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Error - Why Vacuum Levels Can Exceed the Maximum Setpoint with E‑Pick

Understanding suction overshoot during pick-up and strategies for consistent performance.

Context

When using the Robotiq E‑Pick vacuum gripper, users may observe that the actual vacuum level occasionally exceeds the maximum threshold configured in the grip command. While this behavior may seem incorrect, it is actually a normal and expected result of the vacuum generation process—especially when picking from a distance or working with nonporous materials.

This article explains why this overshoot happens, when it’s likely to occur, and what users can do to maintain consistent performance.

 

1. How Vacuum Overshoot Happens

The E‑Pick works by maintaining vacuum between a minimum and maximum threshold defined by the user. However, the real-time vacuum level may briefly exceed the set maximum under certain conditions:

  1. The vacuum pump activates and begins to build pressure.

  2. If the part is picked from a distance, more vacuum is needed to close the gap and create a seal.

  3. On nonporous materials, this process may create a sudden seal that pushes the vacuum level past the maximum threshold before the system reacts.

  4. On porous materials, vacuum may initially rise—but quickly drops due to air leakage, causing the pump to restart as needed.

This is not an error—it’s a normal side effect of how vacuum behaves under different material conditions.

 

2. When to Expect Overshoot

  • More likely on:

    • Nonporous surfaces (glass, metal, polished plastic)

    • Picks made from a longer distance

    • High-speed vacuum engagement

  • Less likely on:

    • Porous or textured materials (cardboard, fabric)

    • Close, controlled contact points

 

 

3. Best Practices to Manage Vacuum Overshoot

If vacuum overshoot interferes with your process or monitoring logic, try these tips:

  • Increase the maximum threshold slightly if system allows it.

  • Start closer to the object to reduce pressure buildup delay.



  • Use slower approach speeds to moderate the suction ramp-up.

  • Enable object detection monitoring using the tool bar

  • Use Advanced Mode in the vacuum gripper settings to fine-tune response and preset behavior.

 

Conclusion

Vacuum overshoot with the E‑Pick is a normal and expected behavior, especially when gripping nonporous objects from a distance. The system will stabilize quickly and continue operating within your set vacuum range. For critical applications, consider adjusting preset thresholds or using detection logic to monitor vacuum in real time.