Vacuum Products
Vacuum products play a critical role in modern automation by enabling precise handling, lifting, and positioning across a wide range of industries. From pick-and-place operations to packaging and material transfer, vacuum technology delivers clean, efficient, and reliable performance. A comprehensive vacuum products lineup typically includes vacuum generators, suction cups, vacuum pumps, filters, and accessories—all designed to work seamlessly together to optimize system performance.
Explore solutions engineered to improve productivity while reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements. Whether you're handling delicate components or heavy materials, vacuum systems offer flexible, non-invasive gripping that minimizes product damage and maximizes throughput. With options tailored for various applications and environments, these products help ensure consistent operation, improved safety, and enhanced overall efficiency in your automated processes.
Suction Cups
Suction Cups are the critical point of contact for pick and place applications for handling corrugated cardboard, metal or glass sheets, food processing and packaging, and even bag opening tasks. They are designed in a wide range of diameters ranging from 0.8mm to 200mm for tiny objects to heavy-duty applications. SMC's standard cup shapes include: flat, thin flat, bellows, deep, oval, and oval flat. Suction cup materials are: Silicone, NBR, urethane, FKM, mark-free, and FDA compliant food grade materials. Installation options can be specified on either spring loaded buffers or threaded stems. Special application cups include: integrated with vacuum generator, with check valve, and in porous materials.
Vacuum Generators
Vacuum Generators create industrial vacuum at the application's point of use utilizing the venturi effect and fluid flow from compressed air or gases. They are compact and light weight units designed for end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) on robotic arms or end effectors generating suction gripping force at the point of use while minimizing inertia. Vacuum levels as low as -27 inHG (-93 kPA) can be attained with multi-stage generators with suction flow greater than 7 SCFM (200 L/min). They can be configured into manifolds or mounted as individual units with options including: energy savings, compact, multi-stage, point-of-use, high speed release and integrated generator with suction cups.
Vacuum Filters
Vacuum Filters protect vacuum generators and other vacuum equipment from contaminants and other small particles to maintain trouble-free pick and place operations. The filters are light weight and available in compact and inline types with replacement filter elements.
Vacuum Sensors
Vacuum Sensors are electrical devices that provide switch output signals for set points to monitor vacuum pressure in machine automation, leak testing equipment, and pick and place applications. They are also installed in process gas and liquid applications for the semiconductor and food processing industries. Electronic versions are available with multi-line and multi-color displays and IO-Link compatible. They meet standards: UL/CSA, CE, and are RoHS compliant.
Vacuum Regulators
Vacuum Regulators control and stabilize the level of vacuum by regulating the flow of atmosphere introduced into its chamber by manually adjusting a diaphragm valve or by electro/pneumatic stepless control via a proportional electric signal. The E/P units have an integrated monitor and are rated IP65.
Collaborative Robot Vacuum Unit
The vacuum unit is a plug and play integration kit that is compatible with several collaborative robots. The design is compact and lightweight with many cup configurations including 1 cup, 2 cup or 4 cup options. The cup options include variations of shapes, materials, and sizes. One of the notable options include the FDA compliant cup material. The unit includes connector, mounting flange, protective cover, and integrated vacuum unit.
Vacuum Saving Valve
The vacuum saving valve (ZP2V) is installed between the suction cup and vacuum source and will constrict when it is not holding a workpiece, only allowing suction air to flow through a small fixed orifice, acting as a flow control device. When the suction cup is holding a part, the valve will expand increasing flow to the suction cup. This feature will save time by not having to reconfigure or remove idle suction cups when not being used for different tasks.
High Vacuum Products
High Vacuum for semiconductor wafer manufacturing requires precision equipment to exhaust air from the process chamber and to supply atmospheric to restore the chamber to atmospheric pressure.
Slit Valves (XGTP) allow access to transfer the wafer into and out of the process chamber.
Angle and Inline Valves (XL, XM, XY) are used to exhaust the chamber.
Supply Valves (XSA, XVD) are used to supply gases to the chamber.
Air Conveyor
With no moving parts, air conveyors (ZH-X226, ZH-X249, ZH-X338) will create vacuum to transfer bulk materials like grain or pellets; they can also be used to remove smoke, debris, and fine particles from the work area. By reversing the air flow, they become air blow off units.
Other Vacuum Equipment
The special purpose SP Adsorption Plate adsorbs workpieces and holds them in position without leaving wrinkles, air bubbles or marks, making this an ideal addition for production lines thin sheets, glass, substrates, and soft workpieces. The ZCUK special cylinder bundles suction and lifting forces by integrating a hollow cylinder rod with a suction cup interface to save time on set-up. Bore sizes available up to 32mm and stroke lengths up to 50mm.
The AMJ water separator for vacuum removes water droplets sucked into the vacuum line during work operations to protect upstream vacuum generators and pumps.
Vacuum Products FAQ
Q: What is vacuum material handling equipment used for?A: In manufacturing and logistics, vacuum lifting equipment uses negative pressure to safely grip and transport items without the need for mechanical clamps or manual labor. These systems speed up production lines while protecting operators from injury and products from damage.
Q: What are the benefits of vacuum lifter systems in manufacturing?
A: Vacuum conveying and lifting systems use suction to grip, hold, and move materials. For large, heavy products like sheet metal, solar panels, or doors, a vacuum system moves products without bending the metal or getting the operator’s hands near sharp edges.. In industries with fragile products or strict hygiene requirements, lifters safely transport pharmaceutical powders and pills and handle delicate food items without leaving marks or breaking them.
Q: What are common applications of vacuum conveyors and lifters?
|
The Application |
The Materials |
The Why |
|
Metalworking |
Sheet metal, steel plates, and aluminum rolls |
Vacuum lifters grip the large, flat surface without bending the metal. |
|
Glass Manufacture |
Windows, automotive glass, and solar panels |
Suction cups provide a secure hold without shattering the pane. |
|
Palletizing |
Cardboard boxes, shrink-wrapped goods, and bags |
Automated grippers on robotic arms are used for loading and unloading boxes. |
|
Pharmaceutical |
Powders, active ingredients, pills, and gel capsules |
They safely transport pharma products between process stations. |
|
Food Processing |
Batching flour, sugar, milk powder, and spices Depanning freshly baked breads, cakes, and pastries |
They pull pre-measured quantities of dry ingredients into large industrial mixers and lift baked goods off hot trays without damaging the exterior. |
Q. How is vacuum material handling equipment used by robots?
A. Cobot vacuum grippers are designed to bring flexibility, precision, and safety to collaborative automation. They are an ideal solution for automated palletizing and depalletizing applications, particularly for handling corrugated cardboard, and come in many plug-and-play options.