Pneumatic Grips for Fast and Repeatable Clamping

Standards

• ASTM D638
• ASTM E8
• DIN 51221
• ISO 6892

Precision Clamping Solutions with Compressed-Air Actuation from NextGen

NextGen's pneumatic grips are engineered for precise, high-throughput testing applications using universal testing machines (UTMs). These air-actuated systems ensure uniform clamping pressure, reduced operator fatigue, and faster sample mounting, suited to quality control and R&D environments. Our pneumatic grips accommodate many specimen geometries and test types - including side-action, wedge-action, and snubbing - meeting or exceeding global testing standards such as ASTM D638, ASTM E8, ISO 6892, and DIN 51221. Whether you’re evaluating tensile properties of wires, composites, or polymers, these heavy-duty grips provide secure, repeatable holding force during critical tensile and compression procedures. 

Pneumatic Grip Models

Eleven grips run on the same air supply and divide by how the jaws close. The first two are snubbing grips: the specimen wraps around a drum, so the load is taken by friction over an arc rather than by pinching. That is what a filament needs, and this one holds 500 N.

Model WCQA502A

Pneumatic Snubbing Tensile Grip

The WCQA502A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is engineered for filament testing under low-force tensile conditions. Utilizing a snubbing mechanism, it offers superior hold on delicate filament materials without introducing stress concentrations. Designed to support specimens up to 1.5 mm in diameter, this grip operates at forces up to 500 N. Pneumatic actuation ensures uniform clamping pressure, while Ø10 mm pin connections allow integration with universal testing systems. Suited to textile, fiber, or fine wire testing, the WCQA502A provides consistent and repeatable results in ambient laboratory environments.

The same wrap principle at 2 kN, for textile rope.

Model WCQA203A

Pneumatic Snubbing Tensile Grip

The WCQA203A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is built for tensile testing of textile ropes and similar flexible materials. This grip features a pneumatic clamping mechanism combined with a snubbing design that securely holds specimens ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter. Its wave-profile jaw face enhances friction while minimizing slippage and damage. With a force capacity of up to 2 kN and standard Ø10 mm pin connections, WCQA203A ensures repeatable test performance and is well-suited for laboratory use in ambient conditions.

The next six close from the side, straight onto the specimen. They start at 500 N for plastic film and rubber.

Model NGA502A

Pneumatic Side Action Tensile Grip

The NGA502A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is specifically designed for low-force testing of rubber, plastic films, and other thin, flexible materials. Its side-action clamping mechanism provides even pressure distribution across the specimen surface, minimizing slippage and specimen distortion. With a force capacity of up to 500 N, standard Ø10 mm pin connections, and compact dimensions, this grip is suited to light-duty universal testing machines. It accommodates specimens up to 8 mm thick and is fitted with 30 × 25 mm jaws for secure, consistent gripping.

The same grip at 1 kN.

Model NGA103A

Pneumatic Side Action Tensile Grip

The NGA103A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is built for accurate and controlled testing of plastic film, rubber, and other soft sheet materials. With a maximum tensile load of 1 kN and 30 × 30 mm jaws, this fixture applies uniform clamping pressure via a side-action pneumatic mechanism. The grip accommodates specimens up to 6 mm thick and is equipped with Ø10 mm pin connections for integration with universal testing systems. Suited to quality control, research, and film testing labs, NGA103A ensures repeatable results in ambient conditions.

Also 1 kN, but set up for textile fabric and plastic sheet, which need a wider jaw than film.

Model NGA103C

Pneumatic Side Action Tensile Grip

The NGA103C Pneumatic Tensile Grip is engineered for flexible tension testing of textile fabrics, plastic sheets, rubber, and films. With a load capacity of up to 1 kN and dual jaw face options - serrated for cloth, rubber, and plastic sheet, and rubber-coated for film - this grip ensures secure, application-specific clamping. Its heavy-duty frame, 32 × 32 mm jaw faces, and support for specimen thicknesses up to 14 mm make it suited to both quality control and R&D environments. Standard Ø10 mm pin connections enable integration with most universal testing machines.

At 5 kN the specimen is a waterproof roll or heavy cloth. From here the jaw face itself becomes a choice, and the options are listed in their own table.

Model NGA503A

Pneumatic Side Action Tensile Grip

The NGA503A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is a high-capacity fixture designed for tensile testing of waterproof rolls, heavy textile cloth, and similar wide, flexible materials. With a force capacity of up to 5 kN, this side-action grip provides stable and uniform clamping pressure for specimens up to 20 mm thick. Its heavy-duty 8.9″ (225 mm) wide body and 5.9″ (150 mm) height allow for handling large samples, making it suited to industrial and construction material testing. Equipped with standard Ø10 mm pin connections, NGA503A integrates easily into universal testing machines.

The NGA503A Pneumatic Grip supports interchangeable jaw faces to suit a variety of specimen types and surface conditions. Available in both diamond and wave-profile configurations, these jaw faces enhance grip performance and minimize slippage based on the material tested. Users can choose from different widths and heights for optimized contact area, depending on whether the specimen is textile-based or a heavier waterproof roll.

Available options:

Dimensions A and B used in Table 7.

• Diamond jaws offer a serrated surface suited to holding flexible and textured materials such as textile fabric.
• Wave-profile jaws are better suited for thick, coated, or layered materials such as waterproof rolls, offering increased surface contact.

The same 5 kN in a different body, sharing the jaw faces of the previous grip.

Model NGA503G

Pneumatic Side Action Tensile Grip

The NGA503G Pneumatic Tensile Grip is a heavy-duty fixture designed for high-force testing of waterproof rolls, thick textiles, and coated materials. With a maximum force capacity of 5 kN and a wide 65 × 60 mm sawtooth jaw face, this grip ensures firm and stable clamping of demanding specimens. Its rugged construction, 7.1″ (180 mm) grip height, and Ø10 mm pin compatibility make it suited to large-scale sample testing in production and R&D settings. The wide sawtooth design is especially effective for preventing slippage during the testing of waterproof and laminated materials.

The NGA503A and NGA503G pneumatic grips support a range of interchangeable jaw faces, enabling users to match jaw surfaces to specific specimen types. Whether you're testing textile cloth or coated fabrics, these options ensure optimal grip, reduce slippage, and preserve specimen integrity. Available in sawtooth and flat types, all jaws feature the same 40 mm width but vary in length and surface pattern.

Available options:

Table 9. Optional Jaw Faces for NGA503A/G Pneumatic Grips

No.	Jaw Type	Length (A)	Width (B)	Recommended Specimen
NGA503A-08/09	Sawtooth	50 mm	40 mm	Textile cloth
NGA503A-10/11	Sawtooth	80 mm	40 mm	Textile cloth
NGA503A-12/13	Flat	80 mm	40 mm	Textile cloth
NGA503A-14/15	Flat	50 mm	40 mm	Textile cloth

Dimensions A and B used in Table 9.

• Sawtooth jaws are suited to woven or textured textiles requiring higher gripping strength.
• Flat jaws are better suited for delicate or laminated cloth materials that could be damaged by serration.

The last of the side-action grips takes 10 kN, on flat metallic and non-metallic specimens.

Model NGB104A

Pneumatic Side Action Tensile Grip

The NGB104A Pneumatic Tensile Grip is a high-capacity fixture designed for tensile testing of both metallic and non-metallic flat specimens. With a force capacity of up to 10 kN and a serrated jaw face measuring 50 × 45 mm, this grip provides superior holding strength for flat test samples. Its heavy-duty construction and weight make it suited to demanding test applications in industrial or research environments. The NGB104A uses Ø10 mm pin connections for compatibility with many universal testing machines.

The final three are wedge grips: the jaws are drawn in by the pull itself, so the harder the specimen resists, the tighter it is held. This one covers 20 kN on round and flat metal.

Model NGC204A

Pneumatic Wedge Action Tensile Grip

The NGC204A Pneumatic Wedge Action Grip is built for high-force tensile testing of round and flat specimens made from metal and plastic. Engineered to support loads up to 20 kN, this grip offers exceptional thermal range performance from - 73 °C to +315 °C. The wedge-action mechanism provides self-tightening grip under load, while optional flat jaws in 0 - 6 mm and 6 - 12 mm ranges allow for flexible specimen dimensions. Suited to materials with tensile strengths below 600 MPa and hardness below 30 HRC, NGC204A is suited for research and quality assurance in metal, plastic, and composite testing environments.

The same wedge action at 50 kN.

Model NGC504A

Pneumatic Wedge Action Tensile Grip

The NGC504A Pneumatic Wedge Action Grip is built for heavy-duty tensile testing of flat and round metallic specimens. With a heavy-duty load capacity of up to 50 kN and a wide thermal operating range from - 73 °C to +315 °C, this grip is suited to applications requiring consistent clamping under extreme conditions. Featuring Ø18 mm pin connections and compatibility with specimens from Ø5 mm to Ø20 mm, it is commonly used in advanced material testing where reliability and performance are critical. The grip is suitable for specimens with hardness below 30 HRC and tensile strength below 600 MPa.

And the largest at 100 kN, with its own set of jaw faces for each specimen size.

Model NGD105D

Pneumatic Wedge Action Tensile Grip

The NGD105D Pneumatic Wedge Action Grip is built for high-load tensile testing of both flat and round specimens made from metal, composites, and rigid plastics. With an impressive capacity of up to 100 kN, this grip delivers reliable self-tightening performance under load. Equipped with Ø18 mm pin connections and a durable structure, it is suited to advanced testing applications requiring large grip dimensions. The system is intended for materials with hardness values below 30 HRC and tensile strength under 600 MPa, making it a powerful option for quality assurance in structural materials.

The NGD105D Wedge Action Grip supports a series of interchangeable jaw faces designed to accommodate many specimen shapes and sizes. Both flat and Vee-type jaws are available, allowing the grip to handle flat metal, composites, and round specimens with diameters up to Φ26 mm. These hardened jaws maintain stable clamping and consistent load transfer during testing under forces up to 100 kN.

Available options:

Table 14. Optional Jaw Faces for NGD105D Pneumatic Grip

No.	Jaw Type	Specimen Size	Jaw Face A (mm)	Jaw Face B (mm)	Jaw Face C (mm)
NGD105D-02	Flat	0 - 10 mm	68	70	24
NGD105D-03	Flat	10 - 20 mm	68	70	19
NGD105D-04	Vee	Φ5 - Φ12 mm	68	70	24
NGD105D-05	Vee	Φ12 - Φ19 mm	68	70	24
NGD105D-06	Vee	Φ19 - Φ26 mm	68	70	24

Jaw Faces for NGD105D Pneumatic Grip

NextGen’s pneumatic grips are suited to users seeking efficient, safe, and standardized tensile and compression testing solutions. Fully compatible with NG-EML and NG-SHM UTMs, these grips offer unmatched speed, repeatability, and ergonomic advantage. Whether you’re upgrading your test lab or configuring a new system, our pneumatic grip lineup ensures optimal performance across a broad spectrum of materials. Contact NextGen for expert assistance in selecting the right configuration for your testing needs.