At Pneuparts, we know that the right suction cup makes the difference between downtime and a flawless running process. The world of pneumatics is broad, but today we focus on one crucial component: vacuum suction cups. Small in size, big in impact.

 

A vacuum suction cup is an essential component in automated systems. They work on the principle of air pressure, forming a vacuum to grip and move objects without damage. This makes them indispensable in various applications, from lifting heavy metal sheets to accurately handling fragile electronics.

 

In this article, we will take you through the different materials and designs, so that you can select the right vacuum suction cup that fits your application perfectly.

 

The shape of the suction cup is crucial

The effectiveness of a suction cup is directly related to its shape. The shape of the squeegee determines how well a vacuum can form and persist on a certain surface.  Because products in the industry are so diverse, such as wooden planks, glass or bags of food, different designs have been developed. 

 

Correctly selecting the right shape is the first step to a reliable and secure attachment of your object.

 

Flat suction cups These suction cups are also called flat suction cups. They are the most common vacuum suction cups and are used for gripping flat and smooth surfaces. Think of sheet material or glass. Advantages: They offer maximum suction power because the entire surface of the suction cup can form a seal. They are ideal for picking up and moving products without height differences being a problem. Application: Moving metal sheets, flat plastic panels or cardboard. Thanks to their simple design, they make the whole process more efficient.

 

Bellows suction cups When you are dealing with uneven surfaces, slightly curved objects or when different heights need to be compensated, bellows suction cups are the solution. They have one or more folds in the rubber or silicone material, which provides flexibility. Advantages: The pleats, or bellows, provide advantageous height compensation and a cushioning effect, which is perfect for fragile objects. They can adapt to the shape of the product, reducing the chances of leakage and removal of the object. Application: Gripping and turning of car bumpers, plastic parts and for handling tubes and profiles.

 

Oval suction cups For gripping narrow, long objects, such as profiles, they offer a larger gripping surface in the longitudinal direction. This increases stability during moving and transporting. Advantages: A better grip on elongated products with the same suction power as a round variant, but more efficient in terms of size. Application: Lifting wooden planks, narrow metal strips, or profiles. It increases the safety factor when handling these loads.

 

Material selection: The basis for durability and performance

Once the shape has been chosen, the choice of material of the suction cup is equally important. The materials must be able to withstand the conditions in your production environment.

Think of temperature, chemicals or contact with food.

The best materials for vacuum suction cups

There is a wide variety of different materials available, each with unique properties:

• Nitrile rubber (NBR): This is the standard material. It is wear-resistant, offers a good grip on oiled surfaces. and is used for general handling and in the assembly of car parts.
• Silicone: Is a soft and flexible material with excellent temperature resistance. Ideal for delicate objects and areas of application with high or low temperatures.
• Polyurethane (PUR): Provides a good balance between flexibility and abrasion resistance. It is a durable material and is widely used for parts with rough or slightly abrasive surfaces.
• Fluororubber (FPM): Used in chemically aggressive environments and at very high temperatures. A strong choice if the suction cup comes into contact with chemicals or oils.
• Natural rubber (NR): Has a high elasticity and is suitable for objects with a rough surface.

To select the right product, it is essential to consider the ambient temperature, chemical resistance, and friction on the workpiece.

At Pneuparts, we are happy to advise you on the best choice of material for your specific application.

Three Key Steps in Selecting the Right Suction Cup

Choosing the right suction cup is a precise process that determines the efficiency and reliability of your system. We have the following guidelines to help you.

Selecting the Right Suction Cup

• Analyzing the workpiece and surface:

  • Shape and dimensions: Is the workpiece flat, round or elongated? Determine the required dimensions of the suction cup and whether oval suction cups are an alternative to round suction cups.

  • Surface condition: Is the surface smooth, rough, or greasy? Oily metal sheets call for oil-resistant materials such as NBR. Rough surfaces require flexible materials and often a larger suction cup.

• Calculating the required force and size:

  • Make sure the suction is strong enough to hold the object securely, even when moving or turning. Always use a safety factor in relation to the calculated lifting force

  • Choose the size and number of suction cups based on the weight of the object and the forces acting on it. If necessary, use larger or multiple suction cups with different diameters for extra grip and stability.

• Selecting the connection and accessories:

  • The connection of the vacuum suction cups can be with internal or external threads. Make sure it fits well with the chosen holder or expansion joint.

  • Don't forget about peripheral components. Think of filters to keep the vacuum clean, or a compensator to compensate for height differences.

The selection process ensures that your vacuum suction cups are used optimally, preventing downtime and running smoothly.

 

Optimize your processes with the right vacuum solution

You now have a wide range of insight into the types of suction cups and the factors that play a role in their selection. Whether you need flat suction cups for flat sheet material or flexible bellows suction cups for complex workpieces, the right choice is the key to successful handling.

 

By focusing on the shape (oval suction cups are efficient for narrow sheet material), the material (silicone for high temperature or polyurethane for abrasion resistance), and the correct attachment with the right thread, you ensure a solid process.

Why choose Pneuparts?

At Pneuparts, we understand the complexity of these choices. With our many years of expertise in pneumatics, our specialized staff are ready to support you. We help you select the right product and ensure that your vacuum system delivers maximum efficiency.

 

Find out how our different applications of suction cup solutions can grip and move your products and workpieces more safely and quickly. Benefit from our knowledge and contact us for expert tailor-made advice on your vacuum suction cups and other pneumatic components.

 

 

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