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Believe it or not, but suction cups are quite an important discovery in the lifetime of human evolution. Most people would not even know where these objects are used even though they probably use one on a daily basis. We are surrounded by products that use some type of suction cup. It is very important to accept the fact that there are different types of them. Not every one of them is created equal. The width, the height the shape, and other physical properties will influence the strength of the suction.
I think it is safe to say that most of us have experienced a product that cannot properly stick to a wall. This can be quite infuriating, especially if the product is brand-new. It is entire purpose is to stick on the wall so you can hang something on it or to use it while it is attached to the wall. If the vacuum is not strong enough and it fails then the entire product has failed.
This is why I believe suction cups deserve a lot more thought and research before making a decision. Assuming that you want to create a product or to buy a product that will create a proper vacuum, I think you should learn more about this topic. This is why I decided to write this article and talk about all the different types of suction cups, the materials used, the shapes, sizes, and so on.
Oval or flat
I am going to start with this certain type because it is something that most people have not met in their daily life. Since it usually has an industrial use, this shape is rarely seen. But, just because it is uncommon, does not make it bad. It is actually one of the strongest types of suction cups on the market. It is better than the standard ones that you have seen on glass lifters, shower shelves, phone handles, phone holders for vehicles, and so on.
Obviously, the shape is oval or flat which makes it a great option for flat, rectangular, or oblong objects. A great example of such an oblong object that requires this type of suction cup is a pipe. You might not know this, but there might be this kind of a vacuum cup used for the pipes that run through the walls of your own home. Like I said before, it generates a lot more vacuum force than all the other more common types.
Bellows
This one is a little bit different than what you are used to, but it has great use and it is perfect for some products. It has a form that is very similar to a fireplace bellow, hence the name. That weird shape, allows it to be extended or retracted to fit in all kinds of tight or wider spaces. When a certain object that needs to be stuck to a ceiling, a wall or the floor, the bellow cup can be adjusted to any height to even the surface.
But, they are not used just for adjusting the height to even out a surface. These are also very commonly used to pick up any delicate pieces. For example, a glass bottle factory needs to have the machines pick up the bottles from one production line to another. However, the machine is still just a machine. It is movements are instantaneous and rough. This kind of moment is unacceptable for delicate pieces such as glass.
So, since the bottle requires a delicate touch, the bellow can provide exactly that. As the bellow extends and retracts, the movement is smoothed out in the glass bottle can be picked safely.
Standard
This is the type of suction cup that you are used to seeing everywhere around you. You can find it in your kitchen, in your bathroom, at work and everywhere else. They might seem like an insignificant part of your life, but they actually provide a lot of convenience in most of our lives.
These standard vacuum cups can be used for both a flat and a slightly domed surface. These are most commonly used commercially which means you can easily find them at home or attach to all kinds of products. Check out all the different phone holders on the market and you will notice that they use this standard type instead of the oval or bellows type. It is obvious that the standard provides the best vacuum for flat or services.
Although, if you want to ensure that the suction cup on your product lasts as long as possible and for it to be safe around food or skin, I would recommend going with silicone instead of natural rubber or polyurethane. You should check this out and see all the different materials that can be used for suction cups. From here, you will be able to decide which one is the best for your needs. I am sure that after seeing all the options, you will be able to make the right decision.
However, it also has a use outside of the commercial world. It is great when working with workplaces that are made of certain types of material such as metal, plastic, or even glass. Even if the object has not been processed and it is still rough on the surface, it will be able to grab it and stick to it firmly. The grip is almost instantaneous making it a great addition for any kind of production line. The fact that it can hold onto a certain object of any material even during fast and sudden movements is quite impressive.
As you can see, there are not a lot of different types of suction cups available on the market, but they differentiate in all kinds of other stuff. Three different vacuum cups might be the bellows type, but they can be different in size, different in shape, and made out of a different material. The material will dictate the tensile strength and it tears strength of the cup.
