Festo vacuum generators work according to the Venturi principle, i.e. they are purely pneumatically-operated vacuum ejectors. These vacuum ejectors can generate either high volume flows or a high vacuum. They are characterised by a compact design and low weight, they can be flexibly installed and don't require much maintenance. They are used in a wide variety of industries, but especially in handling and automation technology.
Suction cups and suction grippers form the link between the vacuum generator and the workpiece to be transported and are therefore also an important part of vacuum systems. They are a simple, cost-effective and reliable solution for handling workpieces and are available from Festo in various materials (nitrile rubber, polyurethane, silicone, rubber) as well as in different shapes (universal, flat, protective bellows, special suction grippers).
In addition to vacuum components such as vacuum generators and suction cups, you can of course also buy matching accessories from Festo. These include various mounting and connecting components as well as compensating elements, vacuum indicators, vacuum filters, vacuum security valves and vacuum-specific accessories.
Vacuum technology is generally associated with the generic term gripper technology. There are numerous applications in handling technology in which mechanical gripper technology is used and provides many advantages. However, there are also many applications where this technology has its limits. That is when vacuum technology is often used, since it opens up completely new concepts and opportunities for industry.
Handling is one of the functions used for the flow of materials, and can be divided into storing, changing quantities, moving, securing and monitoring. The prerequisite for this is the presence of specific geometric bodies (individual parts or modules). Handling technology equipment includes components and systems for feeding technology, insertion devices, manipulators and robots. The way in which parts are handled has a major effect on productivity in automated manufacturing and assembly processes.
Nowadays, vacuum technology is an important part of handling systems and it would be impossible to imagine many industries and application areas without it. It has proven itself many times over in handling a wide variety of materials and parts, thus creating completely new perspectives and possible solutions for handling systems.
The following keywords are intended to illustrate the importance of vacuum technology and the range of tasks that it can take on in handling technology:
All these tasks enable an almost infinite number of possible applications in industry. Industrial applications of vacuum technology are, for example:
Vacuum technology offers the following advantages in handling systems:
There are many factors that determine whether vacuum technology or another technology is used. Here are some of the important ones:
Since there is a large variety of vacuum components on offer, it is easy to select those that have the required properties, such as heat resistance, speed, suction strength, etc., for a wide range of applications, taking into account the factors mentioned above. Festo offers a software tool that helps to identify and select the right vacuum components for the application.