HGS Cartridge Style Vacuum Venturi Generators
Mount the Suction Cup Directly to the Vacuum Generator
The Vacuforce HGS Series cartridge-style vacuum Venturi generators provide a compact and practical solution for industrial vacuum gripping applications.
Unlike conventional vacuum systems that require tubing between the vacuum generator and suction cup, the HGS design allows a suction cup to be mounted directly to the vacuum port of the Venturi body using a compatible cup fitting.
This creates a highly compact vacuum gripping assembly with reduced vacuum line volume, fewer external pneumatic connections and fast vacuum response.
These coaxial cartridge vacuum generators are particularly suitable for robotic pick-and-place, packaging machinery and decentralized vacuum handling systems.
Vacuforce HGS Venturi generator with a VFDB-style bellows suction cup attached directly to the vacuum port through a compatible mounting fitting.
How Does Direct-Mount Vacuum Generation Work?
The HGS vacuum generator uses compressed air passing through an internal coaxial Venturi cartridge to generate vacuum at the suction port.
The generator has an inline pneumatic arrangement in which the compressed air inlet and exhaust are positioned along the same axis. The vacuum connection is provided separately on the generator body.
By attaching the suction cup directly to this vacuum connection, the generator and cup become a compact, self-contained vacuum gripping assembly.
Compressed air enters the Venturi and passes through the internal coaxial cartridge to generate vacuum.
The directly mounted suction cup receives vacuum without requiring an extended vacuum hose between generator and cup.
The suction cup grips the product when vacuum is applied. Releasing the vacuum allows the product to be deposited.
Direct-Mount Advantage: Installing the suction cup directly beneath the HGS Venturi generator eliminates the need for a separate vacuum hose between these components. This can reduce installation complexity, minimize unnecessary vacuum volume and improve response in high-cycle automated handling applications.
Key Features of the Vacuforce HGS Series
- Coaxial cartridge technology: Compact compressed-air-powered vacuum generation.
- Direct suction cup mounting: Compatible suction cups can be installed directly beneath the generator body.
- Inline air connections: Compressed air inlet and exhaust arranged along the generator axis.
- Integrated exhaust silencer: Simplifies the pneumatic installation.
- Compact and lightweight: Suitable for robotic tooling and space-restricted machinery.
- Multiple mounting options: Adaptable to machine frames, brackets and end-of-arm tooling.
- Hard-anodized aluminum construction: Durable generator body designed for industrial use.
- Additional vacuum connections: Selected configurations provide ports for a vacuum sensor or gauge.
- Replaceable cartridges: Internal coaxial Venturi cartridges can be serviced or replaced according to the model.
HGS Cartridge Generator Configurations
The Vacuforce HGS family includes several cartridge-style generator configurations designed for different vacuum flow requirements and installation sizes.
| HGS Series | Configuration | Typical Selection Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| HGS-VK | Compact two-stage coaxial cartridge generator | Small vacuum cups, compact tooling and low-flow vacuum applications. |
| HGS-VI | Two-stage and three-stage coaxial cartridge options | Applications requiring greater vacuum flow in a compact decentralized assembly. |
| HGS-VT | Higher-flow two-stage and three-stage coaxial cartridge options | Larger suction cup assemblies and applications requiring increased evacuation capacity. |
Individual models have different vacuum levels, suction flow capacities, compressed air consumption and installation dimensions. Refer to the technical datasheet for the correct model specifications.
Typical Industrial Applications
- Robotic pick-and-place: Individual vacuum gripping points on robotic end-of-arm tooling.
- Packaging machinery: Carton, tray, pouch and product handling where appropriate suction cups are selected.
- Sheet metal handling: Compact vacuum gripping assemblies for automated material handling.
- Woodworking machinery: Vacuum gripping and clamping of suitable surfaces.
- End-of-line palletizing: Distributed vacuum generation on multiple gripping points.
- Automated assembly equipment: Small-part handling and repetitive transfer operations.
- Vacuum clamping fixtures: Localized vacuum generation at individual fixture positions.
Why Mount the Suction Cup Directly to the Venturi?
In a conventional vacuum installation, the generator may be positioned remotely from the suction cup. Vacuum is transmitted through tubing, fittings or manifolds to the gripping point.
With an HGS direct-mount assembly, the vacuum generator is positioned immediately above the suction cup. This reduces the external connection distance between vacuum generation and the gripping surface.
| Design Consideration | Direct-Mount HGS Venturi | Remote Vacuum Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Connection | Suction cup mounts directly to the generator. | Requires vacuum tubing or a separate vacuum passage. |
| Vacuum Line Volume | Minimal external volume between generator and cup. | Additional volume from tubing and fittings. |
| Response Time | Can provide faster evacuation by reducing connected volume. | Depends on tubing length, internal diameter and system volume. |
| Installation | Compact decentralized assembly at the gripping point. | Generator may be mounted away from the application. |
| Tooling Considerations | Requires space and support for the generator at each gripping point. | Can reduce the weight or space required directly at the cup. |
How to Select an HGS Vacuum Generator
Choosing the correct HGS cartridge Venturi generator requires consideration of the application, rather than selecting on maximum vacuum level alone.
- Suction cup diameter and design: Determine the required holding force and cup displacement volume.
- Product surface: Smooth, non-porous surfaces generally require less continuous vacuum flow than porous or leaking surfaces.
- Vacuum flow capacity: Select a generator capable of evacuating the connected vacuum volume within the required machine cycle.
- Achievable vacuum level: Confirm the vacuum level required to develop adequate gripping force.
- Compressed air consumption: Compare generator performance against available compressed air supply and operating cost.
- Mounting configuration: Confirm generator dimensions, cup fitting compatibility and machine mounting requirements.
- Vacuum monitoring: Determine whether the application requires a vacuum pressure switch, sensor or gauge.
- Operating environment: Consider contamination, temperature, moisture and the materials being handled.
Application Tip: Direct mounting is especially beneficial when individual suction cups operate independently or require rapid vacuum response. Confirm that the suction cup fitting and generator port are mechanically compatible, and ensure that the generator and mounting arrangement can withstand the expected handling loads.
Decentralized Vacuum Generation for Automation
The HGS Series is well suited to decentralized vacuum systems, where each suction cup or group of cups has a dedicated vacuum generator located near the gripping point.
This architecture can simplify vacuum distribution across robotic tooling and allow vacuum zones to be controlled independently. It also reduces reliance on long vacuum hoses connected to a remotely mounted generator.
For multiple gripping points, system designers should evaluate overall compressed air consumption, available mounting space, maintenance access and control requirements before choosing between decentralized and centralized vacuum generation.
Vacuforce HGS Vacuum Generators and Suction Cups
Vacuforce HGS cartridge-style vacuum generators can be combined with compatible industrial suction cups to create compact vacuum handling assemblies.
The illustrated assembly uses a bellows-style suction cup mounted directly beneath the HGS generator. Bellows cups can be useful for handling applications where product height variation, limited compliance or surface geometry require additional flexibility.
Other suction cup profiles and materials may be selected according to the product surface, required holding force and operating conditions. Cup selection and mounting compatibility should always be confirmed before installation.
For detailed generator performance, compressed air consumption, dimensional information and available configurations, consult the Vacuforce HGS technical datasheet.
View HGS Specifications & DimensionsFrequently Asked Questions
Can a suction cup mount directly to an HGS vacuum generator?
Yes. The Vacuforce HGS cartridge-style Venturi generators are designed to accommodate direct suction cup mounting using compatible fittings. The suction cup attaches to the generator vacuum port, creating a compact vacuum gripping assembly without a separate vacuum hose between the cup and generator.
How does the HGS cartridge Venturi generator work?
Compressed air passes through an internal coaxial Venturi cartridge, creating a low-pressure region that draws air from the vacuum port. The resulting vacuum can be used to grip objects with a suction cup mounted directly to the generator or connected through a suitable vacuum fitting.
What are the advantages of direct suction cup mounting?
Direct mounting minimizes the external vacuum line volume, reduces the number of connecting components and can improve vacuum response. It also provides a compact arrangement that is particularly useful in robotic pick-and-place machinery and decentralized vacuum tooling.
What is a coaxial cartridge vacuum generator?
A coaxial cartridge vacuum generator uses a compact internal nozzle assembly to generate vacuum from compressed air. Cartridge technology allows the vacuum-generating element to be integrated into a small body, and selected cartridges can be replaced or serviced without replacing the complete generator assembly.
What is the difference between HGS-VK, HGS-VI and HGS-VT generators?
The HGS-VK is the smallest compact cartridge configuration. HGS-VI models offer additional two-stage and three-stage cartridge options, while HGS-VT models provide higher vacuum flow capacities. The correct generator depends on vacuum flow, vacuum level, air consumption, physical dimensions and application requirements.
Can I use a bellows suction cup with the HGS Venturi?
Yes, provided the suction cup and mounting fitting are compatible with the generator. Bellows suction cups can accommodate some product height variation and provide flexibility in automated handling. The illustrated HGS assembly shows a VFDB-style bellows suction cup attached directly beneath the generator.
Does mounting the cup directly to the Venturi improve cycle time?
Direct mounting can reduce evacuation time by eliminating unnecessary vacuum tubing volume between the generator and the suction cup. Actual cycle time also depends on generator flow, suction cup volume, product leakage, vacuum switching and the machine control sequence.
Can the HGS generator connect to a vacuum sensor?
Selected HGS generator configurations provide additional vacuum connections that can be used with a compatible vacuum sensor or gauge. These can help monitor vacuum levels and confirm successful gripping during automated machine operation.
Do HGS cartridge vacuum generators require maintenance?
HGS generators have no rotating pumping elements and generally require limited maintenance. Clean, filtered compressed air is important to prevent contamination of the internal cartridge and exhaust silencer. Periodic inspection of fittings, cartridges and pneumatic connections is recommended.
How do I choose the correct HGS Venturi generator?
Consider the suction cup diameter, required vacuum holding force, product porosity, leakage, evacuation time, compressed air pressure, available mounting space and vacuum monitoring requirements. The Vacuforce HGS datasheet provides model-specific performance and dimensional specifications to support selection.
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Stock: 10
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Stock: 6
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Stock: 9
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Stock: 4
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Please Call
Ships from Indianapolis, USA
Stock: 20
