VFBL40-2SMI | 40mm multi-bellows Vacuforce suction cup — dark-red metal-detectable silicone
Vacuforce VFBL40-2SMI is a 40mm multi bellows suction cup made from dark-red metal-detectable 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 metal-detectable formulation uses dispersed metal particles, giving it its darker colour; validate detection with the production system.
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 | 40mm / 1.575" |
| Cup Style | Multiple Bellows |
| Material | Metal-detectable silicone |
| Recommended Working Vacuum for Calculation | 24"Hg / 80% vacuum |
| Metric Cup Area | 12.6 cm² |
| Imperial Cup Area | 1.95 in² |
| Effective Vacuum Pressure | 11.76 PSI |
| Estimated Lifting Force at 24"Hg | 10.1 kg / 22.9 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 | -SMI |
| Cup colour | Dark red |
| Vacuforce model | VFBL40-2SMI |
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 | 40mm / 4.00cm | 1.575" |
| Area | π x 2.00² = 12.6 cm² | π x 0.787² = 1.95 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 | 12.6 x 0.8 = 10.1 kg | 1.95 × 11.76 = 22.9 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
- Packaging and product handling with metal-detection procedures
- Processing lines where lost-tool-component detection is required
- Vacuum pick-and-place using suitable detector and product tests
- 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 — VFBL40-2SMI
The -SMI material is dark-red metal-detectable silicone. Metal particles in the formulation darken the conventional red colour; detection sensitivity must be validated with the installed detector. FDA compliance is not implied by the material code.
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 VFBL40-2SMI mean, including its material suffix?+
VFBL40-2SMI identifies a Vacuforce 40mm multi bellows cup. The material designation -SMI refers to dark-red metal-detectable silicone. The -SMI material is dark-red metal-detectable silicone. Metal particles in the formulation darken the conventional red colour; detection sensitivity must be validated with the installed detector. FDA compliance is not implied by the material code.
What colour is the VFBL40-2SMI suction cup?+
This model is supplied in dark red.
What applications suit this multi-bellows suction cup?+
Typical uses include Packaging and product handling with metal-detection procedures, Processing lines where lost-tool-component detection is required. 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 40mm (1.575in). 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 VFBL40-2SMI provide?+
At the page calculation condition of approximately 24inHg (80% vacuum), the existing estimate is 10.1kg / 22.9lb 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.
Does metal-detectable silicone guarantee detection or FDA compliance?+
No. Metal-detectable silicone contains detectable filler, but detection depends on detector settings, product effect, fragment size and process conditions. Confirm food-contact compliance separately for the exact supplied grade.
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: 862


