Benefits of using vacuum suction cups
Vacuum pads are the final element of a vacuum system and form an efficient, simple system for lifting and transporting a wide variety of workpieces. Vacuum suction caps therefore represent an efficient alternative to more complicated and expensive handling methods.
Types of suction cups offered by SMC
To ensure that a workpiece can be gripped securely, it is important to select the suction cups according to the properties of the workpiece to be handled and according to each specific type of application.
In our catalogue you will find suction cups in various designs and connection directions, shapes, materials and for a variety of applications.
Our vacuum cups have been developed to meet all your requirements:
- Flat suction cups: For suction of flat workpieces in general applications.
- Bellows suction cups: They are used to compensate for height differences or to transport workpieces with inclined or sloping surfaces.
- Oval suction cups: They are used when the workpiece has a narrow suction surface or is very long, and the workpiece must be precisely placed.
- Nozzle suction cups: Ideal for high precision with small, lightweight workpieces.
- Sponge suction cups: Ideal for use on irregular, uneven surfaces where vacuum leaks can occur because they are difficult to grip.
- Non-contact vacuum cups: Ideal for gentle handling of different sizes, materials, and shapes. They are suitable for thin, porous, perforated or pressure-sensitive workpieces.
Safety aspects when using vacuum pads in industrial environments
Most manufacturers use a safety factor of 2 for horizontal vacuum handling systems and 4 for vertical systems. However, these values are only guidelines and often do not take into account important variables such as vacuum leaks or porosity of the workpieces.
Experience undoubtedly plays an important role in this context. At SMC, we have accumulated extensive knowledge and decades of experience in vacuum solutions, which has led us to the conclusion that it is advisable to use higher safety factors to ensure the reliability of a vacuum system in every industry.
Therefore, we use a safety factor of 4 for our horizontal applications, while we recommend a larger margin of 8 for vertical applications.
Take advantage of the recommendations of our specialists to configure a safe and energy-efficient vacuum system.
Selection criteria for vacuum suction cups
Suction cups play a key role in optimizing the efficiency of the vacuum system.
The correct selection of vacuum pads is essential to maximize system performance under different conditions and applications.
The choice of suction pads depends on several factors, mainly the following:
- Mass of the workpiece to be handled
- Position of the workpiece (horizontal or vertical)
- Geometric shape of the workpiece to be handled
- Material compatibility
- Roughness and porosity of the workpiece
- Accelerations and decelerations (generated inertia)
With the help of our practical selection guide, you can quickly and easily find the right vacuum cup for your application.
Do you need help selecting the right vacuum suction cups?
Contact our vacuum technology specialists. They will help you find the right gripper for your application.
