The right gripper for a vacuum lifter depends on the material you want to lift: smooth, non-porous surfaces such as glass, sheet metal, and cardboard require standard rubber suction cups, while rough or porous materials require special foam or bellows suction cups. The shape, weight, and application also determine which type of gripper is most suitable. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about grippers for vacuum lifters.
What types of grippers are available for vacuum lifters?
There are three main types of grippers for vacuum lifters: flat suction cups for smooth surfaces, bellows suction cups for curved or uneven surfaces, and foam or sponge suction cups for porous materials. Each type is designed for specific materials and applications, and the choice directly affects the safety and efficiency of the lifting process.
Flat suction cups are the most common type. They are made of rubber or silicone and work exceptionally well on flat, non-porous surfaces such as glass panels, polished metal, plastic sheets, and cardboard boxes. They provide a secure grip and are easy to clean.
Bellows suction cups have a pleated, accordion-like structure that allows them to conform to slightly curved or irregular surfaces. They are often used for lifting wood panels, plastic parts, or products with a slight curvature. Thanks to their flexibility, they can also compensate for differences in height on the same workpiece.
Foam or sponge suction cups are made of open- or closed-cell foam material and adhere even to rough, textured, or slightly porous surfaces. They are used for materials such as untreated wood, concrete blocks, or rough stone. However, these suction cups are not always sufficient for highly porous materials, and additional solutions are required.
In addition to the type of suction cup, the mounting design also varies: some grippers consist of a single suction cup, while others consist of a frame with multiple suction cups. You can read more about this in the section below. Also check out our product overview of vacuum lifters and hoists to get an idea of the available systems.
How do you choose the right gripper for your application?
You should choose the right gripper for your application based on four factors: the surface type of the material, the weight and dimensions of the workpiece, the lifting direction (vertical or horizontal), and environmental conditions such as temperature or the presence of oil and dust. If you correctly assess these four factors, you will choose a gripper that operates safely and efficiently.
Start by considering the surface type. A smooth, non-porous surface allows a flat suction cup to adhere easily. If the surface is curved, a bellows suction cup is recommended. If the material is rough or porous, you’ll need to use foam suction cups or alternative mounting systems.
The weight and dimensions of the workpiece determine how many suction cups you need and how large they should be. A gripper must always have a generous safety margin relative to the maximum lifting weight. Manufacturers typically specify a nominal lifting capacity that already takes a safety factor into account, but always check this in the technical specifications.
The lifting direction is also a determining factor. Some grippers are suitable only for vertical lifting, while others can also be used horizontally or at an angle. This is relevant in applications such as sheet handling, where a workpiece must be transferred from a vertical position to a horizontal table.
Finally, environmental factors play a role. In environments containing oil, grease, or high temperatures, you should choose suction cups made of special materials such as Viton or silicone, which can withstand chemical and thermal stress.
What is the difference between a single-grip and a multi-grip?
A single-suction gripper consists of a single suction cup and is suitable for small, lightweight workpieces with a compact contact surface. A multi-suction gripper combines two or more suction cups on a frame and is used for large, heavy, or irregularly shaped workpieces where the load must be distributed evenly across multiple contact points.
Single-jaw grippers are simple, lightweight, and easy to handle. They are widely used for lifting small glass plates, plastic parts, or individual boxes. Their limitations lie in their maximum lifting capacity and stability when handling larger workpieces.
Multi-suction grippers offer greater stability and a higher lifting capacity. Because the load is distributed across multiple suction cups, the workpiece remains better balanced during transport. This is essential when moving large metal sheets, wide wood panels, or long profiles. Some multi-suction grippers have an adjustable frame, allowing you to adjust the distance between the suction cups to match the dimensions of the workpiece.
An additional advantage of multiple grippers is redundancy: if one suction cup does not provide sufficient grip due to a minor irregularity in the surface, the other suction cups compensate for this. This significantly increases operational safety.
Which gripper works best for porous or rough materials?
For porous or rough materials, foam or sponge suction cups work best, because their soft, adaptable structure can form a sufficiently airtight seal even on irregular surfaces. For highly porous materials such as raw concrete or coarse stone, a vacuum system with higher pump capacities or an alternative mounting system is required.
The main problem with porous materials is that air can leak through the material itself, causing the vacuum to be lost more quickly. Foam suction cups partially compensate for this by sealing the pores at the contact surface with the foam material. However, highly porous materials always have a certain leakage rate, which means that the vacuum pump must continuously replenish the vacuum to maintain the required level of negative pressure.
For rough but non-porous materials, such as rough-cut metal or wood with a coarse grain, bellows suction cups are often a better choice than foam suction cups. They conform to the irregularities without the foam material wearing out quickly due to the rough surface.
If you have any doubts about whether a gripper is suitable for a specific material, it is highly recommended that you conduct a field test. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises during production.
Can you swap out the grippers on an existing vacuum lifter?
Yes, on most vacuum lifters, grippers can be interchanged, provided that the new gripper is compatible with the lifter’s connection system and lifting capacity. Many manufacturers offer modular systems in which suction cups and gripper frames can be easily replaced or adapted for a different application.
Interchangeability depends on the type of connection used by the manufacturer. Standard threaded connections make it easy to swap suction cups from the same brand or compatible brands. Some systems use a bayonet connection or a quick-release coupling, which makes the swap even faster and can be done without tools.
It is important to check, every time you change the gripper, whether the new gripper fits within the vacuum lifter’s maximum lifting capacity. A load that is too heavy for a gripper not designed to handle that weight can lead to unsafe situations. Also, always check that the seal is secure after the change and that the vacuum remains stable before lifting the load.
If you regularly switch between different materials or products, it’s worth choosing a lift with a modular gripper system. That way, you don’t have to invest in multiple complete lifts; a set of interchangeable grippers is all you need. More information about our available applications by industry can help you make the right choice.
How Logitrans Handling Helps You Choose the Right Gripper
Choosing the right gripper for a vacuum lifter is not a straightforward decision. The type of material, weight, surface texture, and the specific workstation all play a role. Logitrans Handling guides you through this decision-making process from start to finish, so you can be sure that the solution you choose is safe, ergonomic, and efficient.
- Free workstation analysis: Our specialists will analyze your specific situation and provide a concrete recommendation for the most suitable type of gripper.
- Hands-on test in our demo room: In our demo room in Drongen, you can test the vacuum lifter and gripper with your own materials, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
- Modular systems and interchangeable grippers: We recommend lifters with a flexible gripper system if you work with different materials or products.
- Maintenance and Follow-Up: Through our maintenance contract, we ensure that your vacuum lifters and grippers remain in optimal condition.
Would you like to know which gripper is best suited for your application? Feel free to contact our specialists for a no-obligation consultation.
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