Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

		Why do you have flat vacuum cups with or without cleats? Cleats prevent products from getting sucked in. They increase the retention force of the vacuum cup by enlarging the active suction area. The product is stabilized by enhancing the axial stability. Cleats are particularly recommended for flexible products or in case of high acceleration forces in the machine, since the product is prevented from shifting or slipping.

When do you use oval or rectangular vacuum cups? Oval and rectangular vacuum cups are suitable for longitudinal or cylindrical work-pieces occupying low space (e.g. rails, framings, tubes and bolts). They are also suitable for corrugated work-pieces and products having bars and webs. They offer considerably greater suction force compared to round vacuum cups having the same width.

		What is the maximum temperature at which the vacuum cups can be used? The use of vacuum cups at high temperatures is always dependent on the product and the time period in which the vacuum cup is in contact with the work-piece. In general, the following materials can be used: Silicone: up to +200°C FKM: up to +200°C Thermalon®: up to +160°C HNBR yellow: for a short period up to +160°C Higher temperatures on request - Please get in touch with us: +49 (0) 89 / 96 24 89-0

Which material do you recommend if non-marking is specified? There are no non-marking vacuum cups. In this case, we speak of vacuum cups that are non-marking to a large extent. If the vacuum cups had been non-marking, the converse argument would be that they never wear out. There are different materials for this purpose, but they must be selected depending on the respective application. Examples: Thermalon®, cups with felt layer, vacuum cups with foam layer, vinyl cups or those made of silicone. We would be pleased to assist you in finding the suitable material for your application: +49 (0) 89 / 96 24 89-0

		Which vacuum cups can be used for food? The demands on vacuum cups in the food industry range from the handling of already wrapped foods to the direct handling of unpacked food products. Due to the specific contour and texture of the products, they mostly require a distinct adjustment of the construction of vacuum cups. Specific requirements are also posed upon the material. Thus, in the food industry there should only be used vacuum cups whose material is FDA conformal. Mostly silicone is used. To satisfy your individual demands concerning vacuum cups for the food industry we are pleased to help you find the right vacuum cup for your application. +49 (0) 89 / 96 24 89-0

Which vacuum cups are resistant to chemicals? FIPA offers a wide product range of vacuum cups. Resistance against chemicals depends on several factors and varies from one material to another. We would be pleased to furnish information to you regarding the chemicals that various vacuum cups are resistant to. Please contact us: +49 (0) 89 / 96 24 89-0

		When are flat vacuum cups used? The flat vacuum cups of FIPA offer lateral stability owing to their shape during the suction process and positional accuracy when depositing the products. Additional cleats in the cup provide greater lateral strength and prevent flexible products from being sucked in and the vacuum cups from shifting or slipping in case of high acceleration forces.

When are bellows vacuum cups used? Bellows vacuum cups are particularly suitable for sensitive materials having an uneven surface. They facilitate easy level and angular compensation with varying product surfaces and pick up the product as soon as the vacuum is switched on. The more folds that the vacuum cup has, the larger is the lifting movement and thus, the height compensation. However, the lateral stability reduces with the number of folds. Bellows vacuum cups, hence, are recommended only for vertical handling of products.

		What is the color of various materials? In general, it may be said that the color of the vacuum cup is independent of the material. For example, silicone is available in several colors from transparent right up to red. Conversely, you cannot draw any inference on the material of a vacuum cup from its color.

Can special applications be implemented? FIPA offers a very wide range of vacuum cups, which means that a large number of applications can be covered with the cups available in its standard product range. If, however, a product calls for a non-standard geometry or consistency, the FIPA team would be pleased to advise you regarding the manufacture of a customized product for your company. Please get in touch with us: +49 (0) 89 / 96 24 89-0