Vacuum Cup

E-Vac Accessories

Accessories Needed To Build Your Vacuum System

EXAIR offers a variety of mufflers, tubing, check valves, and fittings that make it easy to build a vacuum system best suited to your vacuum application. In addition to these E-Vac vacuum generator accessories, there are other items that can help with the preparation and control of the compressed air.

When using E-Vac vacuum generators, it is important to use a source of clean, dry compressed air that will keep them operating at their peak performance. Automatic drain filter separators to keep the compressed air free of contaminants and moisture are recommended. Oil removal filters that remove oil particulate that is common to many compressed air systems are available. Pressure regulators, shutoff valves, compressed air hose, fittings, and solenoid valves (to electrically turn the compressed air on and off) are available as well.

Mufflers

Optional silencing mufflers are available that permit maximum exhaust of the E-Vac unit so cycle speed is not reduced. The Standard Muffler (for use with In-Line E-Vacs only) has a closed end and is suitable for applications that are free of dust and debris. The Straight Through Muffler is recommended where particulate is present since it will not accumulate debris that can erode performance. Straight Through Mufflers offer the best sound level reduction (up to 26 dBA).

Fittings and Tubing

The vacuum port of the E-Vac has an NPT thread (a vacuum cup can be threaded directly into it). For vacuum cups that are remotely located, push-in connector fittings (most have global threads for use with NPT and BSP) can be installed on the E-Vac and the vacuum cup. Polyurethane vacuum tubing is available (10', 20', 30', 40' and 50' lengths) to connect them. For best performance, the length of the tubing should be minimized to achieve the best attach and release times.

Check Valve

A vacuum check valve is available to hold the vacuum in case of compressed air loss. It is designed for high flow so it doesn’t restrict airflow or slow the vacuum operation. Maximum vacuum can still be achieved without affecting the performance. E-Vac vacuum generators that are used without a check valve will release the load if there is a significant drop in compressed air pressure or the supply of compressed air is lost.

Choosing A Suitable Vacuum Cup

Round Cups are best suited to smooth, flat surfaces. They will grip and release quickly. These cups hold their shape with extended use and grip well to vertical surfaces. Round cups with cleats are better at lifting heavy loads. Cups without cleats can be used for light lifting.

Oval Cups provide the most vacuum due to the larger surface area that contacts the part. They provide more vacuum power than round cups and are suited to lifting heavy loads. They are designed to handle flat rigid sheet materials like wood, glass, cardboard boxes and composites.

Bellows Cups are best suited to textured, uneven surfaces. The folds, called convolutions, provide a collapsible area that allows the cup to quickly compress when it touches the uneven surface. The attach and release time is greater due to the significant volume of the cup.

Vacuum Cup Selection

To select a vacuum cup for your application, you need to know:

• The weight of item being lifted
• If the item to be lifted is porous or non-porous
• The safety factor

A safety factor of 2 is recommended when the vacuum cup is positioned horizontally.

A safety factor of 4 is recommended when the vacuum cup is positioned vertically.

Some companies or local codes may require a specific safety factor.

Using The Tables Below
Determine the weight of the part to be lifted. Multiply it by the safety factor of (2) when the cup will be positioned horizontally, or by (4) when positioned vertically.

Using the table below, look through the numbers highlighted in orange for the weight capacity per vacuum cup. Use enough vacuum cups to distribute the weight evenly for stable lifting and placement. The model number(s) for the vacuum cup(s) that can handle that weight are directly above (in that column) and are highlighted in blue. Details for each vacuum cup can be found on Vacuum Cup Dimensions.

To the left of the vacuum cup weight you’ve selected (in that same row) is the vacuum level highlighted in green that is needed. Performance data for the In-Line E-Vacs designed for specific vacuum levels can be found here. For loads that vary, Adjustable E-Vacs are the best choice (performance shown here).

Vacuum Cup Dimensions

EXAIR vacuum cups are vinyl. They are ideal for general purpose applications and provide excellent resistance to wear. The Durometer rating (used to indicate the flexibility and stiffness of the cup) is A50. Temperature range is 32°F to 125°F (0°C to 52°C).