INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Suction Cups

Suction cups are flexible vacuum components used in industrial automation for gripping, lifting, and manipulating objects through negative pressure.

Component Specifications

Definition
Suction cups are elastomeric components that create a vacuum seal when pressed against a surface, enabling material handling systems to grip objects without mechanical clamps. They convert pneumatic vacuum pressure into holding force, commonly used in robotic end-effectors, pick-and-place systems, and automated assembly lines. Their performance depends on cup geometry, material properties, surface compatibility, and vacuum system integrity.
Working Principle
Suction cups operate on the Bernoulli principle and vacuum adhesion. When pressed against an object, they form an airtight seal, and a vacuum pump evacuates air from the cavity, creating negative pressure (typically -0.6 to -0.9 bar). Atmospheric pressure exerts force on the object's surface, generating holding force (F = P × A, where P is pressure differential and A is effective sealing area). Release occurs by breaking the vacuum through positive air pressure or mechanical detachment.
Materials
Materials include nitrile rubber (NBR) for oil resistance, silicone for high-temperature applications (up to 250°C), polyurethane for durability, and fluorocarbon for chemical resistance. Shore hardness ranges from 30A (soft) to 70A (firm). FDA-approved silicone or EPDM is used in food/pharma industries.
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Height5-100 mm
Diameter10-200 mm
Holding Force1-500 N per cup
Shore Hardness30A-70A
Vacuum Pressure-0.6 to -0.9 bar
Temperature Range-40°C to 250°C

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards
ISO 21287, DIN 32561

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Seal failure on porous surfaces
  • Material degradation from chemicals/UV
  • Vacuum loss due to leaks
  • Overloading causing detachment
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Surface contamination (oil, dust)
Failure: Incomplete seal leading to grip failure
Mitigation: Use oil-resistant materials (NBR), implement surface cleaning, select cups with sealing lips
Trigger: Excessive side load or torque
Failure: Cup peeling and sudden release
Mitigation: Design grippers with multiple cups, use stiffeners, limit acceleration forces

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Dimensional tolerance ±0.5mm per ISO 21287; vacuum hold time >2 seconds under rated load
Test Method
ISO 21287:2015 for performance testing; leak rate <0.1 mbar·L/s; cyclic endurance >1 million cycles

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Suction Cups

3 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

HanTian Automation (ZheJiang) Co.,Ltd.
Wuhan, Hubei, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Suction Cups ”
View source page ↗ h-tan.com · recorded 2026-09-10
Jinan PLK Machinery Co., Ltd.
Shandong, CN
Also makes: Suction Cup / Gripper
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Suction Cups”
View source page ↗ plklifter.com · recorded 2026-09-09
Xiamen Better Silicone Rubber Co., Ltd.
Xiamen, Fujian, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Rubber Suction Cups”
View source page ↗ better-silicone.com · recorded 2026-09-05

Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the holding force of a suction cup?

Use F = P × A × S, where F is force (N), P is vacuum pressure (bar), A is effective sealing area (mm²), and S is a safety factor (typically 0.5-0.8). For example, a 50mm cup at -0.8 bar provides ~125 N force.

What materials are best for porous or uneven surfaces?

Soft silicone or polyurethane cups (Shore 30A-40A) with deep bellows or multiple lips conform better to irregular surfaces, improving seal integrity.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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