What glass suction cups can stick to other materials(2)

Suction cup lifts are not only suitable for glass, they are actually suitable for many other materials and can be used to lift a wide range of different materials and objects.

They are such a handy and practical tool that they are used not only by glaziers in the glass industry, but also by many other types of workers.

Every toolbox contains a number of vacuum lifting cups, whether small or large, and they are sure to come in handy in many ways.

Glass lifting cups are great for handling other large and awkward material panels such as kitchen worktops and large floor tiles - it is especially beneficial to use suction lifters for these as they can easily break under pressure and when mishandled.

The slightest bump during handling or installation can cause these items to break and special care must be taken when handling them, and it is the job of the suction lift to make handling materials and items easier and safer.

Suction cups can also lift large materials with smooth surfaces such as glass, hard plastics, acrylic, marble, stainless steel and other metals, as well as hold household items that may be heavy and difficult to carry, such as large mirrors, heavy furniture and large appliances such as fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers to name but a few.

Why do glass suction cups stick to other materials?

Glass suction cups can stick to surfaces of other materials because they work by sucking on smooth surfaces, squeezing air out and creating pressure and a safe suction and seal - so as long as the surface is smooth, it may be safe to use a glass suction cup to move it.

Smooth-surfaced materials and items allow no air to escape around the seal of each suction cup, which is essential for the safety of any lifting and manipulation - especially when manipulating large, heavy objects, which are always dangerous and can potentially cause injury if dropped or mishandled.

This is why any smooth material can be lifted with a glass suction cup, provided that the material or object has a non-porous, smooth surface, such as tiles, glass, metal etc.

Another way to ensure a safe bond is formed between the suction cup and the material is to make sure the surface is clean and free from dirt before attaching the suction cup, this also includes any oil or soap so if you clean the surface before lifting make sure you dry or allow the surface to air dry before attempting to lift.

Can suction cups stick to rough surfaces?

Although suction cups are designed to only work on smooth surfaces as this is the only way to achieve long lasting suction, this means that any textured or curved surfaces will not work, such as textured wood or car dashboards.

Rough textured surfaces are not suitable for suction cups and even if you manage to create a suction on a slightly uneven or textured surface, it is not clear how long it will last so you have to be very careful.

To solve this problem, certain glass lifts are now specifically designed to lift and tolerate uneven and rough surfaces, and they are specifically designed to mould over lumps and bumps in any surface - but it always depends on the model, so make sure you buy the right vacuum lifter for the job in hand.