INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Vacuum Cup

Vacuum cup is a pneumatic component used in industrial automation for gripping and handling objects through suction force.

Component Specifications

Definition
A vacuum cup is a flexible, typically bellows-shaped component made from elastomeric materials that creates a vacuum seal when pressed against an object's surface. It functions as the interface between a vacuum system and the workpiece in material handling applications, enabling secure gripping without mechanical clamps. The cup deforms to match surface contours, creating an airtight seal that allows atmospheric pressure to hold the object when internal air is evacuated.
Working Principle
Operates on the pressure differential between the evacuated cup interior and the surrounding atmosphere. When the vacuum cup contacts a surface and air is evacuated from the interior chamber, atmospheric pressure (approximately 14.7 psi at sea level) exerts force on the object's exterior surface, creating a holding force proportional to the cup's effective area and vacuum level. The flexible material conforms to surface irregularities to maintain seal integrity.
Materials
Typically made from nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone, polyurethane, or fluorocarbon elastomers. Material selection depends on application requirements: NBR for general use, silicone for food-grade applications, polyurethane for abrasion resistance, fluorocarbon for chemical resistance. Shore hardness ranges from 30A to 70A. Temperature resistance varies by material: -40°C to +200°C for specialized formulations.
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Height15-100 mm
Diameter10-300 mm
Vacuum Level60-95% of atmospheric pressure
Holding Force0.5-500 N per cup
Lift Capacity1-50 kg per cup
Response Time10-500 ms
Operating Temperature-20°C to +80°C (standard)

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, ISO 4414

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Seal failure due to surface contamination
  • Material degradation from UV exposure or chemicals
  • Insufficient holding force causing dropped objects
  • Cup detachment during high-speed movements
  • Permeability issues with porous materials
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Surface contamination (oil, dust, moisture)
Failure: Loss of vacuum seal
Mitigation: Implement surface cleaning systems; use cups with wiping lips; select appropriate material hardness
Trigger: Material fatigue from cyclic loading
Failure: Crack formation and leakage
Mitigation: Regular replacement schedules; use reinforced designs; monitor cycle counts
Trigger: Incorrect cup selection for application
Failure: Insufficient gripping force
Mitigation: Conduct thorough application testing; include safety factors in calculations; use multiple cups for redundancy

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
±0.5 mm on critical dimensions, vacuum leakage < 0.5 mbar·L/s at test conditions
Test Method
ISO 21287 for performance testing, DIN 32561 for dimensional verification, pressure decay testing for seal integrity

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.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Vacuum Cup

2 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.

Bilsing Automation (Kunshan) Co., Ltd.
Kunshan, Jiangsu, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Vacuum Cups & Venturis”
View source page ↗ bilsing-automation.com · checked 2026-09-02
GiNT
嘉兴, Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “保温杯 Vacuum Cup”
View source page ↗ gint.cc · checked 2026-09-17

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What surfaces can vacuum cups grip effectively?

Vacuum cups work best on smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, plastic, and coated materials. They can handle slightly curved surfaces but struggle with highly porous, rough, or oily surfaces without special adaptations.

How do you calculate the required vacuum cup size?

Calculate based on object weight, safety factor (typically 2-4x), vacuum level, and surface conditions. Formula: Cup diameter = √(4 × Weight × Safety Factor / (π × Vacuum Pressure × Friction Coefficient)).

What maintenance do vacuum cups require?

Regular inspection for wear, cracks, or contamination; cleaning of sealing surfaces; replacement when hardness increases by 10 Shore points or visible damage occurs; checking vacuum lines for leaks.

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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