In industrial applications, vacuum is not merely an abstract physical concept, but a fundamental prerequisite for the operation of modern production lines, food packaging and logistics centres. This invisible force, which imperceptibly ensures stability in gripping, moving and securing, is now a key factor in efficient and reliable operation across numerous industries.
At the vacuum technology division of Tech-Con Hungária, state-of-the-art industrial solutions are combined with complex engineering design. The division is headed by László Csenki, whose decades of wide-ranging experience guarantees a system-level approach.
“I started working here in 1998. Apart from finance, I’ve worked in almost every area of the company” – says László, who believes that this broad perspective is the basis for offering customers not just components, but real solutions.
László’s decades of experience are the guarantee of a system-level approach!
The Critical points in design
Vacuum technology may seem simple at first glance, but according to the expert, most errors stem from superficial design. Many people view it as an afterthought: the machine is already in place, all that’s needed is a vacuum component, and that’s it – yet for efficient operation, the system requires full integration.
László illustrates the problem with an apt analogy: “It’s like buying a pair of shoes: you wouldn’t buy patent leather shoes for playing tennis. Yet they’re both shoes.”
Just as we slip and slide on clay courts in indoor shoes with poor soles, a poorly sized vacuum system leads to instability or excessive energy consumption.
When sizing industrial vacuum systems, two fundamental characteristics must be balanced: the vacuum level, which ensures the holding force, and the volume flow (air delivery), which determines the rate at which the vacuum is established and compensates for leaks.
the expert explains
For flat, non-porous surfaces, a lower air flow rate may be sufficient, whilst for structured or porous materials – such as cardboard, wood or textiles – a significantly higher flow capacity is required due to leakage losses.
Energy efficiency and predictive maintenance are also key issues in vacuum technology. Modern, intelligent generators now operate with sensor feedback, enabling real-time monitoring of the condition of valves and generators; and, much like a car’s start-stop system, they only operate when necessary, achieving significant savings.
In this context, one of László’s favourite success stories is linked to a factory in Budapest, where the Tech-Con team carried out a comprehensive audit of the vacuum systems. The investigation revealed that the root of the problem lay in technological over-engineering and incorrect sizing: high-performance, electric motor-driven vacuum pumps were being used on the production lines for tasks that did not justify this at all.
“There are essentially two ways to generate a vacuum: using an electric motor-driven pump or a compressed air nozzle, i.e. a Venturi ejector. Both have their place, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.” – explains László.
Following Tech-Con’s recommendation, the partner ultimately completely phased out the electric system.
“The ejector solution was a far better choice for that application, and we were able to back this up with technical evidence. Our recommendation was accepted, and the system was replaced: the pumps were decommissioned, and they were very pleased afterwards that this was a much more low-maintenance solution.” – recalls the division leader, highlighting the customer’s satisfaction.
Another example clearly shows that Tech-Con’s experts do not merely offer equipment; they believe in the technology they represent and are prepared to stand up for their professional convictions. At a Swiss-owned cement board manufacturer, they encountered resistance from local managers for a long time, but László persistently argued in favour of modernisation, because his decades of experience told him that the vacuum technology system he proposed was the key to their problem.
“I had confidence in my expertise and in the vast array of specialised applications I’d seen over the years. I firmly accepted the challenge, and the end result turned out not just to be good, but far better than what the client had required” – László recalls with pride.
Based on the client’s feedback, compared to previous methods, the handling of large sheets has become faster and more precise, whilst the system’s durability has also improved significantly, minimising downtime.
The future
Labour shortages are no longer just a statistical figure: in the logistics sector, this shortage is already threatening the ‘operational threshold’. This is where vacuum technology becomes a genuine strategic advantage through ergonomic lifting, which fundamentally redefines the limits of heavy physical labour.
“A vacuum-powered lifter helps to the extent that you don’t actually have to lift anything. You might have to push the item sideways, but you don’t have to lift it – you just press a button” – says the division manager, highlighting how this strenuous process becomes effortless.
Where even human strength and ergonomic aids prove insufficient, robots come into play, with vacuum technology being one of the most popular gripping methods. In this context, vacuum technology is unbeatable: a simple and cost-effective solution which is also extremely gentle, leaving no marks even on sensitive components.
Why is it worth consulting an expert?
“We offer solutions. We don’t just sell products” – emphasises László. The company helps its customers avoid costly pitfalls through free consultancy, on-site surveys and close manufacturer support.
Whether it’s the closed-system transport of powdered materials or grippers for complex robotic cells, advice provided during the design phase ensures that the system’s parameters can be optimised right from the start.
Don’t let your vacuum system be the weak link in your production line! If you’re unsure about the design, or simply want to make your existing processes more efficient, ask the Tech-Con experts for their opinion – because, as László Csenki says: “Consultancy is free with us, but the wrong choice can cost you dearly.”
Proven references
For technical details; booking a linewalk or consulation, contact our vacuum technology team!
Related news
In manufacturing today, the stopped machinery is the most expensive item, not the robot. A collaborative robot is a tool where the question is no longer whether we need one; the question is where to put it and what not to use it for.
Tech-Con Romania expands the boundaries of automation after 30 years in business with an automation portfolio featuring mobile robots, autonomous pallet transport and mobile collaborative robotics solutions.
We are proud to bring you the next generation of physical AI and cobot technology. Universal Robots unveils Gen 7, a new platform for industrial automation and physical AI deployment.
30 years of experience. 30 years of partnerships. 30 years of innovation. Thank you for being part of the Tech-Con story!
We are the official distributor of AirTAC pneumatic components in Czech Republic.
Interested in more details?
Do you need support for choosing the right product or solution from our portfolio? Share your inquiry below and we will get back to you shortly.
