte und Industrieroboter. Guideline describing terminology, functional requirements and design considerations for end-effectors (grippers) used on manipulators and industrial robots; includes analysis of gripping tasks and recommended subsystem solutions for effective, kinematic, support, information-processing and drive systems.

Abstract

This guideline presents a systematic approach to gripper design and selection for handling equipment and industrial robots. It defines the tasks of grippers, analyses object- and motion-related parameters that determine gripping strategy, and sets out requirements and solution options for the gripper’s effective (contact) system, kinematic mechanism, carrier/support, information-processing (sensing/control) and drive systems. Intended as a practical engineering reference, the document supplies criteria to support specification, design and integration of grippers in automated production and handling systems.

General information

• Status: Current (1995 edition; listed in VDI catalogue as Ü 1995-04 / reviewed and confirmed).
• Publication date: April 1995 (1995-04).
• Publisher: Verlag des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI).
• ICS / categories: 25.040.30 (Industrial robots; manipulators).
• Edition / version: VDI 2740 Blatt 1:1995-04 (revision of the earlier 1991 Blatt 1).
• Number of pages: 47 pages.

Scope

Defines requirements, analysis methods and recommended solution patterns for grippers used on manipulators and industrial robots. The guideline covers: identification of gripper tasks; characteristics of gripped objects (geometry, weight, surface, fragility); characteristics of gripping motions and force profiles; peripheral interfaces and environmental constraints; and subsystem-level requirements for the contact/effecting elements, kinematics, support structures, sensing/control and actuation. It is focused on mechanical and mechatronic aspects necessary for reliable handling in automated production and material handling systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of gripper tasks and performance criteria (accuracy, repeatability, cycle time, payload).
• Analysis of gripped-object characteristics: dimensions, mass, center of gravity, surface properties and sensitivity.
• Analysis of gripping motion: approach, engagement, force profile, release and handling dynamics.
• Requirements and solution options for the Wirksystem (contact/effectors), including finger designs, jaws, suction and hybrid solutions.
• Kinematic system recommendations: joint arrangements, redundant/parallel kinematics where applicable, and transmission choices.
• Support/carrier system guidance: mounting interfaces, stiffness and integration with robot wrist and tooling.
• Information-processing and sensing: required sensors, signal processing and control interfaces for reliable gripping and error handling.
• Actuation and drive system considerations: pneumatic, hydraulic, electric solutions and selection criteria based on speed, force and positional needs.

Typical use and users

Used by mechanical and mechatronic engineers, gripper designers, robot integrators, automation system planners, procurement specialists specifying end-effectors, and researchers developing robotic end-of-arm tooling. The guideline supports specification, design review, selection of commercial grippers, and integration of grippers into automated production or material-handling cells.

Related standards

Related VDI and industrial-automation documents include other parts of the VDI 2740 series (Blatt 2 — Führungsgetriebe; Blatt 3 — Getriebe zur Erzeugung zeitweiliger Synchronbewegungen) and adjacent guidelines on handling and robot characteristics such as VDI 2860 (Handhabungs- und Montagetechnik) and VDI 2852 (Kenngrößen numerisch gesteuerter Fertigungseinrichtungen). Users often consult robot manufacturer integration guides and ICS-class standards for robot safety and interfacing when applying VDI 2740 Blatt 1.

Keywords

gripper, end-effector, manipulator, industrial robot, handling device, gripping task, kinematics, Wirksystem, actuation, sensors, VDI 2740 Blatt 1, 1995

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDI 2740 Blatt 1:1995-04 is a VDI guideline for mechanical devices in automation engineering that specifically addresses grippers for manipulators and industrial robots; it provides design guidance, task analysis and subsystem requirements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the tasks of grippers, analysis of gripped objects and motions, and recommended requirements and solution options for the gripper’s contact/effectors (Wirksystem), kinematics, carrier/support, information-processing (sensing/control) and drive systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Mechanical and mechatronic designers of end-effectors, robot integrators, automation engineers, procurement specialists and researchers developing or selecting grippers for industrial handling applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The cited edition is VDI 2740 Blatt 1:1995-04. VDI catalog listings indicate this 1995 Blatt 1 edition as the authoritative published version (the guideline superseded an earlier 1991 Blatt 1); users should check VDI or national standards bodies for any more recent updates or national adoptions before relying on it for new projects.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the VDI 2740 series (multiple Blätter/parts). Related parts include VDI 2740 Blatt 2 (Führungsgetriebe) and Blatt 3 (Getriebe zur Erzeugung zeitweiliger Synchronbewegungen), plus other handling and automation VDI guidelines that are commonly used in conjunction.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Gripper, end-effector, manipulator, industrial robot, gripping task, Wirksystem, kinematics, actuation, sensing, automation.