Where Do Suction Cups Work?

When a suction cup is sealed against a surface and air is squeezed out of the cup, a low pressure region is created inside the suction area. It's actually the atmospheric pressure OUTSIDE the cup, pressing down on the low pressure area INSIDE the cup, that creates the suction.

What do suction cups work on?

Suction cups adhere best to smooth, non-porous surfaces such as tile, glass, fiberglass or metal.

Where are suction cups used?

Vacuum cups, or suction cups, are often used as grippers in manual or automated handling applications. They can secure and help move a wide range of products—everything from bottles and bags to bricks and wooden boards, and sheet metal, pipes and glass windows.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.