What are vacuum cups used for?
Vacuum Cups in the Industry Settings
Presently, vacuum-fed suction cups find widespread use in various industrial plants. They are commonly employed in operations such as robot grippers for palletizing or depalletizing boxes of finished products. Additionally, within the manufacturing process, vacuum cups are frequently utilized for lifting, moving, or securing various elements. This application extends to both automated machines and processing lines, showcasing the versatility and efficiency of vacuum cups in diverse industrial settings.
Vacuum cups for handling glass panes
Glass panels play a vital role in diverse industrial sectors, from construction to automotive and electronics. In processing industries, machines like cutting and washing equipment heavily rely on glass panes. However, the delicate nature and size of glass make handling a challenging task. To overcome this challenge, the use of vacuum lifter equipment equipped with suction cups specifically designed for glass ensures both safety and efficiency.
Suction cups tailored for glass deliver a secure grip on glass panes, mitigating the risk of breakage and ensuring the well-being of workers. These suction cups come in various sizes and configurations, featuring base plates for easy attachment to machines or equipment. The versatility of these cups allows them to handle glass panes of different sizes and shapes, with adjustable suction cups ensuring an optimal grip.
Incorporating suction cups designed for glass into vacuum lifter equipment enables processing industries to achieve a secure and efficient glass handling process, minimizing the chances of downtime and production losses. The rigid design of suction cup base plates, coupled with a suspension bolt, offers a flexible solution that meets the specific requirements of glass handling operations.
Vacuum cups for lifting sheet metal
The loading and unloading of sheet metal are prevalent applications in laser cutting machines, sheet metal processing and handling machines, sheet metal loading equipment, and warehousing systems designed for steel production, sheet metal, shipyards, and rolling mills. In production lines, a range of industrial vacuum suction cups is available for sheet metal handling and lifting, catering to various requirements in these industrial processes.
Vacuum cups for lifting wooden panels
The wood industry encompasses several sectors, including the sawing industry, wood-based materials industry, waste wood recycling, furniture construction, woodworking, and wood trade. Within these diverse areas, various vacuum components, vacuum lifters, vacuum tube lifters, and handling systems are specifically designed for applications involving the lifting of wood products.
Composition of Vacuum Cups
The majority of vacuum suction cups consist of two primary components: RUBBER, which is the part in contact with the workpiece and forms the seal of the vacuum cup, maintaining the vacuum level inside. The characteristics of the rubber are crucial for the proper functioning of the vacuum cup and, consequently, the entire vacuum system. Notable features include shape, material, and hardness.
The METAL PART and the FITTING are components that facilitate the mounting of the vacuum cup on its working site. Typically, this includes a threaded connection (male or female). G threads are commonly utilized due to their effective sealing properties. These elements collectively contribute to the overall performance and reliability of the vacuum suction cup in various applications.
Vacuum Cups Portfolio for All Industries
EUROTECH offers a comprehensive range of vacuum cups to ensure the proper selection for diverse applications. The vacuum cup serves as the crucial contact element, and an inappropriate choice can lead to the overall failure of the machine where it is installed. EUROTECH’s range includes:
- Diameters: Ranging from 4 to 920 mm, catering to various workpiece sizes.
- Construction Types: Different cup constructions, such as simple, bellows, triple lip, etc., providing versatility for specific needs.
- Technical Rubbers: EUROTECH provides a selection of technical rubbers tailored for different applications, ensuring optimal performance.
These vacuum cups are typically crafted from commonly used rubbers, but EUROTECH also offers customization with various materials to meet specific application requirements. This comprehensive range underscores EUROTECH’s commitment to providing solutions that align with diverse industrial needs.
Engineering of the Shape of Vacuum Cups
Flat Suction Cups:
Among the most prevalent, these suction cups are designed for handling a wide array of objects, both flat and slightly curved. This family encompasses various sub-models, each tailored to ensure specific handling characteristics. For instance, they are adept at the movement of metal plates in press feed applications or delicately handling fine deformable materials like cardboard, paper, or plastic. Specific models within this category incorporate a triple-seal lip, enhancing their suitability for rough surfaces or those with engravings and reliefs of a certain depth.
Bellows Suction Cups:
Deployed when handling pieces with level differences that need compensation or when arranging a matrix of vacuum cups on uneven shapes with sloping or curved surfaces. Some models, especially the longer ones (not ideal for vertical handling or high vacuum levels), excel in tasks such as fruit handling. These cups serve the purpose of lifting the working piece without the need for a small pneumatic cylinder. Upon vacuum application, the bellows compress, raising the piece efficiently.
Rectangular Suction Cups:
Rectangular vacuum cups are specifically designed for efficiently handling narrow workpieces or situations where optimizing the available surface area is crucial. Within this category, there are models featuring a one-and-a-half bellows structure, combining the benefits of a ball joint with height compensation. This innovative design allows these cups to adapt seamlessly to various irregularities, including uneven, inclined, or curved surfaces. Additionally, there is a sub-family of models tailored for specialized applications like handling sacks with precision.
Technical Details of Vacuum Cups
Diameter of vacuum cups at work (mm):
The diameter of a vacuum cup varies depending on whether it is at rest or exerting pressure on the working piece. This distinction is crucial, especially when the vacuum cup has limited working surface, potentially leading to slippage over the edge of the workpiece. It becomes equally important in scenarios involving a matrix of vacuum cups positioned closely together, helping to avoid interference between them.
Minimum radius of curvature (mm):
This parameter dictates the minimum curvature radius to which the vacuum cup can adapt. It holds significance when handling spherical or tubular pieces. Ensuring good contact around the entire perimeter of the vacuum cup is essential, as any vacuum leaks could result in the escape of the load being handled.
Stroke of vacuum pads (mm):
The maximum stroke refers to the length difference between the vacuum cup at rest and when it is under vacuum. This value holds relevance in two main scenarios. Firstly, it facilitates the displacement of the part to be gripped by the vacuum cup, essentially allowing the vacuum cup to function as a linear actuator. Secondly, it enables height adjustment in a group of vacuum cups, allowing the gripper to adapt to curved or irregular surfaces with ease.
Volume of the seal (l):
This specification refers to the internal volume of the cup, encompassing the standard orifice fitting. The knowledge of this parameter is instrumental in calculating the total volume of the vacuum system and determining the evacuation time.
Weight (g):
The weight measurement provides the total weight of the cup, taking into account both the rubber and metal components. This information is essential for considerations related to the overall weight distribution and load-bearing capacity of the vacuum cup in various applications.
Materials of Vacuum Suction Cups
The characteristics of the materials mentioned herein are intended as guidelines and may be influenced by the unique conditions of each application. Colors, hardness levels, and other features outlined in this table are subject to change without prior notice and may exhibit variations across specific models of vacuum cups.
The material composition of a suction cup is a critical factor influencing its performance characteristics. Different vacuum cups exhibit varying capabilities, allowing them to handle diverse surfaces and substances. Specific vacuum pads may even possess resistance to factors such as oil and ozone. In applications within the electronics industry, the use of anti-static vacuum cups becomes imperative to ensure the integrity and quality of delicate workpieces.
Our comprehensive range of vacuum cups encompasses various types and materials, ranging from NBR, NR, silicone, PU to Fluoro rubber, each available in different Shore hardness levels. Additionally, factors such as the shape of the base surface (round, oval, rectangular), the type of supporting surface (grooves, burls, support bars), and the internal volume of the seal all contribute significantly to the cup’s overall functionality. With a commitment to tailor-made solutions, we offer customized vacuum cup options to meet the specific requirements of diverse applications.
Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation means that specific materials may undergo modifications to enhance performance or address evolving industry requirements. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding material specifications, please refer to the individual product documentation or consult with our technical experts. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we strive to deliver optimal solutions tailored to your specific application needs.
Height Compensation for Vacuum Suction Cups: Innovative Spring-Based System
Introducing a cutting-edge system designed for precise height adjustment through the incorporation of a spring mechanism. This innovative spring action offers versatile solutions for various applications, addressing challenges such as:
- Grippers with Varied Height Requirements: Ideal for grippers tasked with picking up pieces positioned at different levels of height. The spring-based system ensures adaptability to varying workpiece elevations.
- Multi-Cup Placement on a Single Piece: Facilitates the placement of multiple vacuum cups on a single workpiece with contact points at distinct heights. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances the versatility of handling diverse materials.
- Impact Absorption for Fragile Pieces: Capitalizing on the damper effect, the system absorbs impacts effectively, providing a protective cushion for fragile pieces during the handling process. This not only safeguards the workpieces but also contributes to the extended lifespan of the vacuum cups.
This height compensation system stands as a testament to technological innovation in the realm of vacuum suction cups, offering solutions that elevate efficiency, precision, and durability across a spectrum of industrial applications.
Suction Cup Covers: Solution for Mark-Free Handling
These innovative covers serve a crucial purpose by preventing the cup from leaving any marks or imprints on highly polished or sensitive surfaces, particularly in applications involving the delicate handling of materials like glass. This protective feature ensures the preservation of surface integrity and quality, addressing the need for flawless results in material handling processes.
Suction cup covers – minimizing suction marks on glass surfaces
Glass, a universally utilized but delicate material, often requires the application of vacuum handling technology to maneuver it without causing damage. While lifting devices play a crucial role in production, handling, and assembly processes, an inherent challenge arises – suction marks. These marks occur due to the prolonged and firm contact between vacuum suction cups and glass surfaces, particularly evident in the manufacturing of laminated glass and insulating glass.
The emergence of suction marks poses a significant concern, especially when dealing with workpieces featuring sensitive surfaces. Laminated glass, insulating glass, coated glass, and even mirrors are susceptible to suction marks during handling processes. Addressing this issue head-on, suction cup covers emerge as a vital solution to effectively minimize and prevent these unsightly marks on glass surfaces.
Suction cup covers SSUZ – avoid contamination to vacuum cups
When vacuum lifters or suction cups are not in use, they are vulnerable to contamination from dust, moisture, and powders present in the workshop environment. The SSUZ Series suction cup covers act as protective shields for vacuum cups, preventing the intrusion of harmful particles and extending the overall lifespan of the system. This solution is versatile and applicable to vacuum cups made from various industrial materials.
Area Gripper and Vacuum Gripping System for Special Workpieces
Vacuum gripping systems are specifically crafted to handle diverse surfaces with varying conditions, such as porosity and airtightness, among others. These area gripping systems find widespread application in handling workpieces made from different materials, including wood, glass, packaging, and metal sheets.
The incorporation of sealing foams into area gripping systems, such as the eT-Gripper, enhances production efficiency by enabling the simultaneous handling of multiple objects. This feature proves particularly advantageous in high-volume manufacturing environments, where time and productivity are paramount. By automating object handling, vacuum gripping systems also contribute to reducing the risk of worker injury or fatigue.
Key Features:
- Suitable for handling cutting and construction wood, wood shavings, glue, sheet goods, pallets, and crate parts.
- Adaptable for use with surfaces featuring cracks, knots, or extensive wear and tear.
- Service and maintenance-friendly design.
- Ideal for applications in sawmills, the wood industry, and furniture manufacturing.
- Compact design and low total weight facilitate compatibility with industrial robots and portals.
- Constructed from aluminum extruded sections.
- Available in various sizes to accommodate different operational needs.
EUROTECH Vacuum Technologies: Elevating Industry Standards with Cutting-Edge Vacuum Handling Solutions
EUROTECH Vacuum Technologies stands as a leading provider in the vacuum handling and vacuum handling system industry, specializing in cutting-edge vacuum components and suction cups designed for applications in glass, wood, and sheet metal processing industries. Our product range is meticulously crafted to enhance productivity and efficiency across various production machines and assembly lines.
Beyond suction cups, we offer a comprehensive selection of industrial parts, including vacuum generators, vacuum tube lifters, connectors, and suction cup covers for industrial lifting systems. For complete handling solutions, our offerings extend to suction plate systems with clamping solutions, suspension systems, and vacuum lifters tailored to handle diverse workpieces.
Tailored vacuum handling solutions: components and parts
EUROTECH Vacuum Technologies boasts extensive experience and proficiency in utilizing vacuum technology to handle glass of diverse sizes and shapes. Our primary objective is to ensure the safe and efficient movement, installation, and removal of glass.
Our adept team is specifically trained to handle glass with precision and care, employing vacuum lifters and suction cups. This guarantees the security of glass throughout its transportation, installation, and removal, thereby minimizing the risk of damage and injury, especially when dealing with delicate glass.
Our vacuum handling portfolio encompasses suction cups, connectors, vacuum reservoirs, and vacuum generators. We are confident in our ability to address various industrial handling challenges. EUROTECH collaborates closely with clients to tailor the best solutions for their needs.
EUROTECH excels in crafting customized solutions for all its products, including suction cups and vacuum lifters. By comprehensively understanding our customers’ challenges, we design solutions that best suit their requirements. Our team continually strives to innovate and enhance products, aiding customers in achieving greater efficiency in their operations.