Compressed Air and Vacuum Systems

Compressed air and vacuum systems cover two pneumatic functions: distributing compressed air through a network and using vacuum to pick up, move or hold products. The category includes pipe systems and vacuum products such as suction cups, generators and pumps.

A compressed-air pipe system carries air from the installation to pneumatic applications. Vacuum technology uses negative pressure with suction cups, generators and pumps to handle products. Both support air-powered operations, but one distributes compressed air while the other creates a handling function.

Compressed-air pipe systems are used in production environments where pneumatic applications are supplied from a network. Vacuum products are used when items need to be lifted, moved or held, for example as part of an automated production operation.

First establish whether the application must distribute compressed air or handle a product by vacuum. For a pipe network, consider the required installation and its ability to be extended. For vacuum duties, define whether the product must be lifted, moved or held, then choose between a suction cup, generator, pump or another required vacuum component.

Key category attributes are system function, the configuration and expandability of the compressed-air network, and the vacuum product type: suction cup, generator, pump or supporting component.

FAQ

Compressed-air pipe systems distribute air to pneumatic applications. Vacuum systems use negative pressure to lift, move or hold products. One therefore provides air distribution, while the other performs a product-handling function.

Suction cups contact a product so that vacuum can lift, move or hold it. They operate as part of a vacuum system together with the required vacuum generation and supporting components.

Generators and pumps provide the vacuum function required for product handling. The choice depends on the system arrangement; the available information does not specify capacities, connection sizes or performance classes.

A compressed-air network may change when machines or pneumatic applications are added. A system that is easy to extend supports such changes, and the described systems do not require special tools for installation.