Suction Cup Materials in Industries
Industrial Suction Cup Material Overview
There are a variety of material for producing vacuum suction cups. Common materials are NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber), NR (Natural rubber), SIR (Silicone), FKM or FPM or Viton® (Fluoro rubber), PU (Polyurethane) are common in material list of vacuum suction cup.
Proper selection of the right industrial suction cup depends on the industrial application and environment conditions. The characteristics of suction cup such as oil resistance, abrasion resistance, food-grade and heat-resistance are often required.
To help you quickly select the best fit solution for your vacuum system, pleases contact us for further details.
Specific Properties of Elastomeric Materials
Nitrile (NBR) - used in general application with good oil and abrasion resistance
NBR is also known as Nitrile rubber one of the the most common material in use of vacuum suction cups. NBR is applied in general industrial applications especially in sheet metal handling, glass handling, wood handling, plastic goods handling. NBR is resistant to oil and a variety of chemicals. NBR is suitable for wood and cardboard handling thanks to its good wear resistance.
The hardness of NBR compound is typically around 50 to 65 Shore Durometer.
Silicone - soft, heat resistance and FDA compliance available
Silicone is a popular industrial suction cup material which is in general more expensive than NBR. However, silicone offers better heat-resistance and cold-resistance than NBR. The silicone-made seals can a temperature range more than 220ºC. The softness of silicone allows it suck against rough surfaces such as MDF/HDF, particle board, plastic food packaging, etc. Silicone also comes with FDA compliance to allow it come into direct contact with drug and food.
The hardness of silicone compound is typically around 25 to 80 Shore A.
Polyurethane (PU) - tough and long wearing capability
Polyurethane (PU) vacuum suction cups are used in high-wear applications more than both silicone and NBR are. However, PU is normally more expensive but is strong in high-speed transfer and shear plane lifting stability. The PU products are produced via a manual manufacturing process.
The hardness of PU compound is typically around 30 to 60 Shore A.
Viton - withstand the most challenging industrial high-temperature applications
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - a budget alternatives for NBR and silicone goods
PVC suction cups are a low-cost alternatives to the NBR, silicone, and PU products. The PU seals are more wear resistance than NBR material but the mechanical properties is not as good as rubber compounds.
The hardness of PVC compound is typically around 45 to 55 Shore A.
Selection of Materials
