Gently and safely vacuum thin or foil-wrapped workpieces

The vacuum suckers of the ZP3P series are perfect for suctioning thin, non-rigid products wrapped in foil. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Anyone who wants to transport plastic bags or foil-wrapped, non-rigid workpieces with vacuum cups knows the problem: creases form during suction, the suction force diminishes, and the transported goods can fall down. SMC has developed the ZP3P series of vacuum cups specifically for this purpose. Thanks to their soft and flexible silicone rubber suction cup, they are perfectly suited for gripping thin, non-rigid products wrapped in foil. Additionally, they meet the requirements of 21CFR177.2600 and are thus FDA compliant. Therefore, they are ideal for use in biotechnology, food, and medical industries, as well as in all applications where uneven, soft, inconsistent, or very thin workpieces need to be transported safely and gently.

Technical Features

SMC offers the ZP3P vacuum cups in four variants with different cup diameters of 20 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm. The special properties of the ZP3P vacuum cups are based on a series of well-designed structural details: firstly, the silicone rubber is a very soft, highly flexible material that still provides a secure grip even when creases form. Secondly, the flat shape of the vacuum cups with numerous support ribs in the center ensures that the gripped workpieces cannot deform. At the same time, this design reduces the tendency to form creases.

An additional feature of the ZP3P series is the variety of mounting options. Two connection variants are available for installation: one with a male thread for direct mounting and a second with a female thread. SMC offers a total of seven adapters: five for male threads M5, M12, G1/8, G1/4, and G3/8, and two with female threads M5 and M8.

Expansion of the ZP Series

The vacuum cups of the ZP3P series complement SMC's range in this area. This includes the ZP, ZP2, and ZP3 series, as well as the recently introduced vacuum cups with flat and bellows designs of the ZP3E series. The latter are characterized by significantly lower weight and greatly improved suction performance. As a result, they detach more easily and, depending on the design, also without leaving marks on the workpiece. They can be quickly disassembled with a screw and have a suction connection size twice as large as their ZP series counterparts.

Suitable for Many Applications

For Michael Becker, Product Management SMC Germany, the new vacuum cups of the ZP3P series are the first choice for users in the food and medical industries. "The vacuum cups are made from FDA-compliant silicone rubber and meet the requirements of 21CFR 177.2600. Their blue color also makes them very easy to identify during contamination checks," he states. The ability to reduce creasing tendencies on thin materials such as vinyl or foil is another advantage that distinguishes this series from his perspective.