Piab FCX50 Fruit Handling Suction Cup Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The Piab FCX50 is a suction cup designed for fruit picking and handling. Flexible bellows let it grip off-axis and adapt to the item, and a multi-lip design seals tightly even when lowered toward fruit at an angle.
The food-grade silicone contains a small portion of metal powder for detectability, and complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EU 1935/2004 and EU 2023/2006. It needs only low vacuum, gripping firmly and gently to avoid damage.
Quick Verdict
A thoughtful fruit cup: multiple lips seal on rough skins, flexible bellows handle odd angles, and metal detectability adds food safety.
Piab FCX50 Fruit Handling Suction Cup at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Product type | Fruit handling suction cup |
Model | FCX50 |
Bellows | Flexible, off-axis gripping |
Lips | Multi-lip sealing |
Material | Food-grade silicone with metal powder for detection |
Vacuum | Low vacuum level |
Compliance | FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EU 1935/2004, EU 2023/2006 |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Fruit varies in size, shape and texture, and surfaces like citrus peel are porous. Multiple lips create several sealing rings, so if one leaks another still holds.
Flexible bellows allow the cup to tilt and align with the fruit when it approaches off-centre, which is common with vision-guided picking from bins.
Metal-detectable silicone means any fragment that breaks off can be found by standard metal detectors on the line.
Integration and Selection
Use low-vacuum, high-flow generators to handle porous skins. Combine with vision for picking from bulk.
Validate on the full size range, from narrow to wide parts of the fruit.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Fresh produce | Packing fruit into trays |
Food processing | Feeding fruit to processing |
Retail packing | Filling punnets and boxes |
Agriculture | Sorting and grading |
Functional Uses
Fruit picking
Off-axis gripping
Gentle low-vacuum handling
Metal-detectable food safety
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Multi-lip sealing
Off-axis capability
Metal detectable
Food regulatory compliance
Limitations
Fruit-specific
Silicone wear
Dimensions not listed on A3
Who Should Consider the Piab FCX50 Fruit Handling Suction Cup?
The FCX50 suits produce packers automating fruit handling.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. Piab prices FCX50 cups by configuration, options and quantity. Budget for the complete solution, including mounting, vacuum or air supply, valves, sensors and commissioning, rather than the component alone.
Further Reading
Piab FCX50 Fruit Handling Suction Cup FAQ
What is the FCX50 for?
Fruit picking and handling.
Can it grip at an angle?
Yes, flexible bellows allow off-axis gripping.
Is it detectable by metal detectors?
Yes, metal powder is mixed into the silicone.
Is it food compliant?
Yes, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, EU 1935/2004 and EU 2023/2006.
What vacuum level does it need?
Only low vacuum.
How much does it cost?
Request a quote from Piab.
