Product image of the head of a vacuum suction pad

The ZP3C series vacuum pad (shown here in the version for flat work pieces) does not require tools for maintenance thanks to its two-part construction. (Image: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

New vacuum pad makes maintenance possible without tools

The internal logistics of many companies rely on vacuum pads. Especially for transporting work pieces, these devices have become irreplaceable. This however causes wear and tear to the pad, and the necessary maintenance can lead to losses in production and additional costs. Proper disposal of the different materials can also pose complications.

The company SMC Deutschland wants to tackle several of these problems at once with a new generation of vacuum pads. According to the company, the series ZP3C is supposed to increase both usability and service life of the vacuum pads at the same time.

Conceived for flat and uneven work pieces

The new series increases usability by splitting the vacuum pad in two pieces. The ZP3C consists of an adapter and a suction pad. Both parts can be independently replaced or disposed of. This makes a clean, separate introduction of metal and rubber parts into the respective recycling flow possible. According to the company, the mesh filter also reduces the need to replace the suction filter element, as foreign objects are prevented from entering. Standard screw drivers or Allen keys are used for mounting. There is no need for special tools.

The new vacuum suction pad owes its long service life to the use of fluorinated rubber (FS61). This, according to the company, grants more than double the resistance to abrasion compared to standard suction pads made from urethane. This fact is useful especially for transporting corrugated board or similarly demanding work pieces. During maintenance, the two part construction – adapter and suction pad – means that no tools are needed at all. This saves time and effort.

The suction pads are available with ribs or as a bellows type, so that flat or undeformed as well as uneven or concave work pieces can be transported. The texture on the suction surface of the ribbed suction pad ensures reliable suction and release of work pieces, whereas the bellows type suction pad can be adapted to the height and angle of the work piece that needs transporting.