The Squid has been developed to offer the vacuum user a universal end of arm vacuum tool. The Squid utilizes different end effectors such as vacuum cups, closed cell foam rubber, orifice fittings and self closing valves. The choice of Squid is dependent on the application and user preference. Please contact Vacuforce to discuss the application. Custom size and shape Squids are available to suit customer applications.

The Squid is a modular design allowing many variables in construction. This image shows the top plate including the vacuum connection ports, in this case three equally spaced along it's length. The top plate includes the mounting holes for connection to the end of arm tool which could be a robot arm or gantry robot.

Open Orifice Option

The illustration shown incorporates a Squid tool with 40mm diameter suction cups each connected to a cup fitting with a restricted orifice. Suction cups that are not sealed agaisnt the carton will have an air leak but because of the interanl orifice restriction a vacuum blower will be sized correctly to overcome this "leakage" and therefore safely lift the load.

Self Closing Valve Option

The illustration shown incorporates a Squid tool with 40mm diameter suction cups each connected to a Vacuforce self clising valve. If the cup is not sealed against the load being handled the inrush of air through the cup will CLOSE the valve and therefore isolate that cup from the common vacuum source.

The benefit of the self closing valve option is a higher vacuum level can be achived as there is zero leakage but also a smaller vacuum blower/generator/pump can be used.

VFSC3/8 Self Closing Valves

The Vacuforce self closing valve is adjustable and therefore can be used on products which are porous such as poor quality cardboard cartons. The valve rest position is under a spring force. Consequently high inertia or inverted positioning of the Squid will NOT inadvertently close the valve. The valve comes preset with 1mm ball movement which is ideal for the VFB40 single bellows cup. If larger cups are being used this distance can be INCREASED and if smaller cups are in use this distance can be DECREASED.

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