FESTO vacuum technology provides reliable and efficient solutions for automated handling, picking, lifting and transferring of workpieces. Vacuum systems are widely used in industrial automation where components need to be handled quickly, securely and without mechanical gripping. 

Hydro Pneumatics offers FESTO vacuum technology solutions, including pneumatic vacuum generators and suction cups with connectors. These components can be integrated into automated handling systems, pick-and-place equipment, packaging machinery and other industrial applications. 

FESTO vacuum technology uses compressed air to generate vacuum and provides compact solutions for handling a wide range of workpieces. Vacuum generators and suction cups work together to create a complete vacuum gripping system between the automation equipment and the workpiece. 

Vacuum Technology Types 

FESTO offers different vacuum components to meet the requirements of automated handling applications. At Hydro Pneumatics, the vacuum technology range includes pneumatic vacuum generators and suction cups with connectors. 

Pneumatic Vacuum Generators 

Pneumatic vacuum generators create vacuum using compressed air. FESTO vacuum generators operate according to the Venturi principle, where compressed air passes through a restricted section to generate low pressure and produce vacuum. 

Vacuum generators are used for applications such as: 

• Picking and lifting workpieces 
• Transferring components 
• Automated material handling 
• Pick-and-place systems 
• Packaging applications 
• Removing air from pouches and similar applications 

FESTO provides different vacuum-generator technologies, including single-stage and multi-stage designs, allowing the solution to be selected according to required vacuum level, suction rate and application conditions.

Suction Cups with Connectors 

Suction cups provide the contact point between the vacuum system and the workpiece. They use vacuum to securely hold a component during automated lifting, transfer and positioning. 

FESTO suction cups are available in different shapes and materials to accommodate different workpiece surfaces and geometries. Depending on the application, options can include flat, bellows, oval and other suction-cup designs. The suction cup should be selected according to the workpiece shape, surface condition, material, weight and required gripping performance. 

How to Choose the Right Vacuum Technology 

Selecting the correct vacuum components is important for achieving secure and repeatable handling. The vacuum generator and suction cup should be selected according to the complete application. 

Suction Rate 

The required suction rate is an important factor when selecting a vacuum generator. It influences how quickly the system can establish the required vacuum and complete the handling cycle. 

Hydro Pneumatics specifically recommends considering suction rate when selecting a FESTO vacuum generator. 

Vacuum Level 

Consider the vacuum level required to securely hold the workpiece. 

The required vacuum depends on the workpiece weight, surface condition, suction-cup size, orientation and acceleration during movement. 

Available Compressed Air 

The available compressed-air pressure and flow rate should be checked before selecting a pneumatic vacuum generator. 

FESTO vacuum generators use compressed air as their operating medium, so the available pneumatic supply needs to match the requirements of the selected component.

Workpiece Surface 

The surface of the workpiece has a major effect on vacuum gripping performance. 

Smooth, flat surfaces generally allow good sealing, while porous, rough or uneven surfaces may require a different suction-cup design or vacuum configuration. 

Workpiece Shape 

Suction-cup shape should match the geometry of the component. 

For example, different suction-cup designs can be selected for flat, curved, domed, slim or irregular surfaces. FESTO provides different suction-cup shapes and materials for different handling requirements. 

Workpiece Weight 

The vacuum system must provide sufficient holding force for the workpiece throughout lifting and movement. 

When selecting the system, consider the workpiece weight together with acceleration, orientation and the available suction area. 

Where Is Vacuum Technology Used? 

FESTO vacuum technology is used across many industrial automation applications where components need to be picked, lifted, transferred or positioned. 

Pick-and-Place Systems 

Vacuum generators and suction cups are widely used in automated pick-and-place equipment. 

A vacuum system can pick a component from one location and transfer it to another as part of a programmed automation sequence. 

Packaging Machinery 

Vacuum technology can be used to handle packaging materials, containers and other components during automated packaging operations. 

Vacuum generators can also be used for applications involving the removal of air from pouches and similar packaging processes.

Material Handling 

Vacuum gripping provides a flexible way to transfer components between conveyors, machines and workstations. 

Electronics Manufacturing 

Vacuum systems can be useful for handling small and delicate components where mechanical gripping may not be suitable. 

Glass and Fragile Components 

Appropriately selected suction cups can be used for handling delicate components. Bellows-type suction cups, for example, can accommodate certain curved, domed or delicate workpieces. 

FESTO Vacuum Technology at Hydro Pneumatics 

Hydro Pneumatics supplies FESTO vacuum technology for industrial automation and automated material-handling applications. 

Our current vacuum technology range includes: 

• FESTO Pneumatic Vacuum Generators 
• FESTO Suction Cups with Connectors 

FESTO vacuum generators use the Venturi principle to generate vacuum from compressed air, while suction cups provide the interface between the vacuum system and the workpiece. 

Hydro Pneumatics can help you select suitable vacuum components based on: 

• Required suction rate 
• Vacuum level 
• Available compressed-air pressure 
• Available air flow 
• Workpiece weight 
• Workpiece surface 
• Workpiece shape 
• Required cycle time 
• System efficiency

Whether you are designing a pick-and-place system, packaging machine, material-handling system or automated production line, the correct combination of vacuum generator and suction cup is essential for reliable workpiece handling. 

Contact Hydro Pneumatics for FESTO vacuum generators, suction cups and industrial vacuum automation solutions.