Suction Cup Guide
Guide to Choosing the Right Suction Cup...
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Vacuum gripping ensures the quick handling of a multitude of fragile or complex-shaped objects such as cardboard, paper, or pastries. It is done using one or more suction cups integrated into an automated system. The suction cup acts as the link between the object to be gripped and the gripping system. It is the difference between the vacuum created inside the suction cup and the atmospheric pressure that allows the suction cup to adhere to an object. This pressure difference is achieved by connecting the suction cup to a vacuum generator, also called a venturi or vacuum pump.
NOVACOM develops and manufactures a complete range of suction cups, flat, bellows, oblong, rectangular, ... to meet the specific needs expressed by our clients. More than 5,000 references are offered in a wide choice of materials (natural rubber, Nitrile, food-grade silicone, vinyl,...).
Our range is complemented by other components necessary for effective vacuum gripping: inserts, supports, spring assemblies, and various accessories.
GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA
To choose the right suction cup, several parameters must be considered:
- The shape of the object to be gripped: flat, curved, cylindrical, wavy, ...
- The material of the object to be gripped: porous, deformable, rigid, flexible, or fragile product, ...
- The surface condition of the object: abrasive, granular, smooth, ...
- The appearance of the object: oily, dusty, dry, viscous, wet, ...
- The weight of the object
- The temperature of the object
- The orientation of the grip: horizontal, vertical, angular, level difference, ...
- The type of grip: handling, lifting, depiling objects, holding, ...
- The available surface
- Cycle times
GRIPPING FORCE
The gripping force of a suction cup varies according to its shape, material, and internal volume. In this catalog, the gripping force of suction cups is a real force at 90% vacuum, calculated with a safety coefficient of 2 for horizontal grip and 4 for vertical grip. It is expressed in Newton.
DIFFERENT SHAPES
Suction cups are generally distinguished: flat, bellows, oblong, rectangular, and conical. Each shape has its own advantages. For example, a flat suction cup is chosen for objects with a flat or slightly curved surface, while a bellows suction cup is used for handling objects with irregular surfaces or at different heights. Find the details of the different suction cup shapes.
DEFLECTION
The deflection of the suction cup is the difference between the rest position and the vacuum position. In this catalog, this value is indicated on each suction cup plan by the letter “F”.
The theoretical gripping capacity of a suction cup is expressed in Newton and is calculated using the following formula:
Force (N) = Inner surface of the lip (cm2) x 0.9 (90% vacuum) x 9.81 (gravity)
To ensure optimal safety of use and account for movements and accelerations, the forces of the suction cups indicated in this catalog include a safety coefficient of 2 for horizontal grip and 4 for vertical grip.
The internal volume of the suction cup helps determine the total volume of the gripping system. The larger the internal volume of the suction cup and the circuit, the higher the flow rate must be. Therefore, a large-sized venturi should be chosen.
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SUCTION CUP?
