Pick Up Cylinders

Vacuum Lifting Cylinders for Automated Pick and Place Systems

Vacuum cylinders combine vacuum gripping and vertical motion into a single compact device, providing machine builders with an elegant solution for automated pick-and-place applications. Unlike conventional pick-and-place systems that require separate pneumatic cylinders, guides and controls, vacuum cylinders automatically extend and retract using the vacuum source already present within the system.

These unique vacuum lifting devices are widely used in packaging machinery, paper handling equipment, carton handling systems, labeling machinery, printing equipment and lightweight material handling applications where fast cycle times and simple machine design are important.

What Is a Vacuum Cylinder?

A vacuum cylinder is a self-actuating vacuum lifting device that combines vertical motion and vacuum gripping into one component. When vacuum is applied, the cylinder automatically extends toward the product. Once the vacuum cup seals against the load, the internal spring mechanism retracts the cylinder and lifts the product.

Because the lifting motion is created automatically by the vacuum itself, no additional pneumatic cylinders, valves, sensors or motion controls are required.

Advantages of Vacuum Cylinders

• No Additional Controls Required: Vacuum performs both gripping and lifting functions.
• Short Cycle Times: Faster operation compared to many traditional pick-and-place systems.
• Reduced Leakage: Particularly beneficial when handling porous products such as paper and corrugated materials.
• Maintenance Free: No lubrication required.
• Compact Design: Combines gripping and lifting into a single device.
• Lower Machine Cost: Fewer components and simpler machine design.

How Does a Vacuum Cylinder Work?

Vacuum cylinders operate using a simple and reliable sequence:

• The cylinder begins in the retracted (up) position.
• Vacuum is applied to the cylinder.
• The piston automatically extends downward until the vacuum cup contacts the product (2)
• Once a vacuum seal is established, pressure equalizes within the cylinder 
• The internal spring retracts the piston and lifts the product (3)
• When vacuum is removed, the product is released (4)

Why Vacuum Cylinders Work Well with Porous Products

Conventional vacuum pick-and-place systems often struggle with porous products because vacuum leakage occurs before the product can be lifted. Vacuum cylinders automatically extend until the vacuum cup contacts the product, reducing wasted vacuum volume and improving handling performance.

This makes vacuum cylinders particularly effective for paper products, corrugated cartons, labels, lightweight packaging materials and similar applications.

Common Applications

• Paper sheet handling
• Carton handling systems
• Labeling machinery
• Packaging equipment
• Printing machinery
• Injection molded plastic parts
• Lightweight component handling
• Robotic pick-and-place systems
• Converting equipment
• General automation machinery

Vacuum Cylinders vs Pneumatic Cylinders

Traditional pick-and-place systems typically require a pneumatic cylinder for motion and a separate vacuum circuit for gripping. Vacuum cylinders combine both functions into a single component, reducing machine complexity, installation time and component count.

For many lightweight handling applications, this can significantly simplify machine design while maintaining fast cycle rates and reliable operation.