VFBL20-2S | 20mm multi-bellows Vacuforce suction cup — red FDA-compliant silicone
Vacuforce VFBL20-2S is a 20mm multi bellows suction cup made from red FDA-compliant silicone. Its multi-bellows profile is intended for industrial vacuum pick-and-place; selection depends on the part surface, cup geometry, available vacuum and mounting connection. The silicone grade is FDA-compliant as designated by Vacuforce; confirm suitability for the actual process.
This page includes calculated theoretical lifting force at 24"Hg / 80% vacuum using both metric and imperial engineering methods.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cup Diameter | 20mm / 0.787" |
| Cup Style | Multiple Bellows |
| Material | FDA-compliant red silicone |
| Recommended Working Vacuum for Calculation | 24"Hg / 80% vacuum |
| Metric Cup Area | 3.1 cm² |
| Imperial Cup Area | 0.49 in² |
| Effective Vacuum Pressure | 11.76 PSI |
| Estimated Lifting Force at 24"Hg | 2.5 kg / 5.7 lb |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +250°C / -40°F to +482°F |
| Connection Type | Push-on / pull-off suction cup fitting connection where applicable |
| HTS Code | 3926.90.9890 |
| Material designation | -S |
| Cup colour | Red |
| Vacuforce model | VFBL20-2S |
Estimated Lifting Force at 24"Hg
Lifting force is calculated from the suction cup diameter and adjusted to 80% vacuum. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is approximately 14.7 PSI. At 80% vacuum, the effective pressure is 14.7 x 0.8 = 11.76 PSI.
Lifting Force Calculation
| Calculation Step | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 20mm / 2.00cm | 0.787" |
| Area | π x 1.00² = 3.1 cm² | π x 0.394² = 0.49 in² |
| Vacuum Level | 80% vacuum | 24"Hg / 80% vacuum |
| Effective Pressure | Area x 0.8 | 14.7 PSI x 0.8 = 11.76 PSI |
| Estimated Lifting Force | 3.1 x 0.8 = 2.5 kg | 0.49 × 11.76 = 5.7 lb |
Important: Calculated lifting force is theoretical and should not be used as the final working load without applying the correct safety factor. Actual performance depends on surface condition, porosity, acceleration, cup orientation, leakage, vacuum level and application conditions.
Typical Applications
- Food packaging and related automated handling
- Handling of suitable consumer goods and formed parts
- Repeated pick-and-place with compliant silicone contact surfaces
- Additional bellows compliance for varying part elevations
Why Choose This Cup Style?
Multiple Bellows suction cups are selected according to product shape, surface condition, required height compensation and cycle speed. Bellows styles provide more compliance and height compensation, while flat cups are generally preferred where low internal volume and fast release are important.
Material and colour — VFBL20-2S
The -S material is red FDA-compliant silicone for suitable food and packaging handling applications. Verify complete system suitability for the intended contact process.
Cup selection and fit considerations
Compare cup diameter, bellows profile, lip geometry, mounting bore, material and vacuum performance when selecting a functional alternative. A similar appearance or nominal model size does not by itself guarantee interchangeability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VFBL20-2S mean, including its material suffix?+
VFBL20-2S identifies a Vacuforce 20mm multi bellows cup. The material designation -S refers to red FDA-compliant silicone. The -S material is red FDA-compliant silicone for suitable food and packaging handling applications. Verify complete system suitability for the intended contact process.
What colour is the VFBL20-2S suction cup?+
This model is supplied in red.
What applications suit this multi-bellows suction cup?+
Typical uses include Food packaging and related automated handling, Handling of suitable consumer goods and formed parts. Confirm surface sealing, process conditions, cycle rate and handling orientation by testing.
What is the cup size and how should I select a fitting?+
The listed cup diameter is 20mm (0.787in). Match the fitting to the Vacuforce cup series and mounting bore; a shared nominal size is not proof of mounting compatibility.
How much theoretical lifting force does VFBL20-2S provide?+
At the page calculation condition of approximately 24inHg (80% vacuum), the existing estimate is 2.5kg / 5.7lb before any safety factor. This assumes ideal sealing and must not be treated as a certified working load.
Does a similarly shaped cup automatically fit another brand of tooling?+
No. Compare actual lip diameter, bellows geometry, mounting interface, material and working conditions before selecting a fit-form-function alternative. Confirm performance by application testing.
Is this silicone suitable for food-contact applications?+
Vacuforce identifies this silicone grade as FDA-compliant. Confirm the correct formulation, cleaning requirements and any additional end-user or local food-contact requirements for the complete installation.
Is a safety factor required for vertical lifting?+
Yes. Use an appropriate engineering safety factor; Vacuforce normally recommends at least 8:1 for vertical lifting. Account for leakage, part acceleration, load orientation and surface condition, and validate safe working load in the application.
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
- Stock: 1567

