Vacuum Suction Cup Selection Guide
Selecting the right vacuum suction cup depends on the workpiece, surface condition, required holding force, handling direction, and operating environment. Suction cup diameter, shape, material, and design should be considered together to ensure reliable and efficient handling.
Use this guide to compare different vacuum suction cup types and identify a suitable solution for your application.
How to Select the Right Vacuum Suction Cup
Choosing a vacuum suction cup starts with understanding the workpiece and handling conditions. The following factors should be considered before selecting a cup:
1. Workpiece and Surface Condition
Consider the material, surface texture, porosity, shape, and sensitivity of the workpiece. Smooth glass and metal sheets generally require different cup characteristics from rough wood, cardboard, or structured surfaces.
2. Suction Cup Diameter
The suction area directly influences the available holding force. Larger suction cups generally provide greater holding force at the same vacuum level, while smaller cups are suitable where gripping space is limited.
The required suction cup size and quantity should be determined based on the workpiece weight, vacuum level, handling direction, acceleration, and required safety factor. Our Suction Cup Sizing Calculator provides a quick starting point for estimating the required suction force, cup size, and number of suction cups for your vacuum handling system.
Cup selection should also account for dynamic loads and safety factors, not only static workpiece weight.
Cup sizing should use the vacuum level available at the gripping point during operation. The vacuum source must also provide enough airflow to evacuate the connected volume and manage leakage within the required
cycle time. Read our guide to choosing a vacuum generator when matching suction cups with a pump, ejector or blower.
3. Suction Cup Shape
Round suction cups are suitable for a wide range of general handling applications.
Oval suction cups are particularly useful for long and narrow workpieces or where gripping space is limited.
Rectangular suction cups provide a larger gripping area for certain panels, sheets, and elongated workpieces.
4. Suction Cup Material
Material selection depends on the workpiece and operating environment.
NBR is widely used for general industrial handling and offers good wear resistance.
Silicone is suitable for applications requiring greater temperature resistance and flexibility.
Viton (FKM) provides higher resistance to heat and certain chemicals.
PU offers excellent wear resistance and is used in selected high-cycle and specialized applications.
5. Flat or Bellows Suction Cup?
Flat suction cups are well suited for flat or slightly curved surfaces and provide stable handling with relatively low internal movement.
Bellows suction cups provide additional flexibility and height compensation, making them suitable for uneven surfaces, varying workpiece heights, and applications requiring gentle contact.
6. Handling Direction and Safety
Horizontal lifting, vertical handling, acceleration, and dynamic movement all affect the forces acting on a suction cup. An appropriate safety factor should therefore be considered when determining the required holding force, cup diameter, and number of suction cups.
Select Vacuum Suction Cups by Shape
Low-profile design, ideal for handling of flat and smooth workpieces with rapid response times and high precision.
With flexible accordion folds for handling uneven workpieces and providing excellent height compensation.
Featuring an elongated profile, ideal for handling long, narrow workpieces and fitting into limited gripping areas.
Already know the approximate dimensions or machine application? Search available suction cups with our Replacement Finder →
Select Vacuum Suction Cups by Material
The suction cup material should be selected according to the workpiece, operating temperature, surface requirements, and environmental conditions.
NBR: A versatile material for general industrial handling, offering good wear resistance and durability.
Silicone: Suitable for applications requiring greater temperature resistance, flexibility, or handling of sensitive surfaces.
Viton (FKM): Designed for demanding environments requiring higher resistance to heat, chemicals, and aggressive operating conditions.
PU: Offers excellent wear resistance and durability, making it suitable for high-cycle and specialized handling applications.
→ Learn More About Vacuum Suction Cup Materials
If your application involves heat, oils or chemical exposure, read our guide to choosing between NBR, HNBR and FKM suction cups. It explains when a material change may be useful and which operating conditions should be verified before selecting an alternative.
Select Vacuum Suction Cups by Application
Different workpieces and industries require different suction cup designs, materials, and handling characteristics. Explore our vacuum suction cup solutions by application.
Glass Handling: Vacuum suction cups for loading, transferring, positioning, and processing float, tempered, laminated, coated, and insulating glass.
Woodworking: Vacuum suction cups for handling wood panels, MDF, particleboard, plywood, and other materials in woodworking and CNC applications.
Sheet Metal: Durable suction cups for handling metal sheets, plates, and components in automated production and material handling systems.
Industrial Automation: Versatile vacuum suction cups for robotic handling, pick-and-place, packaging, assembly, and general automation applications.
Vacuum Suction Cup Product Range
Flat Suction Cups
- Round suction cups for handling of smooth and flat workpieces
- Up to 920mm and 410mm x 810mm suction cups for extremely heavy workpieces
- Series RL with longer sealing lip for the handling of workpieces with a slightly rough surface, such as wood or structured glass and metal sheets
- Series R with short sealing lip for the solid handling of workpieces with smooth surface
- Series XL for extremely heavy workpieces such as sheet metal plates
BLSP RL Series Flat Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLSP 120 RL | 120 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 29 | 58 |
| BLSP 180 RL | 180 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 65 | 130 |
| BLSP 200 RL | 200 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 77 | 155 |
| BLSP 230 RL | 230 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 116 | 232 |
| BLSP 270 RL | 270 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 162 | 324 |
| BLSP 290 RL | 290 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 162 | 324 |
| BLSP 320 RL | 320 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 223 | 447 |
| BLSP 350 RL | 350 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 230 | 461 |
| BLSP 400 RL | 400 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 311 | 622 |
BLSP R Series Flat Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLSP 110 R | 110 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 25 | 51 |
| BLSP 160 R | 160 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 57 | 115 |
| BLSP 250 R | 250 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 143 | 286 |
BLSP XL Series (Round) Flat Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLSP 200 XL | 195 | NBR | 77 | 155 |
| BLSP 300 XL | 285 | NBR | 175 | 350 |
| BLSP 310 XL | 315 | NBR | 216 | 432 |
| BLSP 400 XL | 385 | NBR | 328 | 657 |
| BLSP 450 XL | 445 | NBR | 444 | 888 |
| BLSP 540 XL | 535 | NBR | 649 | 1299 |
| BLSP 630 XL | 625 | NBR | 894 | 1788 |
| BLSP 920 XL | 915 | NBR | 1946 | 3892 |
BLSP XL Series (Rectangular) Flat Suction Cups
| Diameter (mm) | Suction Cup Material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLSP 380 x 500 XL | 380 x 500 | NBR | 378 | 756 |
| BLSP 350 x 600 XL | 350 x 600 | NBR | 435 | 870 |
| BLSP 410 x 810 XXL | 405 x 805 | NBR | 810 | 1621 |
BLSP Oval Series Flat Suction Cups
| Diameter (mm) | Suction Cup Material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLSP 25 x 200 | 25 x 200 | NBR | 8 | 16 |
| BLSP 30 x 100 | 30 x 100 | NBR | 4 | 9 |
| BLSP 30 x 200 | 30 x 200 | NBR | 10 | 21 |
| BLSP 30 x 300 | 30 x 300 | NBR | 16 | 33 |
| BLSP 45 x 135 | 45 x 135 | NBR | 10 | 21 |
| BLSP 55 x 100 | 55 x 100 | NBR | 7 | 15 |
| BLSP 55 x 150 | 55 x 150 | NBR | 14 | 28 |
| BLSP 55 x 200 | 55 x 200 | NBR | 21 | 42 |
| BLSP 55 x 300 | 55 x 300 | NBR | 35 | 70 |
| BLSP 80 x 250 | 80 x 250 | NBR | 44 | 88 |
| BLSP 80 x 380 | 80 x 380 | NBR | 67 | 134 |
| BLSP 90 x 190 | 90 x 190 | NBR | 28 | 56 |
| BLSP 100 x 200 | 100 x 200 | NBR | 32 | 65 |
| BLSP 100 x 300 | 100 x 300 | NBR | 60 | 120 |
| BLSP 120 x 300 | 120 x 300 | NBR | 68 | 137 |
BLSP Oval Series Flat Suction Cups with Connection
| Diameter (mm) | Suction Cup Material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLSP 80 x 40 | 80 x 40 | NBR, Silicone | 5 | 10 |
| BLSP 90 x 30 | 90 x 30 | NBR, Silicone | 4 | 9 |
BSC A Series Flat Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSC 20 A | 20 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.75 | 1.5 |
| BSC 28 A | 28 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1.5 | 3.0 |
| BSC 32 A | 32 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1.9 | 3.9 |
| BSC 38 A | 35 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 2.4 | 4.8 |
| BSC 45 A | 45 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| BSC 47 A | 47 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| BSC 60 A | 60 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 6.0 | 12.0 |
| BSC 75 A | 75 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 12.0 | 25.0 |
BSC B Series Flat Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (g) | Horizontal Carrying Load (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSC 4 B | 4 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 23.5 | 47 |
| BSC 6 B | 6 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 80 | 160 |
| BSC 8 B | 8 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 150 | 300 |
| BSC 10 B | 9 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 235 | 470 |
| BSC 16 B | 16 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 600 | 1200 |
| BSC 25 B | 25 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1100 | 2200 |
PFG Series Flat Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material |
|---|---|---|
| PFG 2 | 2 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 3.5 | 3.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 6 | 6 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 8 | 8 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 10 | 10 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 15 | 15 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 20 | 20 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 25 | 25 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 30 | 30 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 40 | 40 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 45 | 45 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 50 | 50 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 60 | 60 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 80 | 80 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 95 | 95 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 100 | 100 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 150 | 150 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| PFG 200 | 200 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
Bellows Suction Cups
- Bellows type suction cups for handling of uneven workpieces
- Up to 3,5 folds suction cups for best level compensation
- Series E with 2.5 folds and a wide range of diameters for all applications
- Series B suction cups for Italian glass stacking systems
- Series CO as a common and universal seal for handling tasks
BSC E Series Bellows Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSC 7 E | 6 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.05 | 0.1 |
| BSC 9 E | 9 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.15 | 0.31 |
| BSC 14 E | 14 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.25 | 0.51 |
| BSC 18 E | 18 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.56 | 1.12 |
| BSC 20 E | 20 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.56 | 1.12 |
| BSC 25 E | 25 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.71 | 1.43 |
| BSC 32 E | 32.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1.73 | 3.47 |
| BSC 42 E | 42 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 2.34 | 4.69 |
| BSC 50 E | 50 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 3.06 | 6.12 |
| BSC 53 E | 51.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 2.81 | 5.3 |
| BSC 62 E | 62 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 4.23 | 8.46 |
| BSC 85 E | 89 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 6.93 | 13.86 |
| BSC 88 E | 88 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 6.47 | 12.95 |
BSC F Series Bellows Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSC 14 F | 14 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.41 | 0.81 |
| BSC 26 F | 25.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1.27 | 2.54 |
| BSC 62 F | 61.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 8 | 17 |
BBSC CO Series Bellows Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction Cup Material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSC 110 CO | 110 | NBR, Silicone | 30 | 60 |
| BBSC 150 CO | 150 | NBR, Silicone | 51 | 102 |
BBSC B Series Bellows Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction Cup Material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSC 150 B | 150 | NBR | 51 | 102 |
| BBSC 210 B | 210 | NBR | 91 | 182 |
| BBSC 250 B | 250 | NBR | 110 | 228 |
BSC D Series Bellows Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material | Vertical Carrying Load (kgs) | Horizontal Carrying Load (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSC 11 D | 11 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.10 | 0.20 |
| BSC 16 D | 15.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.41 | 0.82 |
| BSC 20 D | 18.5 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.26 | 0.52 |
| BSC 22 D | 22 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.56 | 1.12 |
| BSC 25 D | 25 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 0.65 | 1.43 |
| BSC 37 D | 33 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1.74 | 3.47 |
| BSC 38 D | 38 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 1.74 | 3.47 |
| BSC 43 D | 43 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 2.35 | 4.69 |
| BSC 53 D | 54 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 4.23 | 8.46 |
| BSC 65 D | 64 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 7.09 | 14.17 |
| BSC 80 D | 80 | NBR, Silicon, Viton | 9.89 | 19.78 |
BBSC P Series Bellows Suction Cups
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Suction cup material |
|---|---|---|
| BBSC 75 P | 75 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| BBSC 110 P | 110 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |
| BBSC 150 P | 150 | NBR, Silicon, Viton |