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Looking at the differences between suction cups, one of the main factors for the diversity of suction cups is the function. Besides, a lot also depends on the material and design of the suction cup. Business owners can consider different types. They are as follows:
Standard suction cups are manufactured from non-pliable material such as rubber or plastic. These suction cups can be used on flat surfaces that are non-porous. The working of these cups is dependent on air vacuum. When such a cup is pressed onto a flat surface, the air around its edges is displaced. The resulting vacuum pulls the cup against the surface, thereby holding it in place.
Edge grip cups hold to a surface's edge. They are great for lifting material with flat surfaces and right angles. For example, these cups are good on boxes or metal sheets. Edge grip cups are designed to work on corner or edge protrusions of a non-porous surface. They operate in a similar way as standard suction cups, forming a vacuum seal to create a gripping action.
A flat suction cup looks more like a disc. It is used to pull smooth surfaces. Flat suction cups are generally used for industries and robotics. A good example is the use of flat suction cups in robotic arms that assemble car parts. Another is in the glass industry, where they lift glass sheets.
These suction cups taper to a point or cone. They are used to follow inconsistent surfaces. Such surfaces can be uneven or being contoured. Conical cups offer a larger contact area at the base. This makes them effective at creating suction on irregular surfaces.
A bellows suction cup has one or two bellow sections. This allows it to flex and compensate for small surface variations. It is widely used in manufacturing for picking parts off conveyor belts. The flexibility helps when dealing with components that may have slight deviations in shape or position.
Here are the main ones:
Standard suction cups, be they rubber or silicone, have high durability. Silicone cups can last up to 10 years. Rubber cups generally last between 2 to 5 years. All this depends on the usage level. Standard suction cups are quite easy to care for. To clean them, wash with water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive cleansers. They should not be exposed to high heat or extreme cold.
Edge grip suction cups are durable. Some of them are designed for heavy-duty applications. For instance, in construction or manufacturing. They are usually made from tough materials like polyurethane or neoprene. These materials are highly resistant to wear and tear.
Flat suction cups are quite durable. They are designed from thick rubber, neoprene, or silicone. Because of this, they resist wear during frequent usage. Also, many of them have UV and ozone resistance properties. This ensures longevity even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Conical suction cups can be produced using different materials. They are rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomers. Each of these offers a certain degree of durability. In fact, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) conical cups, are suited for heavy-duty applications.
Bellows suction cups, like the conical ones, can be produced in various materials. These factors determine its durability. Also, the add bellows design brings flexibility and can easily bend without breaking. This can be helpful for applications that involve picking parts with uneven or textured surfaces.
Here are the key ones:
For suction cups, load capacity is basically how much weight they can hold. Vacuum cups are used to lift objects in manufacturing. Larger load weight requires a bigger suction cup size. This is because larger suction cups create a bigger vacuum surface. This distributes the object's weight over a larger area. This prevents the cup from collapsing under heavy weights.
Most suction cups are produced using rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) in production. Each material has its own advantages. For instance, rubber is a cost-effective option for general-purpose use. Silicone cups withstand a wide temperature range. They are used in foods, medicals, and electronics. Lastly, TPE cups bond well with surfaces like glass or metal. They are resistant to chemicals.
This looks at the type of surface the suction cup will be used on. It ensures that the suction cup will securely adhere to those surfaces. Glass, metal, plastic, and ceramics are non-porous surfaces that work well with suction cups. For this reason, many manufacturers produce suction cup lifters for photography using silicone.
Suction cups are available in different specifications. They are suitable for operation in different environmental conditions. For example, high temperatures, exposure to UV rays, or chemical environments. Such factors can affect a cup's performance. Using a matching cup material is, therefore, necessary. This is especially true when working in an environment with peaks of UV rays exposure.
Suction cups are designed with different sizes. Ideally, the larger the cup, the stronger its grip. For example, a suction cup for glass has a 70 mm diameter. This makes it ideal for large glass sheets or windows. Its size makes it ideal for handling large, smooth, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, choosing an ideal suction cup size for an application allows it to perform optimally.
A1. Conical suction cups can follow the contour of a surface. This enables them to grip accurately. Their pointed tip makes them ideal for picking parts with irregular or textured surfaces. This is otherwise difficult with standard flat cups.
A2. Yes, larger suction cups do have more holding power. Larger suction cups create a larger area. This helps distribute the object's weight over a larger area. This reduces the risk of air escaping and maintains a tighter seal.
A3. Yes, some suction cups are manufactured to withstand outdoor conditions. They are made from UV-resistant materials like neoprene. In Addition to this, they also resist environmental factors like sunlight or ozone.
A4. Common elements include the type of material a suction cup is made from. Also, environmental factors such as temperature and exposure to chemicals affect it. Lastly, the usage frequency and load weight contribute to the suction cup's durability.
A5. Suction cups are commonly used in automation. They are used to pick and place components in manufacturing. Also, they are used for handling fragile items like glass or sheet metal. In addition, they are used for packaging processes.
