Pneumatic air kits, footswitches, and distribution kits are optionally available for ease of grip closure and productivity for use with pneumatic grips, including pneumatic side action tensile grips, pneumatic cord and yarn tensile grips, pneumatic peel fixtures, and more.



Smart-Close Air Kit
Catalog No. 2701-095

The Smart-Close Air Kit is a system integrated option that allows for monitoring and control of pneumatic pressure to Instron's pneumatic grips.

  • Compatible Frames: 3400 and 6800 Series
  • Standard features include: Dual-stage manifold integrated into the load frame with an inlet maximum of 120 psi (8.3 bar)
  • Includes air hoses
  • Bluehill administrator-defined setup pressure, recommended maximum of 15 psi (1 bar)
  • Method-defined test pressure, maximum 100 psi (7 bar)
  • Supports automatic pretension grip control with footswitch options only
  • Supports the use of both toggle switches and footswitch

Learn More





Automatic Air Control Kit
Catalog No. 2701-065

The Automatic Air Control Kit is used to operate pneumatic action grips. The system consists of a control box that mounts on one of the load frame columns, a foot switch assembly consisting of two foot switches, interconnecting cabling, and interconnecting hoses and hose adapters.

  • Compatible Frames: 3300, 4400 (excluding 4411), 5500, 5800, 5900 Series, and UPDATE Retrofits (excluding 4400/5500 Series retrofits to 113X, 4500, and 6000 Series)
  • Includes electric, foot-operated dual pedal switch to open and close grips, solenoid valves, air hoses and extra length air cable
  • Supports automatic pretension grip control
  • Mounts to column cover T-slot

Contact Us for Details    Reference Manual





Universal Pneumatic Footswitch (No Pretension)
Catalog No. 2701-004

The Universal Pneumatic Footswitch is designed to provide sequential grip actuation, keeping the operator’s hands free to align the test specimen in the grips.

  • Compatible Frames: 3300, 4400 (excluding 4411), 5500, 5800, 5900 Series, and UPDATE Retrofits (excluding 4400/5500 Series retrofits to 113X, 4500, and 6000 Series)
  • Includes: Foot-operated (single pedal) switch to open and close grips
  • Two air lines with quick disconnect fittings for grips and 3rd air line for air supply
  • Connects directly to grips
  • #4 JIC female fitting installed in hoses and 1/4 NPT Male adapter included in kit
  • Note: Not suitable for pretension grip control

Contact Us for Details    Operator Guide





Universal Air Distribution Kit (No Pretension or Footswitch)
Catalog No. 2701-042

  • Compatible with current 2712-04X/-05X Series and legacy 2712 Series pneumatic grips
  • Air distribution kit, external
  • For use with pneumatic grips featuring manual air control valves only
  • Includes hoses and fittings with 1/8 NPT end connection
  • 1/8" to 1/4" NPT adapter included in kit

Contact Us for Details