Glossary · Sensors and measurement
Vacuum sensor
Also known as: Vacuum switch, Vacuum gauge
German: Vakuumsensor
In automation, a vacuum sensor is a pressure sensor that measures or monitors negative pressure relative to atmosphere or absolute pressure below atmospheric pressure, for example in vacuum gripper systems or process vacuum.
- Sensors
In one sentence
A vacuum sensor measures or monitors pressure below atmospheric pressure, e.g. to confirm that a suction gripper holds a part.
Example
A vacuum sensor on a suction gripper confirms that the vacuum has built up before the robot lifts the sheet metal part.
How it applies
- Engineering: In handling, vacuum sensors monitor part pickup and detect leaks. The switching points and hysteresis must be set so that a part is only moved when it is held securely.
- Safety: Loss of vacuum can drop or eject parts. Whether vacuum monitoring is part of a protective measure depends on the risk assessment; the sensor alone does not prevent a falling part.
- Maintenance: Worn suction cups and leaks reduce vacuum. Trend monitoring of vacuum build-up time helps plan maintenance.
- Documentation: State switching points, the behavior on vacuum loss and the check procedures in the operating and maintenance manuals.
Relative vs. absolute vacuum measurement
Gripper systems usually measure negative pressure relative to atmosphere. Process and high vacuum systems measure absolute pressure. Values must always state which reference applies.