--- title: "Digitalized Material Selection: Achieving 40% CO₂ Reduction at SCHUNK" description: By digitizing its material selection process, gripping and clamping technology specialist SCHUNK is significantly reducing emissions in its products and processes. image: https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Blog%20Artikel%202026/2602%20Schunk/Blog_Schunk_02-PGN-plus_Anwendungsbild_07_04_2018_Teaser.jpg --- English - English - German - French [Skip to the main content.](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/digitalized-material-selection-schunk#main-content) [![www.cadfem.net](https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/01_BASIC/Logos/New%20CADFEM%20Logo/CADFEM_Logo_blue_sRGB_ohne%20Schutzzone%201.svg "www.cadfem.net")](https://blog.cadfem.net/de?c_red=1) [![www.cadfem.net](https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/01_BASIC/Logos/New%20CADFEM%20Logo/CADFEM_Logo_blue_sRGB_ohne%20Schutzzone%201.svg "www.cadfem.net")](https://blog.cadfem.net/de?c_red=1) [![](https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/Icons/chat.svg) Directcontact](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/digitalized-material-selection-schunk#footer-section-contact) - [cadfem.net](https://www.cadfem.net/) - [Cadfem World Conference](https://www.cadfem.net/de/cadfem-informiert/veranstaltungen/cadfem-world-conference.html) - [Ansys Version Dessai](https://www.cadfem.net/fr/nos-solutions/logiciels-de-simulation-ansys-la-gamme-de-produits/ansys-produits-version-dessai.html) - [English](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/digitalized-material-selection-schunk) - [Deutsch](https://blog.cadfem.net/de/digitalisierte-werkstoffwahl-schunk) - [Français](https://blog.cadfem.net/fr/selection-numerique-des-materiaux-schunk) Toggle Menu - [English](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/digitalized-material-selection-schunk) - [Deutsch](https://blog.cadfem.net/de/digitalisierte-werkstoffwahl-schunk) - [Français](https://blog.cadfem.net/fr/selection-numerique-des-materiaux-schunk) Toggle Menu - [cadfem.net](https://www.cadfem.net/) - [Cadfem World Conference](https://www.cadfem.net/de/cadfem-informiert/veranstaltungen/cadfem-world-conference.html) - [Ansys Version Dessai](https://www.cadfem.net/fr/nos-solutions/logiciels-de-simulation-ansys-la-gamme-de-produits/ansys-produits-version-dessai.html) # Digitalized Material Selection Achieves 40% Fewer Emissions [Alexander Kunz](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/author/alexander-kunz) 29.04.2026 [Digitalization](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/tag/digitalization) [Use Case](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/tag/use-case) LinkedIn Copy link For Daniel Barta, Development Engineer at SCHUNK SE & Co. KG, one thing is clear: “Material data is the foundation of every technical decision.” As material selection becomes increasingly complex, he introduced a digital solution with Ansys Granta. Among other results, SCHUNK was able to identify new approaches that reduce emissions and can lead to a 40% lower CO2 output in products. #### **Summary** - Materials are key to innovation, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability at SCHUNK, the specialist for gripping and clamping technology. - SCHUNK engineers make transparent material decisions with Ansys Granta Selector, whose EcoAudit module has reduced emissions by 40%. - SCHUNK is planning its next step with Ansys Granta MI. With the 360° view provided by the enterprise solution, all departments will be able to use the latest material information in the future. The specialist in gripping and clamping technology is already planning the next step: a company-wide system containing all material information. Daniel Barta has been working as a development engineer at SCHUNK since 2012. In this role, he is deeply involved in the topic of materials. Within SCHUNK’s products, materials are one of the keys to innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability – or, as Barta puts it, “the foundation of every technical decision.” Early on, he looked for ways to improve material selection within SCHUNK’s digital transformation. For a long time – as is still common in many companies today – it was largely based on experience and data sheets. He eventually found what he was looking for at CADFEM: after several months of testing, the Ansys Granta Selector material database was introduced. Since then, it has systematically supported SCHUNK’s developers in choosing the right materials. ![Blog\_Schunk\_02-PGN-plus\_Anwendungsbild\_07\_04\_2018](https://blog.cadfem.net/hs-fs/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Blog%20Artikel%202026/2602%20Schunk/Blog_Schunk_02-PGN-plus_Anwendungsbild_07_04_2018.jpg?width=800&height=533&name=Blog_Schunk_02-PGN-plus_Anwendungsbild_07_04_2018.jpg) ``` Application of a pneumatic parallel gripper. | © SCHUNK ``` #### Tips, Tricks & Details: Using Material Data Strategically Read in the presentation “The Role of Material Data in Product Development at SCHUNK – Today and in the Future” by Daniel Barta (Developer Mechanics Development, SCHUNK SE & Co. KG) how SCHUNK strategically leverages material data to make product development more efficient, sustainable and data driven. [Download the presentation now](https://blog.cadfem.net/en/digitalized-material-selection-schunk#tmp1_widget_c81784bd-c004-49b9-8b0c-f1fe55665a92) ![Blog\_Schunk\_05\_Präsentation\_Cover](https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Blog%20Artikel%202026/2602%20Schunk/Blog_Schunk_05_Pr%C3%A4sentation_Cover.jpg) ## How Ansys Granta Selector Simplifies Robust Material Decisions With Ansys Granta Selector, the development team has access to an immense range of precise material data. Its extensive filtering and comparison capabilities make transparent decisions possible, quickly and based on data – even as complexity increases. In the EcoAudit module of Ansys Granta Selector, materials are evaluated according to sustainability criteria, and the corresponding metrics are displayed. Since SCHUNK’s customers must also meet sustainability requirements, these objective insights offer a significant competitive advantage. ![Sustainability analysis of a SCHUNK standard gripper using the EcoAudit module from Ansys Granta Selector shows CO2 savings potential of over 40%. | © SCHUNK](https://blog.cadfem.net/hs-fs/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Blog%20Artikel%202026/2602%20Schunk/Blog_Schunk_03-Eco_Audit_SCHUNK-Greifer.jpg?width=800&height=509&name=Blog_Schunk_03-Eco_Audit_SCHUNK-Greifer.jpg) ``` Sustainability analysis of a SCHUNK standard gripper using the EcoAudit module from Ansys Granta Selector shows CO2 savings potential of over 40%. | © SCHUNK ``` ## A Closer Look at Gripper Components: 40% Less Emissions The capabilities of Ansys Granta Selector with the EcoAudit module become clear when examining a gripper system. First, all components were analyzed for their CO2 output. Next, attention shifted to those parts with the highest values. For these, Ansys Granta Selector identified two approaches with the greatest potential for CO2 reduction: - using secondary materials for emissions‑intensive components – that is, materials with a high recycled content - manufacturing these components using additive processes powered by renewable energy Taken together, this resulted in a 40% CO2 reduction for the product. With these results from Ansys Granta Selector, SCHUNK can now actively pursue the development of more sustainable products. ![Blog\_Schunk\_04-Logo\_Nachhaltigkeit\_Button\_RGB\_02\_2024](https://blog.cadfem.net/hs-fs/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Blog%20Artikel%202026/2602%20Schunk/Blog_Schunk_04-Logo_Nachhaltigkeit_Button_RGB_02_2024.jpg?width=302&height=302&name=Blog_Schunk_04-Logo_Nachhaltigkeit_Button_RGB_02_2024.jpg) ``` SCHUNK pursues ambitious sustainability goals. | © SCHUNK ``` > Material data is the basis for every technical decision. Daniel Barta R&D Engineer at SCHUNK SE & Co. KG ## Scaling Material Knowledge Across the Company With Ansys Granta MI Since Ansys Granta Selector provides measurable benefits for SCHUNK’s product development in terms of cost, process efficiency, and sustainability, the question of scaling naturally arises: How can other departments benefit? What could a company-wide material data platform look like? And how can connected material knowledge create additional competitive advantages? The answer from Daniel Barta and CADFEM is Ansys Granta MI – the “MI” stands for Material Intelligence. This enterprise‑level solution offers a 360° view of everything related to materials. It connects not only the engineering team but all departments with material touchpoints – testing, development, purchasing, and compliance – each contributing to and drawing from the system. Such a digital, highly connected, and continuously updated central source of information reduces manual steps across the company. It will elevate how SCHUNK and its customers manage all material‑related information – improving efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and sustainability. #### About Schunk Founded 80 years ago by Friedrich Schunk as a small mechanical workshop in Lauffen am Neckar, SCHUNK is now an international technology company in clamping, gripping, and automation technology with 3,700 employees. In addition to high‑tech components, SCHUNK develops and delivers intelligent complete solutions for robotic systems, production, and automation processes across various industries – tailored to individual customer needs. ![SCHUNK SE & Co KG headquarters in Lauffen am Neckar. | © SCHUNK](https://blog.cadfem.net/hs-fs/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Blog%20Artikel%202026/2602%20Schunk/Blog_Schunk_01-Unternehmensbild__4zu3_Werk_Lauffen_Luftbild.jpg?width=800&height=600&name=Blog_Schunk_01-Unternehmensbild__4zu3_Werk_Lauffen_Luftbild.jpg) ``` SCHUNK SE & Co KG headquarters in Lauffen am Neckar. | © SCHUNK ``` #### CADFEM meets Daniel Barta In conversation with CADFEM employee Marc Vidal, Daniel Barta provides many more insights into the topic of digitized material selection at SCHUNK. Watch the video now.  ![Portrait\_AK\_Blog](https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Autoren%20Bilder/Portrait_AK_Blog.jpg) ### Author ##### Alexander Kunz CADFEM Germany GmbH +49 (0)8092 7005-889 [akunz@cadfem.de](mailto:jneumeyer@cadfem.de) ![Portrait\_KKU\_Blog](https://blog.cadfem.net/hubfs/topics/GLOBAL_Blog/Autoren%20Bilder/Portrait_KKU_Blog.jpg) ### Editorial ##### **Klaus Kuboth** CADFEM Germany GmbH +49 (0)8092 7005-279 [mailto:mmoosrainer@cadfem.de](mailto:mmoosrainer@cadfem.de)[kkuboth@cadfem.de](mailto:kkubtoh@cadfem.de)   Contact the editorial team Subscribe to newsletter ## You may also find these articles of interest. 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