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CUSTOMER ACCESS

Membranes and Suction Cups
Custom manufacturing

Membranes

Technical diaphragms for pneumatic and hydraulic systems

Technical membranes are flexible elements that act as separators or precision components in control, regulation, measurement or pressure compensation systems. They are characterized by very thin walls and high elasticity and can be manufactured with or without fabric reinforcement.

Typical applications of technical membranes

  • Equipment pneumatic or hydraulic drive
  • Pressure multipliers
  • Measuring devices
  • Pressurized gas regulators
  • Pressure compensators

Unreinforced membranes are ideal as a separating element in compensation systems or for high-precision adjustments. Textile reinforced versions offer greater strength and durability under pressure.

Materials available for technical membranes

  • NBR (nitrile)standard, good resistance to oils and gases
  • VMQ (silicone)Suitable for high temperature applications
  • FPM (fluoroelastomer)high chemical resistance
  • EPM (ethylene-propylene)good ozone and water resistance

It is also possible to purchase elastomer sheets with incorporated fabric for die-cutting membranes and subsequent shaping.

Suction cups

Industrial suction cups

Suction cups are used for handling objects by means of vacuum or pressure. They are essential in sectors such as automation, logistics or packaging and can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces.

The main types include:

  • Vacuum cups: generate suction grip and are released when the vacuum is released.
  • Pressure suction cups: are attached by direct compression and released by means of an air impulse on a metal ball. They can also be converted into vacuum suction cups by removing this ball.

Available in adaptable designs such as bellows suction cups, threaded suction cups or plate suction cups, they are selected according to the required bonding force and the type of surface.

The choice of the suction cup depends on the necessary binding force between the workpiece and the object to be handled. This force is determined by:

  • Suction cup surface: the larger the surface area, the greater the suction force.
  • Vacuum level reached.
  • Surface finish of the object.
  • Porosity of the material to be handled.

Available materials for suction cups

Each material is selected according to the environment, temperature, type of object and mechanical or chemical resistance requirements.
  • NBR (nitrile)
  • NR (natural rubber)
  • AU (polyurethane)
  • FPM /FKM (fluoroelastomer)
  • VMQ (silicone)
  • CR (chloroprene)

Custom fabrication of membranes and suction cups

At Epidor, we offer a complete service of design and custom fabrication of membranes and suction cups adapted to the specific needs of each industrial application. We have a wide variety of molds, materials and geometries that allow us to create customized solutions both in dimensions and technical properties.

Whether for complex control systems, applications in aggressive environments or handling processes with special requirements, our technical team works together with the customer to select the most suitable compound and develop the ideal geometry for the correct functioning of the assembly.

FAQ's about membranes and suction cups

Can customized membranes be manufactured?
Yes, at Epidor we develop membranes with or without reinforcement, customized for pneumatic, hydraulic or control applications.
What factors affect the performance of a suction cup?
Effective contact surface, vacuum level, part roughness and material porosity are key to its performance.
Can the suction cups be reused?
It depends on the material and the application. Silicone, NBR or polyurethane have good durability in repetitive cycles.
Do you need customized membranes and/or suction cups for your project?