SMC ZGP Vacuum Gripper System (Suction Cup)
SMC ZGP Vacuum Gripper System – Suction Cup Type
The SMC ZGP is an all-in-one suction cup vacuum gripper system built as a ready-to-mount end-of-arm tool (EOAT) for robotic palletizing and depalletizing of corrugated cartons. Each unit integrates the vacuum ejector, supply and release valves, silencer, pressure switch, and robot mounting flange, so you bolt a complete gripping head directly to the cobot wrist instead of building custom tooling from parts.
What Is the SMC ZGP Vacuum Gripper System?
The ZGP series is SMC's suction-cup-based integrated vacuum gripper for collaborative robots. Every function needed for adsorption is combined into one assembly, configured for a specific cobot and shipped with the robot connection cable and an ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 mounting interface so it is operational out of the box.
Its defining feature is 2.5-stage bellows suction cups with a built-in vacuum saving valve at every cup. When a cup is not covered by a carton, that valve self-seals and stops drawing air, sharply cutting compressed-air consumption on partially covered picks. That makes the ZGP the air-efficient choice for lines running consistent carton footprints where cup placement can be planned around the product.
Key Features
- All-in-one EOAT: ejector, supply valve, release valve, silencer, pressure switch, and robot flange in a single unit – no custom tooling to design or assemble.
- Vacuum saving valve in every cup: 2.5-stage bellows cups self-seal when uncovered, reducing air consumption on partial-coverage picks.
- Three pad sizes: 200 x 120 mm, 300 x 180 mm, and 400 x 240 mm to match carton dimensions and payload.
- IO-Link compatible across all sizes, plus PNP and NPN output options on the integrated pressure switch.
- Selectable ejector count (1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 assemblies) and cup diameter (25 mm or 50 mm) to tune suction flow to the workpiece.
- Factory-supported cobot compatibility with Universal Robots, FANUC, Yaskawa MOTOMAN, and OMRON/Techman, including the matching connection cable.
Step 1: Suction Cup (ZGP) or Foam (ZGS)?
SMC builds two integrated cobot palletizing grippers from the same platform. They share robot compatibility, IO-Link, and the all-in-one design, but they grip differently. The right choice comes down to how consistent your carton mix is.
| Consideration | ZGP – Suction Cup (this page) | ZGS – Foam Type |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Consistent, repeatable carton footprints where cup layout can be planned | Mixed-SKU and variable box sizes that land anywhere under the pad |
| Gripping surface | Discrete 2.5-stage bellows cups (25 mm or 50 mm) | Continuous foam pad (20 mm or 30 mm) that seals around the load |
| Air consumption | Lower – vacuum saving valve seals off any uncovered cup | Higher – vacuum draws across the full pad face |
| Placement tolerance | Cups must align to the carton – favors known positions | Forgiving – grips whatever contacts the pad |
Running mixed pallets of varied box sizes? Compare the SMC ZGS foam-type vacuum gripper system instead.
Step 2: Choose Your ZGP Configuration
Browse the configured ZGP part numbers below. Use these five attributes, in order, to narrow to the right unit:
- Pad size – match to your carton: 200 x 120 mm (compact), 300 x 180 mm (mid-size), or 400 x 240 mm (large / higher payload).
- Compatible robot – general-purpose mount, or a unit pre-configured for OMRON/Techman or Yaskawa MOTOMAN.
- Cup diameter – 25 mm or 50 mm, based on carton surface and grip points.
- Number of ejectors – more ejectors deliver higher suction flow for larger or heavier cartons.
- Switch output – PNP, NPN, or IO-Link to match your robot controller.
Compatible collaborative robots: Universal Robots (UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16e, UR20, UR30), FANUC CRX series, Yaskawa MOTOMAN HC series, and OMRON/Techman TM series. Need help selecting? Call 1-888-600-3080.
How to Read a ZGP Part Number
| Robot | N = General purpose · 011/012 = Universal Robots · 021 = OMRON/Techman · 043 = Yaskawa MOTOMAN · 051 = FANUC CRX |
| Output | P = PNP · N = NPN · H = IO-Link |
| Size / cup / ejectors | 200120, 300180, or 400240 mm · 25 or 50 mm cup · 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 ejectors |
| Cable / port | (blank) = with cable for compatible model · R = discrete-wire cable · N = without cable | C8 = ø8 · C10 = ø10 · N11 = ø3/8" port |
Browse all configured ZGP units below.
How the ZGP Works – One Integrated EOAT
The ZGP generates vacuum on board using SMC's ejector (Venturi) principle – compressed air drives the ejector to create vacuum at the cups, with no separate vacuum pump or motor. Every function needed to pick and place a carton is built in:
- Ejector(s): generate vacuum from shop air; quantity is selectable to match required suction flow.
- Supply / release valves: configurations cover normally-open and normally-closed logic, including a 2-position double supply valve.
- Silencer: manages ejector exhaust noise at the tool.
- Pressure switch: confirms vacuum and signals the robot controller; one or two switches with unit-switching or SI-only display.
- Robot mounting flange: ISO 9409-1-50-4-M6 basic, offset, tool-plate, or straight-flange options.
ZGP Configuration Options
| Pad size | 200 x 120 mm, 300 x 180 mm, or 400 x 240 mm |
| Cup diameter | 25 mm or 50 mm (2.5-stage bellows, inner ring, vacuum saving valve) |
| Ejector assemblies | 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 pieces |
| Switch output | PNP, NPN, or IO-Link |
| Compatible robot | Universal Robots, FANUC, Yaskawa MOTOMAN, or OMRON/Techman |
| Air supply (P) port | ø8, ø10, ø5/16", or ø3/8" one-touch fitting |
Typical Applications
- Robotic palletizing and depalletizing of corrugated cardboard cases
- End-of-line case handling in e-commerce and distribution fulfillment
- Food, beverage, and consumer-goods case packing on single-SKU lines
- Cobot work cells where a compact, air-saving EOAT is preferred over a custom gripping head
See a full cobot palletizing cell in our guide on smart automation for warehouse palletizing, or browse the full SMC vacuum products line.
Why Source the ZGP from Automation Distribution
Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC Corporation of America distributor and a single source for the cobot, gripper, and pneumatic components that complete a palletizing cell. Our application engineering team sizes ZGP grippers against your carton weight, footprint, and cobot model, validates the configuration string, and supports the full build.
Call 1-888-600-3080 for ZGP selection, configuration validation, and cross-references, backed by technical support across the entire SMC catalog.