Properties
of different materials
The physical properties of different materials can significantly impact the
effectiveness of vacuum cups. At the beginning of each vacuum cup section in
our catalog is a chart (see example below) that lists the properties of the
materials used in those cups. The Durometer rating refers to the flexibility
or stiffness
of the material.
The lower the durometer rating, the more flexible the material. The higher
the rating, the stiffer the material.
| Piab
Vacuum Cup Properties |
Material |
Color |
Max.
Temp. |
Durometer |
Silicone |
Red |
392° F |
50° |
Polyurethane
TPU |
Semi-translucent
white |
176° F |
81° |
Chloroprene |
Black |
230° |
50° |
Nitrile |
Black |
225° |
50° |
Flexible
cups
are usually best for parts that mark easily or for textured or uneven surfaces.
Because
they
conform to variations in the surface of the part, they tend to form a strong,
leak proof seal. The downside is that they
bend easily which means they may not be the best choice for heavier
parts. Stiffer
cups
on
the
other
hand
are
usually
able
to
support
more weight than flexible cups. However, if the part marks easily, or if
it is very warm, a stiff cup may leave a mark.
Polyurethane
is usually an excellent choice if
you are looking for a long wearing cup that does not mark, However,
if
the temperature of your application is higher
than
normal, or if you are seeing a great deal of wear, a premium
polyurethane such as Vulkollan or Aclathan can usually provide much
longer service Silicone is usually an excellent choice
for high temperature applications, however, if the part is going
to be painted, silicone tends to leave a footprint that
paint
will not stick to. If parts are
going to
be painted, choose a non-silicone alternative such as polyurethane,
Hithane, or
ACLA-PU.
 If you need to grip a part with
an uneven surface, and transport it to a different location,
these PIAB Duraflex™ polyurethane vacuum cups may be the
perfect cups for you. The cups are constructed of two different
durometers. The stiffer green bellows (60ºdurometer) resists
bending and provides a much sturdier grip than most bellows cups.
A large, flexible, yellow bellows (30º durometer), provides
an excellent sealing surface that performs exceptionally well,
even on uneven or textured surfaces. All Dual Durometer Vacuum
cups are supplied with filter disks (shown in the small cup above).
The filter disks snap easily into the cups and are an excellent
way to prevent contaminants from getting into vacuum lines. Many
robot users consider these the best performing polyurethane cup
available.
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