The suction cups also comply with 21CFR177.2600 and are therefore FDA-compliant. They are therefore perfect for use in biotechnology, the food and medical industries and in all applications in which uneven, soft, non-uniform or very thin workpieces need to be transported safely and gently.

Technical features

SMC offers the ZP3P series vacuum cups in four versions with different cup diameters of 20 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm and 50 mm. The special properties of the ZP3P vacuum cups are due to a number of successful design details: Firstly, the silicone rubber is a very soft, extremely flexible material that still offers a secure hold even when wrinkles form. Secondly, the flat shape of the vacuum cups with numerous support ribs in the middle ensures that the workpieces being suctioned cannot become deformed. At the same time, this shape reduces the tendency to wrinkle.

Another feature of the ZP3P series is the wide range of mounting options. Two connection variants are available for mounting: one with an external thread for direct mounting and a second with an internal thread. SMC offers a total of seven adapters for this. Five for external threads M5, M12, G1/8, G1/4 and G3/8 and two more with internal threads M5 and M8.

Addition to the ZP series

The ZP3P series vacuum cups complement SMC's range in this area. These include the ZP, ZP2 and ZP3 series as well as the recently introduced ZP3E series vacuum cups in flat and bellows design. The latter are characterized by a significantly lower weight and greatly improved suction power. As a result, they are easier to remove from the workpiece and, depending on the version, can also be removed without leaving marks. They can be dismantled quickly using a screw and have a suction connection size that is twice as large as their sister models in the ZP series.

Suitable for many applications

For Michael Becker, Product Management SMC Germany, the new ZP3P series vacuum cups are the first choice for users in the food and medical industries. "The vacuum cups are made of 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 mentions. In his view, the fact that the tendency to wrinkle on thin materials such as vinyl or film has been reduced is another advantage that sets this series apart.