Vacuum Products
Automation Distribution is an authorized SMC Corporation of America distributor stocking over 8,600 SMC vacuum product SKUs — the complete SMC vacuum lineup from compact inline ejectors and suction cups for single-axis pick-and-place to fully integrated ZGS vacuum gripper systems for robotic palletizing with Universal Robots, Yaskawa MOTOMAN, FANUC CRX, and OMRON/Techman. We also carry Schmalz vacuum gripping and handling products for applications where Schmalz's ergonomic and large-format vacuum tooling is the engineering-correct choice. Call 1-888-600-3080 for application support across both lines.
Shop vacuum products by type
Vacuum generators — ZH, ZU, ZM, ZL series
SMC vacuum generators use the Venturi (ejector) principle to generate vacuum from a compressed air supply — no vacuum pump or motor required. Compressed air passes through a converging nozzle, creating a low-pressure zone that draws air through the vacuum port. SMC's ejector lineup covers the full range from the sub-compact ZU micro ejector (ø4mm body, M5 port) to the high-flow ZM multi-stage ejector for large suction cups and foam pads. Key selection parameters are nozzle diameter (determines maximum vacuum flow), vacuum level (maximum -kPa at stall), and supply pressure range.
Key series: ZH inline ejector (compact, body-ported, direct solenoid valve mount), ZU micro ejector (miniature, for small suction cup circuits), ZM multi-stage ejector (high flow, for large or multiple cup circuits), ZL large-bore ejector, ZK2 vacuum unit with integrated valve and pressure switch.
Suction cups — ZP, ZPT, ZPR series
SMC suction cups are the interface between the vacuum circuit and the workpiece. Cup geometry, material, and size are selected based on workpiece surface (flat, curved, porous, irregular), workpiece weight, number of cups in the circuit, and environmental conditions. SMC's catalog covers flat, bellows (multi-convolution), oval, and specialty profiles in nitrile (NBR), silicone, urethane, and fluororesin (FKM) compounds.
Key series: ZP flat cup (standard, for smooth flat surfaces), ZPT bellows cup (for curved or slightly irregular surfaces, provides compliance), ZPR flat cup with retainer (for heavy or high-speed applications requiring cup retention), ZP2 flat cup with NPT thread. Available in metric M thread and NPT inch mounting, ø6mm through ø200mm diameter.
Vacuum sensors — ZSE, ZSP, ISE series
SMC vacuum pressure switches and sensors detect whether adequate vacuum has been established at the workpiece before the machine cycle proceeds — preventing dropped parts, missed picks, and downstream damage. Available in analog output (for vacuum level monitoring and PLC integration), digital switch output (for simple vacuum confirmed/not confirmed logic), and combined analog + switch configurations. The ZSE series is the most commonly stocked SMC vacuum switch for standard pick-and-place applications.
Key series: ZSE10 compact digital vacuum switch (IO-Link compatible), ZSE30 vacuum switch with dual display, ZSP manifold-type vacuum switch for multi-circuit monitoring, ISE series for combined positive pressure and vacuum monitoring on the same unit.
Vacuum regulators — ZR series
Vacuum regulators control the vacuum level delivered to suction cups or vacuum circuits, allowing the vacuum pressure to be set below the maximum ejector output. This is critical for delicate, lightweight, porous, or deformable workpieces where maximum vacuum force would damage the part or where the cup would collapse onto the surface before achieving a proper seal. The ZR series provides precise vacuum level adjustment with gauge port for monitoring.
Vacuum saving valves — ZP2V, ZP3V series
Vacuum saving valves are installed in multi-cup circuits to isolate individual cups that are not in contact with a workpiece. When a cup is not seated, it creates an air leak that reduces vacuum throughout the entire circuit — potentially dropping the gripped part. The ZP2V and ZP3V automatic isolation valves close around unseated cups, maintaining circuit vacuum even when some cups are over holes, slots, or partial workpieces. Essential for gripping perforated sheet metal, irregular parts, and variable-size workpieces.
Vacuum filters — ZFB, ZF series
Vacuum filters protect ejectors and vacuum sensors from contamination drawn in through the suction cup when handling dusty, powder-coated, or particle-laden workpieces. The ZFB inline filter installs in the vacuum line between the cup and ejector; the ZF filter element is the replacement cartridge. Neglecting vacuum filtration is the most common cause of premature SMC ejector nozzle wear and ZSE sensor clogging. Replace filter elements at regular intervals based on workpiece contamination level.
Collaborative robot vacuum units — ZGS gripper systems
The SMC ZGS series is an integrated foam-pad vacuum gripper system designed for robotic palletizing and depalletizing with collaborative robots. Each ZGS unit integrates the foam gripping pad, ejector, solenoid valve, silencer, robot flange, and pressure switch into a single pre-assembled system that mounts directly to the robot tool flange — eliminating the need to design and build a custom end-of-arm tool from individual components.
ZGS systems are available in foam pad sizes from 200mm × 120mm to 400mm × 240mm, with foam thickness options of 20mm and 30mm for different carton height variations. Compatible robot flanges cover ISO 9283 standard patterns for Universal Robots UR3e/UR5e/UR10e/UR16e, Yaskawa MOTOMAN, FANUC CRX, and OMRON/Techman series. Ejector options cover standard and high-flow configurations. Integrated pressure switch provides vacuum confirmation signal directly to the robot controller.
ZGS systems are stocked from $2,755 to $7,365 depending on foam size, ejector configuration, and robot interface. Same-day shipping on in-warehouse units from Hatfield, PA.
High vacuum products — ZVP, ZV series
SMC high vacuum products operate at vacuum levels below –90 kPa (approaching absolute vacuum), beyond the range of standard Venturi ejectors. The ZVP series vacuum pump and ZV series components are used in semiconductor handling, thin film deposition, laboratory automation, and other applications requiring deep vacuum that standard pneumatic ejectors cannot achieve.
Air conveyors — ZH air conveyor series
SMC air conveyors use a Venturi-generated vacuum or positive air flow to transport lightweight parts, chips, granules, and powder through tubing without contact conveyors or mechanical transport. Used in chip removal from machining centers, pellet conveying, and small part transfer in assembly automation.
Other vacuum equipment
Additional SMC vacuum components including vacuum pads, pad adapters, cup mounting brackets, swivel fittings, buffer plates, and replacement parts for ZP series suction cups. Also includes specialty vacuum products for non-standard applications.
Schmalz vacuum products
Automation Distribution carries Schmalz vacuum gripping and handling products for applications where Schmalz's engineering is the right fit — particularly large-format foam gripper tooling, vacuum lifting devices, and ergonomic material handling systems for manual workstations. While our primary vacuum stocking depth is SMC, Schmalz complements the SMC lineup for applications outside the SMC product scope. Contact our team at 1-888-600-3080 to discuss Schmalz availability and lead times for your application.
How to select a vacuum system for pick-and-place
Step 1 — Suction cup: Select cup diameter and geometry based on workpiece surface area, surface texture, and whether the surface is flat or curved. A general rule for flat, non-porous surfaces: required cup area (mm²) = (workpiece weight in N × safety factor of 2) ÷ (vacuum level in bar). For porous surfaces, use bellows cups and increase safety factor to 4 or higher.
Step 2 — Vacuum generator: Match the ejector flow rate to the total cup volume and circuit volume. Larger cups or more cups in parallel require higher ejector flow. The ZH and ZM series are the most common choices for standard automation; ZK2 integrated units simplify panel design by combining the ejector, valve, and switch in one body.
Step 3 — Vacuum switch: Install a ZSE series vacuum switch to confirm adequate vacuum before releasing the workpiece transport signal to the PLC. Set the switch setpoint at approximately 80% of normal operating vacuum to provide a margin against marginal picks.
Step 4 — Vacuum saving valves: If any cups may be unseated (over holes, slots, or partial workpieces), install ZP2V or ZP3V saving valves on each cup branch to prevent circuit vacuum loss.
Step 5 — Vacuum filter: Install a ZFB inline filter in the vacuum line if the workpiece surface produces dust, powder, or particulate. Size the filter for the ejector port thread.