Key factors to consider when selecting suction cups with Robotiq vacuum grippers
Context
Choosing the correct suction cups is essential for ensuring reliable and efficient gripping performance with vacuum grippers. This article provides guidance to help you select the most suitable suction cups for your application, specifically when using Robotiq vacuum grippers like EPick or PowerPick.
Information
Gripping Force
The gripping force depends on several key factors:
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Cup diameter
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Ambient pressure
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Level of vacuum your gripper can achieve
To better understand how to calculate the gripping force, refer to section 6.2.1 of the user manual for Robotiq vacuum grippers.
💡 Note: Robotiq vacuum grippers EPick and PowerPick come with two cup sizes: 40 mm and 55 mm in diameter.
Cup Shapes vs. Surface Types
Choosing between standard cups and bellows cups depends on the surface profile of the object being handled:
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Use standard cups (no bellows) for flat, rigid surfaces.
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Use bellows cups when the surface is uneven, inclined, or has texture variations.
💡 Note: Robotiq’s EPick and PowerPick grippers include 1.5 bellows cups, which suit most applications.
Suction Cup Materials
Different materials offer varying levels of wear resistance and temperature tolerance. Review the table below for reference:
In addition, material compatibility with application types (e.g., food-grade, oily surfaces, high-temperature) is important:
💡 Note: Robotiq grippers are equipped with Polyurethane cups, a versatile option that fits the majority of use cases.
Expert Recommendations
If you're unsure which suction cup best suits your needs, we recommend consulting with specialized pneumatic suppliers like Festo, Piab, or Coval. These companies can often provide proof-of-concept testing to help validate the most appropriate cup type for your application.
📌 Important: The illustrations and material tables in this article were originally created by Festo.
Conclusion
Choosing the right suction cups involves evaluating the gripping force, surface compatibility, and material resistance. Robotiq’s standard configurations cover many common needs, but expert advice can help for specialized requirements.