ZP Vertical Entry
The ZPT series suction cups are available in diameters from 2 to 125mm, 6-cup materials, and 4-cup designs (flat, flat with ribs, deep and bellows), to suit multiple applications. Vertical vacuum entry connections can be made via one-touch fittings or threaded connections. Optional buffers can be ordered with up to 50mm stroke. SMC's ZP2 series vacuum pads are available in diameters from 2 to 340mm, and offer a variety of pad materials and designs. The ZP2 series was designed to standardize special products designed for the ZP series. Pad types include: miniature cups, compact cups, nozzle cups, multi-bellows cups, sponge cups, mark-free cups, oval cup variations, and heavy-duty cup variations. Optional buffers can be ordered with up to 100mm stroke. The ZP3 line of suction cups has a compact pad and the buffer body has been shortened by as much as 2.2" when compared to the ZP series. The optional buffer can be ordered with up to 20mm stroke.
ZPT (U,C,D,B,UT,CT), Vacuum Pad, Vertical Entry
The ZPT vertical entry vacuum pad is the baseline, standard-issue suction cup assembly for basic pick-and-place automation where the robotic Z-axis heights are fixed and predictable. It provides a fixed mechanical connection, via standard male or female threads, to custom robotic tooling plates. Because it lacks a spring mechanism, it's cost-effective, compact, and provides shear-force resistance when moving heavy parts horizontally at high speeds.
ZPT (U,C,D,B,UT,CT)(J,K), Vacuum Pad, Vertical Entry, w/Buffer
The ZPT vacuum pad with buffer features an integrated, spring-loaded buffer stroke built into the threaded metal stem that acts as a localized mechanical shock absorber. When a fast-moving, heavy robotic arm strikes a rigid part, the internal spring compresses, preventing the part from being crushed and compensating for slight variations in workpiece height. They are used in automotive assembly, plastic injection molding operations, and general automation lines where workpiece heights vary slightly from cycle to cycle.
ZPT-J/K, Ball Joint Pad with Buffer, Vertical Entry
The ZPT-J/K combines the best of both worlds - the integrated shock-absorbing spring buffer and the built-in push-to-connect pneumatic fitting, providing plug-and-play installation. It simplifies the pneumatic hose routing of large, multi-cup end-effectors, while providing the mechanical cushioning necessary to safely handle fragile items. It's used in glass manufacturing, thin sheet metal handling, and delicate consumer goods packaging.
ZPT-B*, Ball Joint Pad without Buffer, Female Thread, Vertical Entry
The ZPT-B* ball joint pad without buffer integrates SMC’s signature one-touch, push-to-connect tube fitting directly into the top of the vertical stem, cutting assembly time, reducing the overall weight of the gripper, maximizing the robot's payload capacity, and eliminating a common point of vacuum thread leakage.
ZPT, Ball Joint Pad without Buffer, Male Thread, Vertical Entry
The ZPT ball joint pad without buffer incorporates a heavy-duty, articulating metallic ball joint directly into the vertical adapter. It’s used to lift parts with sweeping contours, sloped angles, or heavy drafts, such as molded plastic tub enclosures, and allows the suction cup to swivel and mate flush with sloped surfaces, saving 6-axis robot programming time.