VFB40STMI | 43mm single-bellows Vacuforce suction cup — dark-grey metal-detectable silicone
Vacuforce VFB40STMI is a 43mm single bellows suction cup made from dark-grey metal-detectable silicone. Its single-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 | 43mm / 1.693" |
| Cup Style | Single Bellows |
| Material | Metal-detectable silicone |
| Recommended Working Vacuum for Calculation | 24"Hg / 80% vacuum |
| Metric Cup Area | 14.5 cm² |
| Imperial Cup Area | 2.25 in² |
| Effective Vacuum Pressure | 11.76 PSI |
| Estimated Lifting Force at 24"Hg | 11.6 kg / 26.5 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 | -STMI |
| Cup colour | Dark grey |
| Vacuforce model | VFB40STMI |
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 | 43mm / 4.30cm | 1.693" |
| Area | π x 2.15² = 14.5 cm² | π x 0.846² = 2.25 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 | 14.5 x 0.8 = 11.6 kg | 2.25 × 11.76 = 26.5 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
- Height compensation over modest part variation
Why Choose This Cup Style?
Single 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 — VFB40STMI
The -STMI material is dark-grey metal-detectable silicone. Metal particles in the formulation darken the original white/translucent 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 VFB40STMI mean, including its material suffix?+
VFB40STMI identifies a Vacuforce 43mm single bellows cup. The material designation -STMI refers to dark-grey metal-detectable silicone. The -STMI material is dark-grey metal-detectable silicone. Metal particles in the formulation darken the original white/translucent colour; detection sensitivity must be validated with the installed detector. FDA compliance is not implied by the material code.
What colour is the VFB40STMI suction cup?+
This model is supplied in dark grey.
What applications suit this single-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 43mm (1.693in). 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 VFB40STMI provide?+
At the page calculation condition of approximately 24inHg (80% vacuum), the existing estimate is 11.6kg / 26.5lb 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: 470


