Vacuum Generators
Vacuum Generators for Industrial Material Handling
A vacuum generator removes air from a suction cup system to create the pressure difference needed for gripping. Selecting a suitable generator depends on the workpiece surface, air leakage, evacuation volume, cycle time and available energy supply.
Use this page to understand the main vacuum generation options and explore related EUROTECH components. For application support, share your workpiece details and operating requirements with our team.
Discuss your vacuum generator requirements.
Find the Right Vacuum Generator Family
| Product family | Energy supply | Applications to evaluate | Key selection information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum pumps | Usually electrical | Central vacuum supply and handling tasks requiring a sustained vacuum | Operating vacuum, suction capacity, duty and maintenance requirements |
| Pneumatic vacuum ejectors | Compressed air | Local vacuum generation on machines, grippers and pick-and-place equipment | Supply pressure, air consumption, evacuation time and control functions |
| Vacuum blowers | Electrical | Handling tasks with substantial continuous airflow demand | Airflow at the required pressure difference, leakage and operating limits |
Compare performance at the required operating point. Maximum vacuum and maximum suction flow are different specifications and generally do not occur at the same operating condition.
Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum pumps remove air mechanically from the connected circuit. They are an option to evaluate for handling sealed workpieces or supplying a shared vacuum circuit.
Selection should consider the required vacuum, the number of simultaneously active gripping points and the amount of air entering during operation. Pump design also affects maintenance, exhaust treatment and installation requirements.
For a pump inquiry, provide:
- Required operating vacuum and evacuation time.
- Connected volume and expected leakage.
- Continuous or intermittent operating duty.
- Available electrical supply and installation space.
- Dust, moisture or other contamination conditions.
Confirm the proposed pump’s performance and maintenance requirements against its specific technical documentation.
Pneumatic Vacuum Ejectors
A pneumatic vacuum ejector uses compressed air to remove air from the vacuum circuit. Its compact format can be useful when the vacuum source needs to be positioned close to the gripping point.
Depending on the selected design, an ejector assembly may incorporate suction control, release assistance, vacuum sensing or air-saving functions. These features should be confirmed for the proposed model.
For an ejector inquiry, provide:
- Compressed-air pressure available while the equipment is operating.
- Number and size of suction cups.
- Hose lengths and internal diameters.
- Required gripping and release times.
- Workpiece leakage and expected cycle frequency.
- Required valves, signals and monitoring functions.
For operation and installation considerations, read our vacuum ejector working principle and use guide.
Vacuum Blowers
Vacuum blowers are an option to evaluate where the gripping system must continuously remove substantial airflow, such as when handling permeable materials.
Selection depends on the airflow available at the required pressure difference. Consider the workpiece’s actual leakage, filter resistance, temperature and the blower’s permitted operating range.
Explore our vacuum blowers for further product information.
Supporting Vacuum Components
A vacuum generator works as part of a complete circuit.
- Vacuum suction cups provide the contact and seal at the workpiece.
- Vacuum filters help manage contamination entering the vacuum line.
- Vacuum switches and monitoring equipment provide pressure information for system control.
- BVR vacuum reservoirs provide additional evacuated volume where the circuit requires it.
A reservoir is a supporting component, rather than a separate method of generating vacuum.
Need Help Comparing the Options?
Read our comparison of vacuum generator types for a more detailed discussion of pumps, ejectors and blowers.
For an introduction to the pressure and airflow involved, see how a vacuum generator works.
Request Vacuum Generator Selection Support
Send your workpiece details, suction cup layout, required cycle time, operating vacuum and available electrical or compressed-air supply.
If you are replacing an existing source, include its model, technical data and the performance issue you want to resolve.