Schmalz vacuum gripping systems are ready-to-integrate modular or custom-designed solutions for automatically gripping, lifting, and moving objects of various shapes, weights, and materials. They are engineered for efficient operation in demanding production environments — from high-speed pick-and-place tasks to handling large components in heavy industry.

Advantages of Schmalz Vacuum Gripping Systems

  • flexible application — suitable for objects of any geometry, surface, or size;
  • full automation integration;
  • modular design — easily adaptable and upgradable;
  • intelligent functions — diagnostics, feedback, and control;
  • lightweight construction — ideal for use with collaborative and lightweight robots.

Main Types of Vacuum Grippers

Layer Gripping Systems for Palletizing
Designed to lift entire layers of products regardless of type, size, or shape. Ideal for:

  • automated palletizing/de-palletizing at high speeds;
  • handling boxes, canisters, bags, trays;
  • managing unstable or porous materials.

Gripping is achieved via vacuum, with optional mechanical clamping for added reliability in tough conditions.

Lightweight layer grippers (ZLW series)
Optimized for integration with cobots or high-speed manipulators. Key benefits:

  • high handling speed due to low weight;
  • energy efficiency;
  • ideal for pick-and-place of lightweight packaging.

Pneumatic spider grippers
Modular multi-suction systems, called "Suction Spider", are designed for processing large, heavy or complex-shaped products. Features:

  • independently operating suction cups;
  • perfect for the automotive, metalworking, and furniture industries;
  • high resistance to shear forces and misalignment;
  • integrates with vacuum sensors, valves, quick couplings. 

Area gripping systems
These planar grippers use a mesh or lattice surface with vacuum holes, which allows flexible gripping of loads with different geometries or positions:

  • gripping regardless of object orientation;
  • lifting multiple small items simultaneously;
  • applications in wood, plywood, packaging, food pallets, boards, etc.;
  • available with integrated ejectors, valves, and regulators.